The Cost of a Trip between Belpre, Ohio and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: A Guide based on Current Gas Prices

Introduction

Planning a trip from Belpre, Ohio to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? This comprehensive guide will help you navigate through different possible routes, highlighting the cost and distance of each option. Pricing will be based on current gas prices, ensuring you have the most accurate estimate for your journey. So buckle up and let's explore the various routes to get you to your destination while keeping your wallet happy.

Route 1: The Direct Route

The most straightforward option is to go south on I-77 from Belpre, Ohio, and continue on this route until reaching the destination in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This direct route covers approximately 525 miles and takes around 8 hours to complete, depending on traffic conditions. To estimate the cost of this trip, we need to consider gas prices along the route.

Gas Prices on the Direct Route

The current average gas price in Ohio is $2.50 per gallon, while in South Carolina it's slightly higher at $2.65 per gallon. Given these prices, and assuming a car has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, we can calculate the cost of the trip using the following formula:

Cost per gallon = Mileage / Fuel efficiency
Total cost = Cost per gallon * Gas price per gallon

Using this formula, the total cost of the trip can be calculated by dividing the total mileage (525 miles) by the fuel efficiency (25 miles per gallon), and then multiplying it by the gas price in Ohio (considering that the entire trip is driven in Ohio), as follows:

Total cost = (525 miles / 25 miles per gallon) * $2.50 per gallon
Total cost = 21 gallons * $2.50 per gallon
Total cost = $52.50

Once you cross into South Carolina, you will need to fill up your tank again to cover the remaining distance. Assuming the same fuel efficiency, crossing 400 miles (rounding up to account for any detours) would require:

Gas required = Distance / Fuel efficiency
Gas required = 400 miles / 25 miles per gallon
Gas required = 16 gallons

Multiplying the gas required (16 gallons) by the gas price in South Carolina ($2.65 per gallon) will give us the additional cost:

Additional cost = Gas required * Gas price per gallon
Additional cost = 16 gallons * $2.65 per gallon
Additional cost = $42.40

Therefore, the overall cost for the direct route is $52.50 + $42.40 = $94.90, based on current gas prices.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you're in the mood for an adventurous and scenic drive, you can consider taking a longer route, which will not only provide beautiful landscapes but also give you an opportunity to explore different states along the way. Taking I-70 west from Belpre, Ohio, you'll have the option to connect with I-64 and then head south on I-81 and I-77 until reaching North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Gas Prices on the Scenic Route

The gas prices for this route can vary based on the specific states you pass through. Let's break down the estimated costs based on the different states along this scenic route.

Ohio Fuel Cost: Using the same calculation as in the direct route, we estimate that the cost for traveling through Ohio will be $52.50.
West Virginia Fuel Cost: Assuming you drive 250 miles across West Virginia, and with their current gas price at $2.50 per gallon, the cost will be:
- Gas required = 250 miles / 25 miles per gallon
- Gas required = 10 gallons
- Additional cost = 10 gallons * $2.50 per gallon
- Additional cost = $25.00
Virginia Fuel Cost: Continuing through Virginia for around 250 miles, and considering their gas price of $2.45 per gallon, the additional cost will be:
- Gas required = 250 miles / 25 miles per gallon
- Gas required = 10 gallons
- Additional cost = 10 gallons * $2.45 per gallon
- Additional cost = $24.50
North Carolina Fuel Cost: Finally, traveling through North Carolina for approximately 250 miles, and with their gas price at $2.60 per gallon, the cost will be:
- Gas required = 250 miles / 25 miles per gallon
- Gas required = 10 gallons
- Additional cost = 10 gallons * $2.60 per gallon
- Additional cost = $26.00

Putting it all together, the total cost for the scenic route will be:

$52.50 (Ohio) + $25.00 (West Virginia) + $24.50 (Virginia) + $26.00 (North Carolina) = $128.00

The scenic route may provide breathtaking views and the chance to explore different states, but it comes at a higher cost compared to the direct route.

Route 3: The Economical Route

If saving money is your priority, this economical route might be your best bet. Instead of using the interstate system, which typically has higher gas prices due to convenience, consider using smaller state highways with lower gas prices. This route may take slightly longer due to lower speed limits, but the cost savings can outweigh the added time.

Gas Prices on the Economical Route

The gas prices on the economical route will depend on the specific states and areas you pass through. Generally, smaller state highways tend to have lower gas prices. Let's assume the following gas prices for the areas along this route:

Ohio Fuel Cost: $2.50 per gallon
West Virginia Fuel Cost: $2.40 per gallon
Virginia Fuel Cost: $2.35 per gallon
North Carolina Fuel Cost: $2.50 per gallon
South Carolina Fuel Cost: $2.65 per gallon

Using the same fuel efficiency and distance calculations as before, and considering rounding up to account for any detours, we can estimate the additional costs for each state:

Ohio (525 miles * $2.50 per gallon) = $52.50
West Virginia (250 miles * $2.40 per gallon) = $60.00
Virginia (250 miles * $2.35 per gallon) = $58.75
North Carolina (250 miles * $2.50 per gallon) = $62.50
South Carolina (400 miles * $2.65 per gallon) = $106.00

The total cost for the economical route will be:

$52.50 (Ohio) + $60.00 (West Virginia) + $58.75 (Virginia) + $62.50 (North Carolina) + $106.00 (South Carolina) = $339.75

Although this route may seem costlier than the direct route, it's important to note that it covers a longer distance due to the use of smaller state highways.

Recommendation: The Direct Route

Considering the cost and distance of each route, we recommend taking the direct route via I-77. This option provides a balance between distance, time, and cost, making it the most practical choice for the majority of travelers.

Conclusion

Embarking on a journey from Belpre, Ohio to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers various routes with different costs and miles to consider. Based on current gas prices, the direct route through I-77 proves to be the most budget-friendly choice, with an estimated cost of $94.90. This route allows you to reach your destination in approximately 8 hours, depending on traffic conditions, ensuring a relatively quick and economical trip. So, pack your bags and hit the road, knowing you've made an informed decision that puts you in the driver's seat of both your journey and your budget.