The Cost of a Trip: Corpus Christi, Texas to Smithville, Mississippi

When planning a trip from Corpus Christi, Texas to Smithville, Mississippi, one of the main considerations is the cost of travel. With fluctuating gas prices and multiple route options, it’s important to weigh the expenses of each potential path. In this article, we’ll explore the different routes available for this journey and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We’ll also recommend the most cost-effective route based on current gas prices.

Route Options

Route 1: I-10 E and I-59 N

This route begins by taking I-37 N from Corpus Christi then merging onto I-10 E in San Antonio. From there, continue on I-10 E into Louisiana and Mississippi, and finally transition onto I-59 N toward Smithville. This route spans approximately 660 miles and takes around 9.5 hours to complete.

Route 2: US-77 N and I-55 N

The second route involves taking US-77 N from Corpus Christi and continuing onto I-35 N in Dallas. Follow I-35 N before merging onto I-40 E in Oklahoma City, then transition onto I-55 N in Memphis before reaching Smithville. This path covers around 715 miles and takes approximately 10.5 hours to drive.

Route 3: US-59 N

Another option is to take US-59 N from Corpus Christi, which eventually merges onto I-69 N in Houston. Continue on I-69 N into Louisiana before transitioning onto I-20 E toward Jackson, Mississippi, and finally taking US-49 N to Smithville. This route spans roughly 660 miles and takes about 10 hours to complete.

Cost Analysis

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of each route, we’ll consider the average gas prices along the way. As of the time of this writing, the average gas price in Corpus Christi, Texas is $2.55 per gallon, while in Smithville, Mississippi, the average gas price is $2.45 per gallon.

Route 1 Cost

Based on the distance of approximately 660 miles and an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, the total fuel cost for Route 1 is around $105.60 one way. This estimate factors in the average gas prices throughout the journey.

Route 2 Cost

Route 2 spans about 715 miles with a similar average fuel economy, resulting in a one-way fuel cost of approximately $114.40 considering the average gas prices.

Route 3 Cost

For Route 3, the estimated fuel cost for the 660-mile journey is also around $105.60, assuming the same average fuel economy and average gas prices.

Recommendation

Based on the cost analysis, Route 1 and Route 3 both offer similar fuel costs for the journey. However, Route 1 has a slightly shorter travel time of 9.5 hours compared to Route 3’s 10 hours. Therefore, considering both the cost and time factors, Route 1 via I-10 E and I-59 N is the most cost-effective and efficient option for traveling from Corpus Christi to Smithville.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Corpus Christi, Texas and Smithville, Mississippi is largely determined by the route taken and current gas prices. After a careful analysis of the different route options and their associated costs, Route 1 via I-10 E and I-59 N emerges as the most cost-effective choice. With an estimated one-way fuel cost of around $105.60 and a travel time of approximately 9.5 hours, this route offers a balance of affordability and efficiency for travelers making the journey.