The Cost of Driving from Brownsville, TX to Santa Monica, CA

Are you planning a road trip from Brownsville, Texas to Santa Monica, California? If so, you're in for a long drive, but it'll be worth it once you get to the beautiful west coast. However, before you hit the road, it's important to know how much the trip will cost. Here's a breakdown of the cost of driving from Brownsville to Santa Monica based on the current gas prices.

Route 1: I-10 W and I-405 N

The first and most straightforward route is to take the I-10 W and I-405 N. This route is approximately 1,587 miles long and should take about 24 hours to drive straight through. In terms of gas prices, the average cost per gallon in Texas is $2.54, and in California, it's $4.07. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and an estimated cost of $0.20 per mile for maintenance and repairs, the total cost of gas for this route is about $243.

There are also a few toll roads along the way, notably in Houston, Texas, and near Los Angeles, California. The total cost of tolls is roughly $29. Therefore, the total estimated cost for this route is $272.

Route 2: US-281 N and AZ-287 W

Another scenic route to consider is taking US-281 N and AZ-287 W. Although slightly longer at 1,822 miles, this route will take you through some beautiful landscapes, such as Big Bend National Park and Sedona, Arizona. However, keep in mind that this route takes a bit longer to drive, about 28 hours straight through.

Using the same estimates for fuel and maintenance costs, the total cost of gas for this route is roughly $306. Additionally, there are slightly fewer tolls on this route, adding up to about $11. In total, the estimated cost for this route is $317.

Route 3: I-10 W and CA-58 W

Lastly, you could take the I-10 W and CA-58 W, which is the most direct route to Santa Monica, but it's also the longest, at approximately 2,070 miles. This route should take about 30 hours to drive straight through, though heavy traffic in Los Angeles could add some extra time.

Using the same estimates as before, the total cost of gas for this route is roughly $394. There are also more tolls on this route than the other two, totaling about $72. Therefore, the total estimated cost for this route is $466.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Brownsville, Texas to Santa Monica, California depends on which route you take. The direct route is the most expensive but also the shortest in terms of miles traveled. However, taking scenic routes may be worth the extra mileage. Keep in mind that these estimates do not include additional expenses such as hotels, food, and attractions, but they should help you plan your budget accordingly. Happy travels!