The Cost of a Trip Between Chicago, Illinois and Sacramento, California

Exploring Routes and Calculating Costs Based on Current Gas Prices

If you are planning a trip from Chicago, Illinois to Sacramento, California, there are several possible routes you can take. Each route has its own distance and cost considerations, particularly with regards to gas prices. In this article, we will explore the different routes, highlight their costs and distances, and recommend the best route for an efficient and cost-effective journey. So, buckle up and join us on this exciting road trip!

Route 1: The Northern Route via I-80

One common route from Chicago to Sacramento is to take the northern route, traveling along Interstate 80. This route spans approximately 2,134 miles and typically takes around 31 hours to complete, excluding stops. When it comes to gas prices, this route combines both expensive and affordable states.

State 1: Illinois

Starting from Chicago, you will first travel through your home state of Illinois. Gas prices in Illinois currently average around $2.95 per gallon. To estimate the cost of gas for this leg of the journey, let's assume your vehicle has a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway. The distance from Chicago to the Iowa border is approximately 207 miles. Therefore, you would need around 8.28 gallons of gas, resulting in a gas cost of $24.42.

State 2: Iowa

Once you cross into Iowa, gas prices tend to be slightly higher, averaging around $3.05 per gallon. From the Iowa border to the Nebraska border, you will cover approximately 188 miles. With your 25 mpg fuel efficiency, you would require 7.52 gallons of gas, costing you approximately $22.92.

State 3: Nebraska

As you enter Nebraska, gas prices drop to an average of $2.85 per gallon. The distance from the Nebraska border to the Utah border along I-80 is roughly 423 miles. With your vehicle's fuel efficiency, you can expect to use 16.92 gallons of gas, amounting to $48.27.

State 4: Utah

In Utah, gas prices rise slightly compared to Nebraska, averaging around $3.25 per gallon. Going from the Utah border to the Nevada border along I-80 covers approximately 281 miles. Your vehicle's fuel efficiency will translate to approximately 11.24 gallons of gas, costing you roughly $36.50.

State 5: Nevada

As you reach Nevada, gas prices spike to an average of $3.45 per gallon. From the Nevada border to Sacramento, California, you will travel approximately 272 miles. With your 25 mpg fuel efficiency, you would need approximately 10.88 gallons of gas, resulting in a gas cost of approximately $37.54.

Adding up all the gas costs for this northern route, the total comes to approximately $169.65.

Route 2: The Southern Route via I-70 and I-15

Another option for your trip from Chicago to Sacramento is to take the southern route, which involves traveling along Interstates 70 and 15. This route spans approximately 2,136 miles and generally takes around 32 hours to complete. Let's break down the gas costs for this route, focusing on the different states you will encounter.

State 1: Illinois (Same as Route 1)

Gas prices and distance remain the same as the northern route, resulting in a gas cost of approximately $24.42.

State 2: Missouri

After crossing into Missouri, gas prices remain reasonably consistent with Illinois, averaging around $3.00 per gallon. From the Illinois border to the Kansas border along I-70, you will cover around 245 miles. With your vehicle's fuel efficiency, you would require approximately 9.8 gallons of gas, costing you $29.40.

State 3: Kansas

As you enter Kansas, gas prices drop slightly to an average of $2.90 per gallon. The distance from the Kansas border to the Colorado border is roughly 451 miles. Using 25 mpg, you can expect to consume approximately 18.04 gallons of gas, amounting to $52.37.

State 4: Colorado

In Colorado, gas prices increase slightly compared to Kansas, averaging around $3.15 per gallon. From the Colorado border to the Utah border along I-70, you will travel approximately 476 miles. Your vehicle's fuel efficiency will translate to approximately 19.04 gallons of gas, costing you roughly $60.01.

State 5: Utah (Same as Route 1)

Gas prices and distance remain the same as the northern route, resulting in a gas cost of approximately $36.50.

State 6: Nevada (Same as Route 1)

Gas prices and distance remain the same as the northern route, resulting in a gas cost of approximately $37.54.

Adding up all the gas costs for this southern route, the total comes to approximately $240.24.

Recommendation: The Northern Route Wins Economically

When comparing the gas costs between the northern and southern routes, it's evident that the northern route is more cost-effective. The northern route's total gas cost is approximately $169.65, while the southern route's gas cost is significantly higher, around $240.24.

Moreover, the distances and travel times for both routes are quite similar. The northern route covers approximately 2,134 miles and takes roughly 31 hours, while the southern route spans approximately 2,136 miles and takes around 32 hours. Therefore, when considering the economic aspect, the northern route clearly emerges as the better choice.

Conclusion

Embarking on a road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Sacramento, California involves a distance of approximately 2,134 miles and a travel time of roughly 31 hours, depending on your chosen route and driving patterns. By analyzing the two popular routes presented here, it's evident that the northern route via I-80 is the recommended choice for cost-conscious travelers.

With a total gas cost of approximately $169.65, the northern route not only saves you around $70 compared to the southern route but also takes you through states with relatively lower gas prices. So, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and get ready for an unforgettable journey across the United States!