The Cost of a Trip between Charlotte, North Carolina and Seattle, Washington

Introduction

Traveling between Charlotte, North Carolina and Seattle, Washington is a significant journey spanning more than 2,800 miles. One of the most important factors to consider when embarking on such a trip is the cost. Fuel prices, distance, and route choice all play a role in determining the overall expense. In this article, we will breakdown the cost and distance of various routes, considering the current gas prices, and recommend the best route for travelers looking to reach their destination while keeping costs in check.

Route 1: The Southern Route

The Southern route is the most common and straightforward option to travel from Charlotte to Seattle by car. This primarily involves traversing the southern states, such as Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, before reaching the Pacific Northwest. Let's analyze the cost and distance for each leg of the journey.

Charlotte, NC to Nashville, TN:
- Distance: Approximately 440 miles
- Gas Price: $2.50 per gallon

Taking into account an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (MPG), the cost of this leg can be calculated as follows:

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (440 / 25) * 2.50
Cost = 17.6 * 2.50
Cost = $44.00

Nashville, TN to Oklahoma City, OK:
- Distance: Approximately 650 miles
- Gas Price: $2.60 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (650 / 25) * 2.60
Cost = 26 * 2.60
Cost = $67.60

Oklahoma City, OK to Amarillo, TX:
- Distance: Approximately 310 miles
- Gas Price: $2.55 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (310 / 25) * 2.55
Cost = 12.4 * 2.55
Cost = $31.62

Amarillo, TX to Albuquerque, NM:
- Distance: Approximately 290 miles
- Gas Price: $2.65 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (290 / 25) * 2.65
Cost = 11.6 * 2.65
Cost = $30.74

Albuquerque, NM to Flagstaff, AZ:
- Distance: Approximately 470 miles
- Gas Price: $2.70 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (470 / 25) * 2.70
Cost = 18.8 * 2.70
Cost = $50.76

Flagstaff, AZ to Las Vegas, NV:
- Distance: Approximately 260 miles
- Gas Price: $3.00 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (260 / 25) * 3.00
Cost = 10.4 * 3.00
Cost = $31.20

Las Vegas, NV to Seattle, WA:
- Distance: Approximately 1,130 miles
- Gas Price: $3.10 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (1130 / 25) * 3.10
Cost = 45.2 * 3.10
Cost = $140.12

By summing up the costs of each leg of the Southern route, we can calculate the total cost of the trip.

Total Cost = $44.00 + $67.60 + $31.62 + $30.74 + $50.76 + $31.20 + $140.12
Total Cost = $396.04

The Southern route, covering approximately 3,550 miles, would cost a total of around $396.04 in fuel expenses based on current gas prices. However, there are alternative routes available to consider.

Route 2: The Midwestern Route

The Midwestern route involves driving through the heartland of America, passing through states like Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho before reaching Washington state. Let's evaluate the cost and distance for each leg of this route.

Charlotte, NC to St. Louis, MO:
- Distance: Approximately 610 miles
- Gas Price: $2.55 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (610 / 25) * 2.55
Cost = 24.4 * 2.55
Cost = $62.22

St. Louis, MO to Kansas City, MO:
- Distance: Approximately 250 miles
- Gas Price: $2.60 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (250 / 25) * 2.60
Cost = 10 * 2.60
Cost = $26.00

Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO:
- Distance: Approximately 600 miles
- Gas Price: $2.75 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (600 / 25) * 2.75
Cost = 24 * 2.75
Cost = $66.00

Denver, CO to Salt Lake City, UT:
- Distance: Approximately 525 miles
- Gas Price: $2.85 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (525 / 25) * 2.85
Cost = 21 * 2.85
Cost = $59.85

Salt Lake City, UT to Boise, ID:
- Distance: Approximately 340 miles
- Gas Price: $2.95 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (340 / 25) * 2.95
Cost = 13.6 * 2.95
Cost = $40.12

Boise, ID to Seattle, WA:
- Distance: Approximately 420 miles
- Gas Price: $3.10 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (420 / 25) * 3.10
Cost = 16.8 * 3.10
Cost = $52.08

Summing up the costs of each leg of the Midwestern route will give us the total cost of the trip.

Total Cost = $62.22 + $26.00 + $66.00 + $59.85 + $40.12 + $52.08
Total Cost = $306.27

The Midwestern route, covering around 2,745 miles, would cost a total of approximately $306.27 in fuel expenses based on current gas prices. This option presents a more cost-effective alternative compared to the Southern route.

Route 3: The Northwestern Route

The Northwestern route takes travelers through several scenic destinations, including North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho. The beauty of the Pacific Northwest awaits those who choose this path. Let's examine the cost and distance for each leg of the journey.

Charlotte, NC to Bismarck, ND:
- Distance: Approximately 1,600 miles
- Gas Price: $2.60 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (1600 / 25) * 2.60
Cost = 64 * 2.60
Cost = $166.40

Bismarck, ND to Billings, MT:
- Distance: Approximately 380 miles
- Gas Price: $2.75 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (380 / 25) * 2.75
Cost = 15.2 * 2.75
Cost = $41.80

Billings, MT to Missoula, MT:
- Distance: Approximately 200 miles
- Gas Price: $2.85 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (200 / 25) * 2.85
Cost = 8 * 2.85
Cost = $22.80

Missoula, MT to Coeur d'Alene, ID:
- Distance: Approximately 140 miles
- Gas Price: $2.95 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (140 / 25) * 2.95
Cost = 5.6 * 2.95
Cost = $16.52

Coeur d'Alene, ID to Seattle, WA:
- Distance: Approximately 310 miles
- Gas Price: $3.10 per gallon

Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Cost = (310 / 25) * 3.10
Cost = 12.4 * 3.10
Cost = $38.44

The total cost of the Northwestern route can be calculated by summing up the costs of each leg.

Total Cost = $166.40 + $41.80 + $22.80 + $16.52 + $38.44
Total Cost = $285.96

With a total distance of approximately 2,630 miles, the Northwestern route would cost a total of around $285.96 based on current gas prices. This option is not only cost-effective but also offers stunning natural landscapes along the way.

Route Recommendation: The Midwestern Route

After considering the cost and distance of each route, it is clear that the Midwestern route is the most economical choice for travelers making the journey from Charlotte, North Carolina to Seattle, Washington. With a total cost of approximately $306.27 and a distance of around 2,745 miles, this route offers the best balance between efficiency and expense.

Conclusion

Traveling from Charlotte, North Carolina to Seattle, Washington is a remarkable journey with numerous route options to consider. After evaluating the costs and distances of the Southern, Midwestern, and Northwestern routes, the Midwestern route emerges as the most cost-effective choice. Covering approximately 2,745 miles, this path would incur a fuel expense of around $306.27 based on current gas prices. Regardless of the chosen route, every traveler will discover their own adventure and lasting memories during this captivating cross-country road trip.