The Cost of a Trip between California and Texas

If you're looking to take a trip from California to Texas, you may be wondering how much it will cost you. One of the biggest expenses of any road trip is the cost of gas, so we've broken down the different routes you can take and the estimated cost of the trip based on current gas prices.

Route Options

When planning your trip from California to Texas, you have a few different options for routes. You can head directly east through Arizona, New Mexico, and into Texas. Alternatively, you can head south first and travel through Nevada before crossing into Arizona and heading east from there. Here are the estimated costs for each route:

Direct Route (Interstate 10)

The direct route from California to Texas will take you through Arizona and New Mexico before entering Texas. The total distance is 1,383 miles and will take approximately 20 hours of driving time.

Assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $165 on gas for this trip.

Southern Route (Interstate 15 and 40)

The southern route from California to Texas will take you south into Nevada before heading east through Arizona and New Mexico into Texas. The total distance is 1,557 miles and will take approximately 23 hours of driving time.

Assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $185 on gas for this trip.

Recommended Route

While both routes will get you to Texas, our recommended route is the direct route through Arizona and New Mexico. This route is slightly shorter and will save you a bit of money on gas. Additionally, while the driving time is slightly shorter on the southern route, the additional distance adds on more time in the car.

Other Expenses

In addition to the cost of gas, there are a few other expenses to consider when taking a road trip. These can include things like accommodation, food, and tolls.

Accommodation will likely be your biggest expense, particularly if you plan on stopping overnight. The cost of a hotel room can vary depending on where you stay and the time of year. If you're on a budget, consider camping or using an app like Airbnb to find more affordable accommodations.

Food is another expense to consider. Eating out can quickly add up, so consider packing your own meals or bringing snacks to help save money. Additionally, consider filling up on gas and using bathrooms at larger stops to avoid having to pay for rest area facilities.

Finally, tolls can add up, particularly if you're taking a route with toll roads. Be sure to plan ahead and budget for any tolls you may encounter on your trip.

Conclusion

If you're taking a trip from California to Texas, the cost of gas will likely be your biggest expense. By taking the direct route and being mindful of other expenses like accommodation, food, and tolls, you can save money and make the most out of your trip. Safe travels!