The Economic Road Trip: Cost Analysis Between Big Lake and Sioux Falls
A cross-state road trip can be a lot of fun, and even more, if you want to do it with friends or family. Yet, before setting the wheels in motion, it's essential to know how much it would cost to travel between two points. In this article, we will examine the cost of a trip between Big Lake, Minnesota, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Possible Routes
There are different ways to travel from Big Lake to Sioux Falls, yet all roads lead to the destination. The question is, which one is the most efficient and cost-effective? Here are three possible routes to consider:
Route 1: North on I-94
One of the most well-known routes is to follow the I-94, also known as the Veterans Memorial Highway, through Minnesota and South Dakota. From Big Lake, you would head north on US-10 for about 32 miles until you meet the I-94. Then, you'd travel west for approximately 252 miles before arriving at Sioux Falls.
Route 2: The Southern Path
Another option would be to head south from Big Lake on US-169 for approximately 30 miles until you meet County Road 42. Then, you'd turn west and head towards US-71 for about 67 miles. Once you're at US-71, you'll continue south for another 56 miles until you reach I-90. From there, it's an easy 21-mile final stretch into Sioux Falls.
Route 3: The Long Haul
Finally, you could also choose to travel through the countryside and hop on the County Road 4. From Big Lake, you'd travel west for about 10 miles until you meet County Road 5. Then, you'd head south for 13 miles until you meet with Minnesota State Highway 12. Continue for nearly 20 miles until you meet US-212, which will take you to Sioux Falls. This path measures 330 miles and doesn't include a highway.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs will be the biggest expense on this trip, yet it is essential first to determine the gas mileage of our vehicle. We will assume an average vehicle is approximately 25 miles per gallon.
Route 1: North on I-94
With 252 miles to travel, the first route would cost approximately $32 in fuel costs based on the current gas price average of $2.50 per gallon.
Route 2: The Southern Path
This path takes a few more turns and miles, totaling 174 miles. Gas consumption would be approximately $22 for this journey.
Route 3: The Long Haul
Finally, the long haul measures nearly 330 miles or the longest distance of all three paths. In terms of fuel budgets, you would need to budget around $42 for the trip.
Other Trip Costs
Fuel isn't your only expenditure on a road trip, so let's take a closer look at what other expenses you may encounter on your journey.
Lodging
The average cost of lodging in Sioux Falls ranges between $50 and $120 per night, depending on the hotel's location and quality. With this in mind, you should factor in lodging costs when budgeting for your trip.
Food
Eating out at a fast-food restaurant would cost around $7 to $10 per meal per person. Yet, if you're looking for finer fare, it could set you back anywhere from $20 to $30 per person per meal. If you plan on driving through fast-food for every meal, including snacks, you would need approximately $100 for the entire trip for food alone.
Conclusion
Based on the distance traveled and the cost of fuel, the southern path, Route 2, appears to be the most cost-effective route for the trip between Big Lake, Minnesota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With fuel costs at around $22, travelers should budget around $50 for food and $120 for lodging per night. Overall, the trip would take an average of 4-5 hours to drive, depending on the traffic and rest stops along the way. Ultimately, with a well-planned budget, this economic road trip could be an enjoyable experience.