<p>My d. is flying from Seattle to BWI in early September for $99. My wife and I are each flying roundtrip for $210. In 1970, I took my first trip across the country for $199.</p>
<p>Even if the cost of flying had just kept up with inflation (forget fuel prices), the average coast-to-coast flight should be around $800+. Flying at today's prices is a tremendous bargain.</p>
<p>As for the comparison, my d's education each year on the other coast, including travel, came out less than the cost of her attending the local community college and living at home - without a car.</p>
<p>LongPrime your S might check around for insurance (I assume you only have liability on a 10 year old car; if not this won't apply). In order to apply for state residency S had to register car under his own name and get own insurance policy. This was when he was 18. He's with Geico and pays a little over $500 for 6 months. Of course part of this may be where he lives - not a high premium area.</p>
<p>Applying for state residency; That is the question.</p>
<p>If he finds a job in the Great State of Washington, he gains a personal vehicle tax and a sales tax. If he maintains residency in the lessor state of Oregon, he gets a 9% income tax from income generated in WA, but no personal or sales tax.</p>