The Cost of a Trip Between Colorado and New Jersey: Navigating Gas Prices

When planning a trip from Colorado to New Jersey, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of gas. With fluctuating gas prices, it's crucial to find the most cost-effective route. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Route Options

Route 1: I-70 E to I-76 E

This route begins in Denver, Colorado, and follows Interstate 70 East to Interstate 76 East. It then merges onto Interstate 80, which takes you all the way to New Jersey. The total distance for this route is approximately 1,800 miles.

Route 2: I-80 E

A more direct route from Colorado to New Jersey is to take Interstate 80 East the entire way. This route spans approximately 1,600 miles and goes through major cities such as Omaha, Chicago, and Cleveland before reaching New Jersey.

Route 3: I-70 E to I-76 E to I-81 N

For a slightly different route, you can follow Interstate 70 East to Interstate 76 East, and then merge onto Interstate 81 North. This route adds a few hundred miles to the journey, bringing the total distance to around 2,000 miles.

Cost Analysis

To determine the cost of the trip based on current gas prices, we will calculate the approximate fuel consumption for each route. The average gas price in Colorado is $3.00 per gallon, while the current average gas price in New Jersey is $2.90 per gallon.

Route 1: I-70 E to I-76 E

With a total distance of 1,800 miles and an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, the trip would require approximately 72 gallons of gas. At $3.00 per gallon, the total cost for gas would be around $216.00.

Route 2: I-80 E

The shorter distance of 1,600 miles would require approximately 64 gallons of gas at an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon. With the current gas prices, the total cost for this route would be approximately $185.60.

Route 3: I-70 E to I-76 E to I-81 N

The longest route at 2,000 miles would require approximately 80 gallons of gas at an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon. The total cost for gas on this route would be around $240.00.

Recommendation

Based on the cost analysis, Route 2 (I-80 E) is the most cost-effective option for the trip between Colorado and New Jersey. Not only is it the shortest route, but it also requires the least amount of gas, resulting in the lowest overall cost. Additionally, the route bypasses major cities, potentially reducing the risk of heavy traffic and delays.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best route for a trip between Colorado and New Jersey, based on current gas prices, is Route 2 (I-80 E). With a total distance of approximately 1,600 miles and a total cost of around $185.60 for gas, this route offers the most economical and efficient option. However, the actual cost may vary depending on the specific fuel economy of your vehicle and any changes in gas prices during your trip. Safe travels!