The Cost of a Trip from California to Michigan
Traveling from California to Michigan can be an enjoyable and enriching experience, but there are many factors that come into play when deciding the cost of the trip. From gas prices to lodging accommodations, food expenses and recreation, planning a road trip from California to Michigan can be a bit challenging if you don't have the data to make informed decisions. In this article, we break down the cost of traveling from California to Michigan and recommend the best route to take.
Planning the Route
The first step when planning a road trip is to decide on the route, which can significantly impact the cost of the trip. Here are the three main routes you can consider:
Route 1: I-80 E
This is the most direct route from California to Michigan, covering a distance of approximately 2,290 miles. It passes through states such as Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa before reaching Michigan. The following are the distances between the major cities along the way:
- San Francisco, CA to Salt Lake City, UT: 767 miles
- Salt Lake City, UT to Omaha, NE: 874 miles
- Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL: 471 miles
- Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI: 285 miles
Route 2: I-70 E
The second route starts in San Francisco, California, and heads east, passing through Denver, Colorado before arriving in St. Louis, Missouri. From there, it heads north to Chicago, Illinois before continuing on to Michigan. This option covers a distance of around 2,470 miles, and these are the distances between the major cities along the way:
- San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO: 1,223 miles
- Denver, CO to St. Louis, MO: 785 miles
- St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL: 296 miles
- Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI: 285 miles
Route 3: I-40 E
The third and longest route covers a distance of approximately 2,890 miles, passing through states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Missouri, among others. The following are the distances between the major cities along the way:
- San Francisco, CA to Flagstaff, AZ: 915 miles
- Flagstaff, AZ to Oklahoma City, OK: 834 miles
- Oklahoma City, OK to St. Louis, MO: 415 miles
- St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL: 296 miles
- Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI: 285 miles
The Cost of Gasoline
The biggest cost when traveling from California to Michigan is gas. The average mileage of a car is approximately 22 miles per gallon combined city and highway, which varies depending on the car model and fuel efficiency. The average gas price along the west coast as of August 2021 is around $4 per gallon, while in Michigan, the average is around $3.20 per gallon. The following is a breakdown of how much you can expect to spend on gas for the complete trip:
Route 1: I-80 E
Assuming that you are driving a car that has an average MPG of 22 and you fill up the gas at an average price of $4 in California, you can expect to spend approximately $435 on gas. However, when traveling along the route, you will be encountering different gas prices, so to be safe, include an additional 5% - 10% for extra gas costs. This cost can increase or decrease depending on the MPG or gas prices.
Route 2: I-70 E
Driving on this route from California to Michigan, gas prices along the way range from $3.00 per gallon to $4.40 per gallon. Based on the assumption that the average MPG is 22 and the average gas price is $4 per gallon in California, you can expect to spend approximately $484 on gas. However, when you include the different gas prices across the different states, it is safe to estimate 5% - 10% more.
Route 3: I-40 E
This route is the longest, and you will need more gas to travel from California to Michigan. Assuming that you are driving a car that has an average MPG of 22 and the gas prices along the California route is at an average of $4 a gallon, we estimate that you will spend approximately $565 on gasoline alone. However, when you include extra gas expenses and different gas prices along the route, the cost can increase to an estimated 5% - 10%.
Lodging and Food Expenses
Another factor to consider when planning a road trip is lodging and food expenses. Of course, these costs will vary depending on your traveling style and preferences.
In terms of lodging, you can choose to spend the night in hotels or hostels. Depending on the hotel's location, star rating, and availability, expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 per night for a hotel. As for hostels, you can spend around $30 to $50 per night. Airbnb is another option that offers affordable lodging accommodations with prices ranging from $60 to $120 for an entire apartment or house.
Lastly, food expenses will vary depending on your diet and whether you choose to eat out or cook your meals. When you factor in breakfast, lunch, and dinner, expect to spend around $25 to $50 per day per person.
Recommended Route
Based on the distance, gas prices, and lodging accommodations, our recommendation for the best route to take is Route 1: I-80 E. Although it covers less distance than the other two routes, it offers the smallest gas expense, and it has many lodging options along the way.
Conclusion
Traveling from California to Michigan can be a long and exhausting journey, but with the right planning and budgeting, it can be a memorable experience. Whether you're traveling alone, with friends, or family, the cost of the trip will depend on the route you choose, the gas price, and your lodging and food expenses. Based on the data presented, our recommendation for the best route is Route 1: I-80 E. Averaging around 2,290 miles, the trip takes approximately 33 hours of driving time, with an average gas expense of $435. If you want to save on lodging, consider budget-friendly options such as Airbnb or hostels. With the right preparation, budgeting, and a bit of adventure, your road trip from California to Michigan is sure to be an unforgettable experience.