The Cost of a Trip between Boston, Massachusetts and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Analyzing Current Gas Prices

When planning a road trip, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the distances and cost involved, including fuel expenses. The cost of fuel varies substantially from state to state, and it’s therefore important to factor this into the overall budget. This article will analyze the different possible routes between Boston, Massachusetts and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, highlighting the distance and cost of each. It will also recommend the best route for budget travelers.

The Different Possible Routes

There are two main routes between Boston, Massachusetts and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The first route is via the I-90 and then I-80 (West). The second route involves taking I-84 through Connecticut, upstate New York, and Pennsylvania, before joining I-80 (West) towards Oklahoma.

Route 1: I-90, then I-80 (West)

The first and longest route takes you across the East Coast to the Midwest. It’s about 1,500 miles and will take a minimum of 24 hours of driving time. The route starts in Boston and leads through the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, before finally getting into Oklahoma.

Route 2: I-84 to I-80 (West)

The second route is slightly shorter, covering a distance of approximately 1,430 miles. It takes you through several Eastern states such as Connecticut and upstate New York, before passing through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and finally entering Oklahoma.

Fuel Expenses

Fuel is a significant expense on a long road trip, and planning for it is crucial to keep costs manageable. The fuel expenses depend on the car’s miles per gallon (MPG) rating. The two most fuel-efficient small cars - the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla - average approximately 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

With this in mind, we estimate the cost of fuel following a total distance of 1,500 miles between Boston and Oklahoma City for one of the fuel-efficient small cars. The calculation is based on the average gas price of $2.8 per gallon:

1,500 miles / 32 MPG * $2.8 = $130.2

Similarly, the fuel cost for the total distance of 1,430 miles on the second route can also be calculated as follows:

1,430 / 32 * $2.8 = $124.85

We can already observe that the difference in fuel cost between two routes is not significant, but it can be helpful for travelers who want to save every penny.

Recommending the Best Route

Our recommendation for the best route from Boston to Oklahoma City is the first route. Although it is longer than the second route, there are fewer tolls on the way, and you can connect with an interstate that has fewer trucks, thus making it more relaxed and quicker. Also, this route has multiple places that you can see along the way, making the trip a memorable experience.

Conclusion

Planning your trip is an essential part of enjoying the trip itself. This article has highlighted the differences between the two routes, analyzing their costs in relation to fuel, distances, and other factors. Route 1, via the I-90 to I-80, represents the better route overall, given the travel time, practicality, and the delights of taking a slightly longer journey. Happy travels!