Food $5-$100 a day, I usually average $15. Camping from $0-$45 a night, hotels $Free-$125 a night. Being out on the road enjoying myself? $Priceless.
Small towns and asking where is a good place to camp works quite well. I have camped behind VFD's, police departments, churches, cemeteries, even in the mayor's side yard in one small town.
Aaron