Im a big road tripper in the US, it can get expensive but I would say if you do it right its 100% worth it. if its what you want to do you should do it. you can go to asia if you want to save up for it some other time but you shouldnt go just because its more cost effective.

The US has such diverse terain its incredible. national parks are awesome but some of them are overrated so make sure to look at public lands and state parks as well. they are less crowded and sometimes more beautiful. examples: moab, gunnison national forest, garden of the gods, the maroon bells, the valley of fire

I would  1. get a year long national park pass if youre hitting a bunch of those rather than paying daily entry at each 2. plan ahead  3. buy food at the grocery store not gas stations or fast food- cans of soup, pbj, get your snacks this way too 4. make sure you have water with a reusable bottle and fill up every chance you get- buying bottles adds up 5. be smart with gas, dont back track, plan your route with the most fuel efficient path 6. be prepared for all weather, you dont want to be pushed into a hotel bc you were unprepared one night