Driving Cost from Carter Lake, Iowa to Vero Beach, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Carter Lake, Iowa and Vero Beach, Florida

With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's difficult to determine the cost of a road trip between Carter Lake, Iowa and Vero Beach, Florida. However, by comparing different routes and taking into account the distance and various travel expenses, we can get a better idea of the cost of a trip.

Possible Routes

There are several routes to choose from when traveling from Carter Lake to Vero Beach. Each route has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of distance and cost.

Route 1: The Fastest Route

The quickest route to Vero Beach from Carter Lake is via I-80 E and I-95 S. The total distance of this route is approximately 1,482 miles, and the estimated travel time is 23 hours.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you prefer a more scenic route, you can opt for traveling via Mississippi River Scenic Drive. This route will take you through some breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. However, this route is longer, coming in at approximately 1,719 miles, and will take approximately 27 hours to travel.

Route 3: The Middle Ground

Another option you can consider is taking a middle ground approach. This route will take you through cities like Kansas City, Memphis, and Atlanta. While not the most scenic route, it can be a more pleasant drive since it won't be as monotonous as the interstate. The distance for this route is approximately 1,615 miles, and the expected travel time is 25 hours.

The Cost of the Trip

When taking a road trip, there are a lot of different expenses to consider. The price of gas, food and drinks, lodging, and even tolls all factor into the overall cost of your trip.

The Cost of Gas

The majority of your expenses will come from the cost of gas. To determine how much it would cost, we'll take the following into account:

  • The average gas price in Carter Lake, Iowa is $2.52 (as of August 2021)
  • The average gas price in Vero Beach, Florida is $2.60 (as of August 2021)
  • The average miles per gallon (MPG) for a car is 25.5

Using these averages, we can determine how much a trip will cost based on the route you choose.

  • Route 1: The Fastest Route

With the distance being approximately 1,482 miles, you'll need about 58.11 gallons of gas. This will cost approximately $146.52 in gas for a one-way trip, or $293.04 for a round-trip.

  • Route 2: The Scenic Route

With the distance being approximately 1,719 miles, you'll need about 67.41 gallons of gas. This will cost approximately $170.12 in gas for a one-way trip, or $340.24 for a round-trip.

  • Route 3: The Middle Ground

With the distance being approximately 1,615 miles, you'll need about 63.33 gallons of gas. This will cost approximately $159.51 in gas for a one-way trip, or $319.02 for a round-trip.

Lodging Expenses

When you're on a road trip, you'll need to consider lodging expenses as well. The cost of hotel rooms and Airbnb rentals can vary depending on where you stay. However, you can use the following averages to estimate lodgings expenses based on where you're driving.

  • Route 1: The Fastest Route

If you're looking for a place to stay along Route 1, there are plenty of hotels and motels to choose from. The average cost of a hotel room is around $100 per night, although this can vary based on where you are staying and the time of year. You'll need to account for at least 2 nights for the one-way trip, so around $200 for lodging.

  • Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you want to take the scenic route, you'll have options for lodging throughout your journey. Plan on spending three nights on the road, so it will come out to approximately $300 for lodging.

  • Route 3: The Middle Ground

Like Route 1, there are plenty of hotel options along this route. Plan on spending two nights on the road, so it will come out to approximately $200 for lodging.

Miscellaneous Expenses

There are other costs that you'll incur during your trip, such as tolls and snacks. Although tolls are less than what they used to be, there are still some tolls between Iowa and Florida. Snacks can add up too depending on what you like to snack on. Plan on these miscellaneous expenses being around $50.

Based on the cost and distance analysis, the most recommended route is Route 3 - The Middle Ground. This route is the most balanced in terms of cost and distance. Plus, there are plenty of cities and destinations to check out along the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip can differ depending on the route you take to get from Carter Lake, Iowa to Vero Beach, Florida. While there's no one answer to how much a trip will cost, this article gives you an idea of the expenses to expect on each route. By taking into account the cost of gas, lodging, and miscellaneous expenses, you can plan your road trip accordingly and with comfort. With Route 3 being the most balanced in terms of cost, distance, and overall enjoyment, it's the best choice among the others. Happy road-trip!