Driving Cost from Chicago, Illinois to Salem, Massachusetts

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The Cost of a Trip between Chicago, Illinois and Salem, Massachusetts

Introduction

Planning a trip from Chicago, Illinois to Salem, Massachusetts can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to consider the cost of such a journey. With fluctuating gas prices and multiple route options available, it's essential to weigh the options and choose the most cost-effective path. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes to travel between these two captivating cities, highlight the cost and distance of each route, and recommend the best way to make the journey.

Route 1: Interstate 90

The first route we will consider is taking Interstate 90, commonly known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, for the majority of the journey. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,028 miles and is estimated to take around 16 hours and 40 minutes to complete. However, it's crucial to consider the cost of gas for this trip.

Gas Prices on Interstate 90

As of the current gas prices, the average cost per gallon across the states on Interstate 90 is as follows:

  • Illinois: $2.79
  • Indiana: $2.88
  • Ohio: $2.74
  • Pennsylvania: $2.95
  • New York: $3.05
  • Massachusetts: $3.17

Considering these prices and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, it is possible to estimate the total cost of gas for this route.

Total Cost Estimate

Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) for your vehicle, let's calculate the total cost based on the current gas prices:

  1. Distance from Chicago, Illinois to the Pennsylvania state border: 260 miles.

    • Gas cost: (260 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.79 per gallon = $28.53

  2. Distance from the Pennsylvania border to the Massachusetts border: 747 miles.

    • Gas cost: (747 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.95 per gallon = $88.62

  3. Distance from the Massachusetts border to Salem, Massachusetts: 21 miles.

    • Gas cost: (21 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.17 per gallon = $2.69

Total gas cost of taking Interstate 90: $119.84.

Route 2: Interstate 65 and Interstate 90

Alternatively, you could choose a route that takes you along Interstate 65 before joining Interstate 90 for the final stretch. This option adds a few extra miles to the trip but may prove cost-effective depending on current gas prices.

Gas Prices on Interstate 65

Considering the gas prices along Interstate 65, which runs through Indiana and Ohio, let's estimate the cost based on the current average per gallon prices:

  • Indiana: $2.88
  • Ohio: $2.74

Total Cost Estimate

To calculate the gas cost for this route, let's assume the same vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 mpg.

  1. Distance from Chicago, Illinois to Louisville, Kentucky (approximately halfway through Indiana): 271 miles.

    • Gas cost: (271 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.88 per gallon = $31.03

  2. Distance from Louisville, Kentucky to Pennsylvania border: 481 miles.

    • Gas cost: (481 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.95 per gallon = $56.37

  3. Distance from the Pennsylvania border to the Massachusetts border: 747 miles.

    • Gas cost: (747 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.05 per gallon = $90.21

  4. Distance from the Massachusetts border to Salem, Massachusetts: 21 miles.

    • Gas cost: (21 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.17 per gallon = $2.69

Total gas cost of taking Interstate 65 and Interstate 90: $180.30.

Route 3: Scenic Route through National Parks

For those seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery, opting for a more scenic route that incorporates national parks is worth considering. This route involves taking a mix of state highways, including US-20, US-30, and US-9.

Total Cost Estimate

As this route is more scenic and less focused on time efficiency, it's essential to factor in additional mileage and consider the gas prices along the way. The cost calculation for this route will vary depending on the chosen stops and detours. However, estimating an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, we can give a rough idea:

  1. Distance from Chicago, Illinois to Dubuque, Iowa (via US-20): 210 miles.

    • Gas cost: (210 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.79 per gallon = $22.43

  2. Distance from Dubuque, Iowa to Cleveland, Ohio (via US-20 and US-30): 552 miles.

    • Gas cost: (552 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.74 per gallon = $59.14

  3. Distance from Cleveland, Ohio to Albany, New York (via US-20 and US-9): 595 miles.

    • Gas cost: (595 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.05 per gallon = $72.43

  4. Distance from Albany, New York to Salem, Massachusetts (via US-20 and US-9): 186 miles.

    • Gas cost: (186 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.17 per gallon = $22.71

Total gas cost of taking the scenic route through national parks: $176.71.

After evaluating the different routes available, considering the cost of gas and distance, it is recommended to take Interstate 90 as the most cost-effective option. Despite being the shortest distance route, it also provides the advantage of traversing major highways, which often have better amenities and services along the way.

Taking Interstate 90 from Chicago, Illinois to Salem, Massachusetts, the estimated gas cost considering current prices is $119.84. This route, spanning approximately 1,028 miles, would take around 16 hours and 40 minutes to complete. However, it's important to note that travel time may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, traffic, and the number and length of rest stops along the way.

Remember to check the current gas prices and adjust your calculations to reflect any changes. With proper planning and consideration, your trip from the vibrant city of Chicago to the historic town of Salem can be an enjoyable and affordable journey.