The Cost of a Trip between Cambridge, Massachusetts and State College, Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide

The cost of a trip between Cambridge, Massachusetts, and State College, Pennsylvania, can vary depending on a number of factors. Gas prices, vehicle choice, and route choices can all impact the final cost. In this article, we will explore the different routes available for this trip, estimate the cost based on current gas prices, and recommend the most cost-effective route.

The Different Routes

There are two main routes for this trip: the northern route and the southern route. The northern route is approximately 545 miles and takes you through Vermont and New York, while the southern route is approximately 455 miles and takes you through Pennsylvania. Both routes have their advantages and disadvantages.

The Northern Route

The northern route is longer than the southern route, but it offers some beautiful scenery along the way. The route takes you through Vermont, which is known for its stunning fall foliage. You'll also pass through the Adirondack Park, which is home to more than 6 million acres of protected wilderness.

The northern route is also less congested than the southern route, so you may encounter less traffic. However, it does take longer to reach your destination.

The Southern Route

The southern route is shorter and therefore takes less time to reach your destination. This route takes you through Pennsylvania, which offers some beautiful mountain scenery. You'll also pass through Hershey, Pennsylvania, which is known for its chocolate factories and amusement park.

The southern route is also generally more congested than the northern route, so you may encounter more traffic. However, it is the faster of the two routes and can be a good choice if you're on a tight schedule.

Cost Estimates

To estimate the cost of the trip, we will assume that you are driving a car that gets an average of 30 miles per gallon. Gas prices will also be based on the national average for regular unleaded gasoline, which is currently around $2.20 per gallon.

Northern Route

Using Google Maps, the estimated distance of the northern route is approximately 545 miles. At an average of 30 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 18 gallons of gas to complete the trip. At a price of $2.20 per gallon, the total cost of gas for the trip will be around $40.

Southern Route

Using Google Maps, the estimated distance of the southern route is approximately 455 miles. At an average of 30 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 15 gallons of gas to complete the trip. At a price of $2.20 per gallon, the total cost of gas for the trip will be around $33.

Recommendation

Based on the estimated distance and cost, the southern route is the most cost-effective option. While the northern route may offer some beautiful scenery, the extra time and cost don't make it the best choice. The southern route is also faster, which can be a bonus if you're on a tight schedule.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the trip between Cambridge, Massachusetts, and State College, Pennsylvania, can be made for a relatively low cost. The southern route is the most cost-effective option, with an estimated cost of around $33 for gas. The trip should take approximately 7 hours and offer some beautiful scenery along the way. Whether you choose the northern or southern route, you're sure to enjoy the journey. Safe travels!