The Cost of a Trip between Austin, Texas and Moran Township, Michigan
Are you planning a road trip from Austin, Texas to Moran Township, Michigan? Whether you're going for a family vacation, a business trip, or just visiting friends, one of the most important considerations is the cost of the trip. This article will explore the different routes you can take, the cost of gas, tolls, and other expenses you might encounter, and help you find the most affordable way to get to your destination.
Routes and distances
The distance between Austin, Texas and Moran Township, Michigan is approximately 1,200 miles. There are several routes you can take, but the two most common ones are:
Route 1: Via I-35N and I-74E
This is the most direct route and takes you through Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana before you reach Michigan. Here is the distance, estimated driving time, and tolls you might encounter if you choose this route:
| State | Distance | Driving Time | Tolls |
|---|---|---|---|
| TX | 0 mi | 0 h | $0 |
| OK | 383 mi | 5 h 50 min | $19 |
| MO | 289 mi | 4 h 25 min | $10 |
| IL | 282 mi | 4 h 20 min | $30 |
| IN | 260 mi | 4 h | $9 |
| MI | 84 mi | 1 h 20 min | $4 |
| Total | 1,298 mi | 20 h 55 min | $72 |
Note that these estimates are based on a one-way trip and do not account for any stops you might make along the way.
Route 2: Via I-35N, I-70E, and I-75N
This route takes you through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and the eastern part of Michigan before you reach Moran Township. Here is the distance, estimated driving time, and tolls you might encounter if you choose this route:
| State | Distance | Driving Time | Tolls |
|---|---|---|---|
| TX | 0 mi | 0 h | $0 |
| OK | 383 mi | 5 h 50 min | $19 |
| KS | 219 mi | 3 h 20 min | $13 |
| MO | 182 mi | 2 h 45 min | $6 |
| MI | 451 mi | 7 h | $20 |
| Total | 1,235 mi | 19 h 45 min | $58 |
Note that this route is slightly longer than the first one, but it might be more convenient for some drivers because it avoids Chicago and other congested areas.
Gas prices
One of the biggest expenses you'll encounter on your road trip is gas. According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in the United States in early 2021 was around $2.25 per gallon. However, gas prices can vary widely depending on your location and the time of year, so you might want to check the current prices for each state you'll be passing through.
Using a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and the distances from the previous section, we can estimate how much you'll be spending on gas for each route:
Route 1:
- TX: 0 mi, 0 gal, $0
- OK: 383 mi, 15.32 gal, $34.42
- MO: 289 mi, 11.56 gal, $26.01
- IL: 282 mi, 11.28 gal, $25.38
- IN: 260 mi, 10.4 gal, $23.39
- MI: 84 mi, 3.36 gal, $7.56
Total: 1,298 mi, 52.92 gal, $117.76
Route 2:
- TX: 0 mi, 0 gal, $0
- OK: 383 mi, 15.32 gal, $34.42
- KS: 219 mi, 8.76 gal, $19.71
- MO: 182 mi, 7.28 gal, $16.38
- MI: 451 mi, 18.04 gal, $40.60
Total: 1,235 mi, 49.4 gal, $111.11
Other expenses
In addition to gas, you might encounter other expenses during your road trip, such as tolls, lodging, food, and attractions. Here are some estimates for these expenses:
- Tolls: As we've seen earlier, the tolls for each route are around $70.
- Lodging: Depending on your budget and preferences, you might want to stay in a hotel or motel along the way. Assuming an average rate of $100 per night, and two nights of lodging, this would add another $200 to your expenses.
- Food: You'll need to eat during your trip. Depending on how much you want to spend on each meal, this could be anywhere from $20 to $50 per person per day. Assuming two people and four days of travel, this would be around $160 to $400.
- Attractions: Depending on your itinerary, you might want to visit some attractions along the way, such as museums, parks, or historical sites. These expenses can vary widely, but assume a budget of $50 to $100 per person per day, which would add another $400 to $800 to your trip.
Conclusion
Based on the information presented above, we can estimate the total cost of a road trip from Austin, Texas to Moran Township, Michigan. Here are the estimates for each route, assuming two people traveling together:
Route 1:
- Gas: $117.76
- Tolls: $70
- Lodging: $200
- Food: $160 to $400
- Attractions: $400 to $800
Total: $947.76 to $1,287.76
Route 2:
- Gas: $111.11
- Tolls: $70
- Lodging: $200
- Food: $160 to $400
- Attractions: $400 to $800
Total: $941.11 to $1,281.11
As you can see, both routes are relatively close in cost, with the second one being slightly cheaper. However, keep in mind that these estimates are just that - estimates. Your actual expenses might be higher or lower depending on many factors, such as the price of gas and the amount you spend on food and attractions.
In conclusion, if you're planning a road trip from Austin, Texas to Moran Township, Michigan, you have several options to choose from. Consider the cost of gas, tolls, lodging, food, and attractions, and choose the route that suits your budget and preferences the best. Safe travels!