The Cost of a Cross-Country Trip: Comparing Routes between Capitola, California and New York, New York

As summer approaches, many Americans are considering road trips as a way to get out of town and explore the country, but the cost and logistics involved in planning a cross-country trip can be daunting. In this article, we’ll examine the various routes between Capitola, California and New York, New York, compare their costs and distances, and recommend the best option for drivers.

Route 1: I-80

The first route we’ll examine is the most direct and commonly used one: taking Interstate 80 from Capitola to New York. This route covers a distance of approximately 2,925 miles and takes roughly 44 hours of driving time.

To calculate the cost of this trip, we’ll assume that we’re driving a car that gets 25 miles per gallon and that gas prices are the national average as of July 2021, which is $3.135 per gallon. With these numbers, the total cost of gas for this trip would be $354.43.

Route 2: I-70 and I-76

For those who want to avoid the more congested areas of the country, an alternative option is to take I-70 and I-76 instead of I-80. This route is longer, at approximately 3,108 miles, but takes roughly the same amount of driving time.

Using the same assumptions as before, gas for this trip would come to a total of $373.49. It’s worth noting that there may be slight variations in gas prices depending on which states you’re traveling through, but this should give a rough estimate.

Route 3: Southern Route via I-10 and I-20

If you’re looking to take a more scenic route and potentially avoid some of the congestion of the Midwest and Northeast, you might consider taking the southern route via I-10 and I-20. This route is longer still, at approximately 3,352 miles, but could be a more enjoyable and relaxing drive for those who want to take their time and see the sights.

One drawback to this route is that gas prices could be higher in states like California and Texas. Assuming gas prices are the same as before, the total cost of gas for this trip would come to $417.41.

Route 4: Coastal Route via I-90

For those who want to take a scenic route with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, the coastal route via I-90 could be a great option. This route covers a distance of approximately 3,301 miles and takes approximately 50 hours of driving time.

As this route takes you through more expensive states like California, Oregon, and Washington, the total cost of gas would come to $447.26, making it the most expensive option on our list.

Route Recommendation

After considering the various routes available, we recommend taking Route 1, via I-80. This route is the most direct, taking you through major cities like Salt Lake City, Omaha, and Cleveland, and should be the most efficient in terms of time and cost.

Of course, the route you choose will depend on your personal preferences, travel style, and where you want to stop along the way. We encourage you to do your own research and plan accordingly for your own trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking a road trip from Capitola, California to New York, New York is certainly doable, but it will require careful planning and consideration of different factors. By calculating the cost of gas for each route and weighing the pros and cons, you can choose the best route for you and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Safe travels!