cost in dollars?

[mlkelley]

Greetings,

I understand that this might be a difficult question to answer, but I was wondering what thoughts are regarding the cost of a PCT thru-hike vs. an AT thru-hike. I have crunched my own AT numbers, and feel that I could comfortably thru on a 3k budget. This number is on the low end of the recent estimates that I have seen, but I'm not a drinker and am not looking to spend time in trail towns. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[George]

Hello MLKelly,
Should imagine it's a bit difficult to put a fixed figure on it, but I don't think you'd spend more on a PCT hike per day than on an AT one. Possibly it'd average out at even less than the AT as I think there'd maybe be the added temptation of the proximity of more towns at stages of the AT.
I'd estimate that PCT thru hikes typically take about 5 months, so on your 3K that'd be about 20 a day which I guess is do-able as in theory all that is definitely needed is your daily food expense - the transport is free! There are other possible factors though like maybe unexpected gear replacement, the odd night in paid accomodation, an uncontrolled eating frenzy when you happen upon the chance of a decent meal, and of course the money you aren't earning while you're walking!
Hopefully you'll hear from someone who kept a strict record of their costs. I know my money was spent mainly on food supply and stove fuel and not much else.