Road Trip from Charleston, SC to Taos, NM: Cost Analysis

Are you planning a road trip from Charleston, SC to Taos, NM? The cost of a trip depends on various factors such as mode of travel, fuel prices, route, distance, accommodation, and other expenses. Read on to discover the cost of a road trip to Taos, NM from Charleston, SC, and explore different routes available.

Different Possible Routes

Driving to Taos, NM from Charleston, SC may take approximately 24 hours without stops. There are different possible routes available to reach Taos, NM from Charleston, SC. Here are a few different options:

Route 1: I-40 W

This route takes you through Nashville, Memphis, and Albuquerque, NM. It covers a distance of approximately 1,946 miles and may take approximately 29 hours without stops. This route passes through the Appalachian Mountains, Ozark Mountains, and Western Plateau. The approximate fuel cost is $350, assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and the cost of fuel at $3.60 per gallon.

Route 2: I-20 W and I-10 W

This route takes you through Shreveport, Dallas, and El Paso, TX. It covers a distance of approximately 1,933 miles and may take approximately 30 hours without stops. This route passes through the Gulf Coastal Plain, Edwards Plateau, and Chihuahuan Desert. The approximate fuel cost is $372, assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and the cost of fuel at $3.60 per gallon.

Route 3: I-75 N and I-40 W

This route takes you through Lexington, Knoxville, and Nashville, TN, and Little Rock, AR. It covers a distance of approximately 1,940 miles and may take approximately 30 hours without stops. This route passes through the Appalachian Mountains, Cumberland Plateau, and the Mississippi River Valley. The approximate fuel cost is $347, assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and the cost of fuel at $3.60 per gallon.

Route 4: I-85 W and I-20 W

This route takes you through Atlanta, Montgomery, and El Paso, TX. It covers a distance of approximately 1,870 miles and may take approximately 29 hours without stops. This route passes through the Piedmont Plateau, Coastal Plain, and Edwards Plateau. The approximate fuel cost is $357, assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and the cost of fuel at $3.60 per gallon.

The Best Route

The best route depends on various factors such as time, budget, distance, and preference. Based on the distance covered and the estimated fuel cost, Route 3 is the best route. It is the shortest route among the four routes, and the fuel cost is relatively lower than the other routes. It covers a distance of approximately 1,940 miles and may take approximately 30 hours without stops. This route passes through the Appalachian Mountains, Cumberland Plateau, and the Mississippi River Valley.

Other Expenses

Apart from fuel costs, there are other expenses that you should consider. These include food, accommodation, and entertainment. The accommodation expenses may vary depending on your preference and budget. You may choose to make stops at affordable hotels, motels, or campgrounds. The food expenses may also vary depending on your preference, whether you choose to prepare your own meals or dine out. Furthermore, entertainment expenses may also vary, depending on the activities you choose to engage in, such as hiking, sightseeing, or visiting tourist attractions.

Conclusion

A road trip from Charleston, SC to Taos, NM will cost approximately $347 to $372, depending on the route you take, fuel cost, and other expenses such as food and accommodation. Route 3, covering approximately 1,940 miles, is the best route, with an estimated fuel cost of $347, assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and the cost of fuel at $3.60 per gallon. It may take approximately 30 hours without stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the number of stops and activities you engage in. Therefore, plan your trip wisely and enjoy the scenic views and adventures along the way.