The Cost of a Trip between Cambridge, MA and Anaheim, CA based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a road trip from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Anaheim, California? The thought of driving across the country can be exciting, but it also requires careful planning and budgeting. In this article, we will break down the cost of a trip between these two cities based on current gas prices and highlight the different possible routes that you can take to get there.
Route 1: I-90 W and I-80 W
The first and perhaps the most popular route to travel from Cambridge to Anaheim is via I-90 W and I-80 W. This route passes through 11 states and covers a whopping 3,073 miles.
Estimated Distance and Time
The distance from Cambridge to Anaheim via this route is approximately 3,073 miles, and the estimated driving time is 43 hours without factoring in stops, traffic, and other unforeseen events.
Gasoline Cost
According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price for regular unleaded gasoline in Massachusetts is $2.48 per gallon. Assuming an average fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon, it would cost around $337 to fill up the gas tank in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
As you drive further west, gas prices may vary from state to state. According to GasBuddy, the current average prices of regular unleaded gasoline in some of the cities located along the route are as follows:
- Buffalo, NY: $2.66 per gallon
- Cleveland, OH: $2.54 per gallon
- Chicago, IL: $2.67 per gallon
- Omaha, NE: $2.61 per gallon
- Cheyenne, WY: $2.82 per gallon
- Salt Lake City, UT: $2.94 per gallon
- Reno, NV: $3.47 per gallon
- Sacramento, CA: $3.94 per gallon
Assuming an average fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon and a total distance of 3,073 miles, you would need around 140 gallons of gasoline for the whole trip. The total cost of gas based on the current average gas prices would be around $497.
Other Costs
Aside from gasoline, you should also consider other costs that you might incur during the trip. This includes lodging, food, toll fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. Based on a rough estimate, you might need to spend around $1,000 to $1,500 for these expenses, depending on your travel style and preferences.
Route 2: I-90 W and I-94 W
Another possible route to travel from Cambridge to Anaheim is via I-90 W and I-94 W. This route passes through 10 states and covers a total distance of 2,794 miles.
Estimated Distance and Time
The distance from Cambridge to Anaheim via this route is approximately 2,794 miles, and the estimated driving time is 38 hours without accounting for stops, traffic, and other unforeseen events.
Gasoline Cost
Assuming the same fuel economy and gas prices as in Route 1, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $427.
Other Costs
The other expenses you could incur are the same as in Route 1, at around $1,000 to $1,500.
Route 3: I-80 W
A third and shorter option is traveling via I-80 W, which passes through eight states and covers a total distance of 2,684 miles.
Estimated Distance and Time
The distance from Cambridge to Anaheim via this route is approximately 2,684 miles, and the estimated driving time is 37 hours without taking into account stops, traffic, and other unforeseen events.
Gasoline Cost
Based on the same fuel economy and gas prices as in the previous routes, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $405.
Other Costs
The other expenses in this route would also be similar to those in the other routes, at around $1,000 to $1,500.
Recommendation
Based on our analysis of the different routes, we recommend that you take Route 3 via I-80 W. It is shorter and more direct, and will save you around $92 compared to Route 1, and around $22 compared to Route 2. Additionally, you will pass through beautiful states like Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah, where you can explore national parks and scenic routes.
Conclusion
Traveling from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Anaheim, California via I-80 W is approximately 2,684 miles, and it would take around 37 hours to complete. While the total cost of gas is around $405, the other expenses such as lodging, food, and toll fees could bump up the total cost of the trip to around $1,000 to $1,500. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can have a memorable and enjoyable cross-country journey while remaining within your means.