The Cost of a Trip Between Brookhaven, GA and San Diego, CA

If you're looking to take a road trip from Brookhaven, Georgia to San Diego, California, one of your main considerations will likely be the cost of gasoline. The price of gas fluctuates frequently and can significantly impact the overall cost of your trip. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, the cost, and distance of each one, and ultimately recommend the best route for a cost-effective and enjoyable trip.

Route Options

Route 1: Southern Route

Starting from Brookhaven, Georgia, the first potential route you may consider is the southern route. This route will take you through states such as Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas before ultimately arriving in San Diego, California. The distance for this route is approximately 2,000 miles, with a total travel time of around 30 hours.

Route 2: Northern Route

If you prefer a more scenic route, you may consider taking the northern route. This route takes you through states such as Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri, before heading towards Colorado and then Southern California, ultimately reaching San Diego. The distance for this route is approximately 2,500 miles, with a total travel time of around 40 hours.

Route 3: Central Route

The final potential route is the central route which takes you through states such as Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona before ultimately arriving in San Diego, California. The distance for this route is approximately 1,900 miles, with a total travel time of around 28 hours.

Gas Prices

As we mentioned earlier, the cost of gasoline is a significant consideration when planning a road trip. According to GasBuddy, the average price of regular gasoline in the Brookhaven area is $2.22 per gallon as of October 2021. In San Diego, the average price of regular gasoline is $4.52 per gallon as of October 2021. It's essential to keep in mind that gas prices can vary widely depending on the location and season.

Cost Analysis for Each Route

Route 1: Southern Route

If we take into account the gas prices as of October 2021, the average cost per gallon of gasoline for the southern route is around $2.68 per gallon. If we assume an average fuel efficiency of around 25 miles per gallon, the total cost for the trip will be around $214 for gas alone. Additionally, you may need to factor in potential costs for tolls, food, and lodging. If we assume an average hotel cost of around $100 per night and a total journey time of 30 hours, you may need to budget around $200 for your stay.

Overall, the total travel cost for the Southern Route would be approximately $414.

Route 2: Northern Route

Taking into account the gas prices as of October 2021, the average cost per gallon of gasoline for the northern route is around $2.96 per gallon. If we assume an average fuel efficiency of around 25 miles per gallon, the total cost for the trip will be around $355 for gas alone. Additionally, you may need to factor in potential costs for tolls, food, and lodging. If we assume an average hotel cost of around $100 per night and a total journey time of 40 hours, you may need to budget around $400 for your stay.

Overall, the total travel cost for the Northern Route would be approximately $755.

Route 3: Central Route

Taking into account the gas prices as of October 2021, the average cost per gallon of gasoline for the central route is around $2.79 per gallon. If we assume an average fuel efficiency of around 25 miles per gallon, the total cost for the trip will be around $258 for gas alone. Additionally, you may need to factor in potential costs for tolls, food, and lodging. If we assume an average hotel cost of around $100 per night and a total journey time of 28 hours, you may need to budget around $200 for your stay.

Overall, the total travel cost for the Central Route would be approximately $458.

Best Route Recommendation

Taking into account the gas prices, the total mileage, and potential costs of food, lodgings, and tolls, the most cost-effective route would be the central route with a total cost of approximately $458. Additionally, this route has a relatively short travel time of 28 hours, making it a suitable option for those who want to reach San Diego quickly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking a trip from Brookhaven, GA to San Diego, CA, can be a fun and exciting adventure. However, it's essential to consider the cost of the trip and plan accordingly. The central route would be the most cost-effective option, costing approximately $458 in total travel expenses. However, it's essential to keep in mind potential costs for food, lodging, and tolls that may factor into your overall trip cost. Finally, regardless of which route you choose, it's vital to explore and enjoy the journey along the way.