The Cost of Driving: Athens, Ohio to Costa Mesa, California based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Athens, Ohio to the beautiful coastal city of Costa Mesa, California? If so, then you’re probably wondering about the cost of driving based on current gas prices. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a guide to the different routes, the distance, time, and cost of each route.

Route 1: Taking I-70 W and I-44 W

The first route we’ll consider is taking I-70 W and I-44 W, then connecting with I-40 W and I-15 S before arriving in Costa Mesa. This route is roughly 2,342 miles long and will take about 35 hours and 50 minutes to drive, depending on traffic and rest stops.

As of writing, gas prices range from $2.60 to $2.80 per gallon along this route. If we assume a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for your vehicle, you will need roughly 94 gallons of gas and your total fuel cost will range from $247 to $263 depending on gas prices.

Additionally, there will be toll fees for this trip, which will range from approximately $15 to $30.

Route 2: Taking I-80 W and I-70 W

Another route to consider is taking I-80 W and I-70 W, somewhat lengthy but a popular route, passing through Colorado and the heart of Utah before arriving in California. This route is about 2,406 miles long and will take about 38 hours to drive, depending on traffic and rest stops.

As of writing, gas prices range from $2.60 to $2.80 per gallon along this route. With a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you will need roughly 96 gallons of gas, and your total fuel cost will range from $251 to $267 depending on gas prices.

There are no toll fees for this route, but there is a higher possibility of experiencing traffic jams in major cities along the way.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of driving from Athens, Ohio to Costa Mesa, California depends on a variety of factors, including the route, gas prices, fuel economy, and toll fees. While Route 2 might be lengthier due to additional states and delays, taking Route 1 might prove to be more expensive due to toll fees, but it could be faster. Ultimately, the decision is yours and it ultimately depends on how much time and budget you have for your trip.

So, keep this guide in mind when planning your road trip, and don’t forget to stay safe, keep your car in good shape, and enjoy the scenery along the way. Happy driving!