Driving Cost from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Fort Myers, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Chapel Hill, NC to Fort Myers, FL

When planning a road trip, one of the biggest factors to consider is the cost. Gas prices vary from state to state and can greatly impact the total cost of a trip. In this article, we will break down the cost of a road trip from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Fort Myers, Florida based on current gas prices. We will also explore the different possible routes and recommend the best one based on cost and distance.

Route Options

There are two main routes to consider when driving from Chapel Hill, NC to Fort Myers, FL:

Route 1: I-95 South and I-75 South

This route takes you down the east coast of Florida and is the most direct route.

Distance: 915 miles

Estimated Driving Time: 15 hours and 22 minutes

Route 2: I-85 South, I-20 West, and I-75 South

This route takes you through Atlanta, GA and then down through the middle of Florida.

Distance: 1,028 miles

Estimated Driving Time: 16 hours and 54 minutes

Gas Prices

Gas prices vary from state to state and can greatly impact the cost of a road trip. According to GasBuddy, as of September 2021, the average gas price in North Carolina is $2.92 per gallon, while in Florida it is slightly cheaper at $2.84 per gallon.

Cost Breakdown

To calculate the cost of the trip, we will use the following assumptions:

  • Car’s gas mileage: 25 miles per gallon
  • Gas price: $2.92 per gallon in North Carolina and $2.84 per gallon in Florida

Based on these assumptions, here is the estimated cost breakdown for each route:

Route 1: I-95 South and I-75 South

  • Gas needed for the trip: 36.6 gallons
  • Cost of gas in North Carolina: $106.87
  • Cost of gas in Florida: $103.82
  • Total cost of gas for the trip: $210.69

Route 2: I-85 South, I-20 West, and I-75 South

  • Gas needed for the trip: 41.12 gallons
  • Cost of gas in North Carolina: $120.26
  • Cost of gas in Florida: $116.65
  • Total cost of gas for the trip: $236.91

As we can see, Route 1 is the cheaper option when it comes to gas cost.

Other Considerations

Aside from gas cost, there are other expenses to keep in mind when planning a road trip. These expenses may include tolls, food, lodging, and attractions along the way.

Tolls

If you take Route 1, you will need to pay tolls on the Florida Turnpike, which costs around $20. However, Route 2 may have more tolls due to going through Atlanta.

Food

It’s important to budget for food on your road trip. Depending on your preferences, you may want to stop at fast food restaurants or sit-down restaurants. On average, it’s estimated that you will spend around $150 on food for a week-long road trip.

Lodging

If you plan on taking a multi-day road trip, you will need to budget for lodging. Options include hotels, Airbnb rentals, or camping. The average cost for a hotel room in the United States is $130 per night, while an Airbnb rental may cost around $80 per night.

Attractions

Depending on your interests, you may want to budget for attractions along the way. For example, if you take Route 2, you may want to stop at the Georgia Aquarium or the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. Admission fees for these attractions can range from $20 to $50 per person.

Conclusion

When it comes to planning a road trip from Chapel Hill, NC to Fort Myers, FL, there are a few things to consider. Gas prices vary from state to state and can greatly impact the total cost of the trip. Route 1, which takes you down the east coast of Florida, is the cheaper option for gas cost. However, there are other expenses to keep in mind, such as tolls, food, lodging, and attractions. With proper planning and budgeting, you can have a fun and affordable road trip to Fort Myers, FL. Safe travels!