Driving Cost from Costa Mesa, California to Lakewood, California

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Costa Mesa to Lakewood: Calculating Gas Prices for the Best Route

When planning a road trip between Costa Mesa and Lakewood, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of gas. With fluctuating gas prices, it's essential to take into account the most efficient and cost-effective route. In this article, we will explore the various routes between these two cities and calculate the estimated cost based on current gas prices.

The Possible Routes

Route 1: I-405 N and I-605 N

  • This route covers a distance of approximately 27 miles and takes around 40 minutes to drive, depending on traffic conditions.
  • The estimated fuel consumption for this route is around 1.5 gallons, based on a typical gas mileage of 18 miles per gallon in city driving conditions.
  • With the current gas price of $4 per gallon, the cost for this route would be around $6.

Route 2: CA-22 E and CA-91

  • This route is slightly longer, covering a distance of about 30 miles, and takes approximately 45 minutes to drive.
  • The estimated fuel consumption for this route is around 1.7 gallons, with a cost of around $6.80 based on the current gas price.

Route 3: Surface streets

  • Taking surface streets could potentially cover a distance of over 30 miles, and the travel time can vary greatly depending on traffic and road conditions.
  • The estimated fuel consumption for this route is again around 1.7 gallons, with a cost of approximately $6.80 based on the current gas price.

Based on the calculated costs and the estimated travel times, Route 1 via I-405 N and I-605 N appears to be the most efficient and cost-effective option. Not only does it cover the shortest distance, but it also offers a relatively quick travel time without the potential traffic delays that may occur on surface streets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the trip between Costa Mesa and Lakewood using Route 1 via I-405 N and I-605 N is estimated to cost around $6 for gas based on current prices. With a relatively short distance of 27 miles and a travel time of approximately 40 minutes, this route provides a balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency for drivers making the journey between these two cities.