The Price of a Road Trip: Anaheim, CA to Albuquerque, NM

Driving from Anaheim, CA to Albuquerque, NM can be a long journey, but it can also be an exciting adventure. With so many potential routes to choose from and various stops along the way, planning your itinerary is crucial to ensure you have a successful and affordable trip. In this article, we will be discussing the overall cost of the trip, possible routes, and the best option to take based on current gas prices.

Cost

Before deciding on a route, it’s important to calculate the overall cost of the trip. The cost of gas will likely be your biggest expense, and this can vary significantly based on the route you take and current gas prices. Other costs to consider include lodging, food, and any attractions you plan on visiting along the way.

According to GasBuddy, as of August 2021, the average gas price in California is $4.17 per gallon, while the average gas price in New Mexico is $3.54 per gallon. The total distance of the trip is approximately 791 miles, meaning you’ll need to fill up your gas tank more than once.

When calculating the cost of gas, it’s helpful to determine your vehicle’s miles per gallon. If your car gets 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need approximately 31.6 gallons of gas for the entire trip. This comes out to about $132 in California and $112 in New Mexico, for a total of $244 in gas expenses.

Routes

There are several possible routes to take when traveling from Anaheim to Albuquerque, but two primary options are the Southern Route and the Northern Route.

Southern Route

The Southern Route takes you through Arizona, passing through cities such as Phoenix and Tucson. This route totals approximately 806 miles and can take around 12-14 hours depending on traffic and any stops along the way.

One perk of this route is the potential to visit popular attractions such as the Grand Canyon and Sedona. However, this route can be more expensive due to Arizona’s higher gas prices. The total cost of gas for this route is approximately $259.

Northern Route

The Northern Route takes you through Nevada and Utah. On this route, you’ll pass through cities such as Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. This route is approximately 900 miles long and can take around 13-15 hours to complete.

One advantage of this route is that you’ll avoid Arizona’s higher gas prices. However, it can be a more isolated drive, with fewer attractions along the way. The total cost of gas for this route is approximately $229.

Best Route

Based on current gas prices and overall costs, the Northern Route is the best choice for your trip from Anaheim to Albuquerque.

While the Southern Route offers great attractions, the higher gas prices make it a more expensive option. On the other hand, while the Northern Route may be a longer drive, its lower gas prices make it a more affordable option overall.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the route you choose for your trip from Anaheim to Albuquerque should depend on your personal preferences and budget. While both the Southern and Northern Routes have their advantages, considering current gas prices and the overall cost of the trip can help you make the best choice.

No matter which route you choose, be sure to plan out your trip ahead of time, including lodging, food, and attractions. With careful planning, you can have an enjoyable and affordable road trip from Anaheim to Albuquerque.