The Cost of a Trip Between Cambridge, OH and Carolina Beach, NC Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip can be a daunting task, especially when you are trying to stay within a budget. One of the biggest expenses when it comes to driving is the cost of gas, and this can vary greatly depending on the route you take. In this article, we will explore the various routes between Cambridge, Ohio, and Carolina Beach, North Carolina, and how much you can expect to spend on gas with the current prices. We will also recommend the best route to take to save money and time.

Possible Routes

There are several possible routes between Cambridge, Ohio, and Carolina Beach, North Carolina. These include:

Route 1: The Fastest Route

The fastest route between Cambridge, Ohio, and Carolina Beach, North Carolina, is to take I-70 E and I-77 S to Charlotte, NC, then take US-74 E to Wilmington, NC, and finally take US-421 S to Carolina Beach. This route is approximately 720 miles long and takes around 11 hours and 30 minutes to complete without factoring in stops.

Route 2: The Shortest Route

The shortest route between Cambridge, Ohio, and Carolina Beach, North Carolina, is to take US-22 E and I-79 S to Morgantown, WV, then take I-68 E and I-70 E to Hancock, MD, and finally take I-81 S and I-77 S to Wytheville, VA. From there, you would take I-74 E and I-140 E to Carolina Beach. This route is approximately 620 miles long and takes around 10 hours and 45 minutes to complete without factoring in stops.

Route 3: Scenic Route

Another option is to take a scenic route through the Appalachian Mountains. This route takes US-22 E to Pittsburgh, PA, then take I-79 S to Charleston, WV, and finally take I-77 S to Charlotte, NC. From there, you would take US-74 E to Wilmington, NC, and finally take US-421 S to Carolina Beach. This route is approximately 800 miles long and takes around 13 hours and 30 minutes to complete without factoring in stops.

Cost of Gas

To calculate the cost of gas for these routes, we must consider the current fuel prices along the way. According to GasBuddy, the average price of regular gasoline in Ohio is $2.39 per gallon, while the average price in North Carolina is $2.51 per gallon. Using these prices, we can estimate the total cost of gas for each route based on the estimated fuel efficiency of a mid-sized sedan.

Route 1: The Fastest Route

The estimated cost of gas for Route 1 is approximately $130. This route is the longest one, and you will be traveling through more major cities, which translates to more traffic and stops. Therefore, you will spend more time on the road, which will result in a higher cost of gas. The distance of this route is approximately 720 miles, and you will need around 24 gallons of gas at a cost of $2.70 per gallon.

Route 2: The Shortest Route

The estimated cost of gas for Route 2 is approximately $110. This is the shortest route; however, it involves traveling through the Appalachian Mountains, which may result in a lower fuel efficiency. The distance of this route is approximately 620 miles, and you will need around 20 gallons of gas at a cost of $2.75 per gallon.

Route 3: Scenic Route

The estimated cost of gas for Route 3 is approximately $150. This is the longest route that goes through the mountains, making it the most scenic. As with Route 1, the distance and travel time of this route result in a higher cost of gas. The distance of this route is approximately 800 miles, and you will need around 30 gallons of gas at a cost of $2.50 per gallon.

Recommendation

Based on the estimated cost of gas and distance, the shortest route, Route 2, is the best option for those on a budget. The cost of gas for this route is approximately $110, which is $20 cheaper than Route 1 and $40 cheaper than Route 3. Additionally, this route takes around an hour less than Route 1, which means you will spend less time on the road and save on gas and wear and tear on your car.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Cambridge, Ohio, and Carolina Beach, North Carolina, depends on the route you take and the current fuel prices. The shortest route, Route 2, is the best option for those on a budget, as it is the cheapest and takes less time than the other routes. The estimated cost of gas for this route is approximately $110. Plan ahead and budget properly to save money and make the most of your road trip experience.