Oklahoma is one of the most affordable states on Route 66 — possibly the most affordable for the amount of attractions per mile. Gas is cheap, food is hearty and reasonably priced, and lodging outside of Tulsa and OKC is a bargain. Here's your complete budget breakdown for 432 miles of the Mother Road.
1Budget Traveler — $55–80/day
Camp at Oklahoma state parks ($12–22/night) — Lake Texoma, Roman Nose, and Foss are all near the route. Eat at legendary diners: Sid's Diner onion burgers in El Reno ($6–8), Rock Cafe in Stroud ($8–12), and Clanton's Cafe in Vinita ($7–11). Gas averages $2.80–3.30/gallon — among the cheapest on Route 66. Free attractions are everywhere: Blue Whale of Catoosa, Arcadia Round Barn (donation), POPS (free to browse), and dozens of murals and roadside giants.
2Mid-Range — $120–170/day
Stay at motels and mid-range hotels ($55–90/night) in Tulsa, OKC, and Clinton. Budget $35–50/day for meals — Cattlemen's Steakhouse in OKC ($20–35), McNellie's in Tulsa ($12–18), and small-town cafes along the way. Paid attractions like the Oklahoma City National Memorial ($15), National Route 66 Museum in Elk City ($7), and Philbrook Museum in Tulsa ($12) are all reasonably priced.
3Comfortable — $200–280/day
Stay at downtown Tulsa boutique hotels ($130–180/night) and OKC Bricktown hotels ($120–160/night). Fine dining at Juniper in Tulsa ($50–70/person) and Mahogany Prime Steakhouse in OKC ($60–80/person). Guided tours, museum memberships, and souvenir shopping round out this comfortable budget.
4Money-Saving Tips
Oklahoma gas prices are consistently $0.20–0.40/gallon cheaper than Texas or Kansas. Many of the best Route 66 stops are completely free — the Blue Whale, POPS exterior, round barns, murals, and ghost towns. Onion burgers at Sid's ($6) are the best-value meal in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton ($7) and National Cowboy Museum ($16.50) are both excellent value for hours of entertainment.
lightbulbPro Tips
Fill up in Oklahoma before crossing into Texas — gas jumps $0.30–0.50/gallon at the state line.
Sid's Diner in El Reno serves the best $6 meal on all of Route 66 — the onion burger is legendary.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa, POPS, and Arcadia Round Barn are all free (donations appreciated).
Oklahoma state park campgrounds ($12–22/night) are cleaner and better-maintained than most private RV parks.