The Cost of a Trip Between Brockton, Massachusetts and West Palm Beach, Florida
If you're planning a road trip from Brockton, Massachusetts to West Palm Beach, Florida, one of the biggest factors to consider is the cost of travel. Gas prices can vary significantly depending on where you are traveling and when you are traveling. In this article, we will take a closer look at the cost of a trip between these two locations based on current gas prices.
Route Options
First, let's discuss the various routes you could take to get from Brockton, Massachusetts to West Palm Beach, Florida. There are a few possible options, each with its own distance and cost.
Route 1: I-95 South
The most direct route is to take I-95 South all the way from Brockton, Massachusetts to West Palm Beach, Florida. This route is approximately 1,400 miles in length and takes about 21-22 hours of driving time, depending on traffic.
Route 2: I-81 South
Another option is to take I-81 South from Brockton to Knoxville, TN, and then switch to I-40 East to I-75 South and I-95 South to West Palm Beach, Florida. This route is approximately 1,750 miles in length and takes about 26-27 hours of driving time, depending on traffic.
Route 3: I-84 West
Taking I-84 West from Brockton to Scranton, PA, and then switching to I-81 South to Knoxville, TN, and then switching again to I-40 East to I-75 South and I-95 South to West Palm Beach, Florida is another option. This route is the longest at approximately 1,900 miles and takes about 29-30 hours of driving time depending on traffic.
Gas Prices and Costs
The cost of gas will be one of your largest expenses on a road trip between Brockton, Massachusetts and West Palm Beach, Florida. As of October 2021, the average gas price in Massachusetts is $3.15 per gallon. In Florida, the average gas price is $3.07 per gallon. Using these prices as a baseline, let's calculate the cost of a trip on each of the three routes discussed above.
Route 1: I-95 South
Assuming a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and a total distance of 1,400 miles, you would need 56 gallons of gas. At an average gas price of $3.15 per gallon in Massachusetts, that comes out to $176.40 for the entire trip. Using the average gas price of $3.07 per gallon in Florida would lower the cost to $172.52.
Route 2: I-81 South
This route is longer, at approximately 1,750 miles. Assuming a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you would need 70 gallons of gas. At an average gas price of $3.15 per gallon in Massachusetts, that comes out to $220.50 for the entire trip. Using the average gas price of $3.07 per gallon in Florida would lower the cost to $214.90.
Route 3: I-84 West
This route is the longest, at approximately 1,900 miles. Assuming a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you would need 76 gallons of gas. At an average gas price of $3.15 per gallon in Massachusetts, that comes out to $239.40 for the entire trip. Using the average gas price of $3.07 per gallon in Florida would lower the cost to $233.32.
Conclusion
While Route 1 is the most direct and cheapest option, it may not be the most convenient route for all travelers, especially if you are looking for scenic views along the way. However, taking either Route 2 or Route 3 will increase your total travel time and cost. Ultimately, the best route will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances. Regardless of which route you choose, it's important to factor in the cost of gas when planning your trip budget.