How did the Transcontinental Railroad change life for people in the United States?

There was better transportation; the railroad helped businesses; there was growth in the economy, population and travel; raw materials and manufacturer goods were shipped to their respective locations quicker and easier and sale of land to the settlers thereby encouraging some people to move to the west.

Explanation:

The Transcontinental Railroad was built by Union Pacific and Central Pacific. The construction of the railroad impacted on travel as people got to their destinations quicker at lower cost. Before the railroad, people who wanted to travel from California to New York, usually use about 6 months and spend $1000 but after the completion of the railroad, it took only $150 and a week for the journey.

Furthermore, the easier transportation system helped businesses as there was expansion of market coupled with cheaper distribution, and increased exchange of ideas.

Lastly, sale of land to the settlers also led to the encouragement of some people to move to the west.