This study estimates the automated detection costs for rural road pavement conditions in 32 provinces across China using conventional and lightweight equipment, respectively. Assuming full automated detection coverage, the detection costs for rural roads in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and its subordinate counties are calculated to analyze the development path of automated rural road condition detection. The results show that the average detection cost using lightweight equipment is generally lower than that using conventional equipment. Based on national average detection costs, employing lightweight equipment for automated rural road detection in Changji Prefecture could reduce fiscal expenditure by approximately CNY 770,000. It is recommended that Changji Prefecture, in promoting rural road informatization, enhance the application of lightweight automated road condition detection equipment, expand the sharing and utilization of automated detection data, and strengthen the use of such data to support the establishment of a scientific decision-making mechanism for road maintenance. Excluding Tianjin and Tibet, the average detection cost in most provinces is generally below CNY 600 per kilometer, with higher average detection costs in western regions compared to eastern and central regions. Except for Guangdong, Sichuan, and Xinjiang, the full inspection costs for rural roads in other provinces are generally below CNY 80 million, with eastern regions showing lower full inspection costs than central and western regions. It is proposed to strengthen research and oversight of financial investment in rural road automated detection for provinces with higher average detection and full inspection costs and to adjust policy support accordingly.