The Cost of a Trip Between Chandler and Yuma: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you planning a trip from Chandler, Arizona to Yuma, Arizona? Whether it’s for work, family, or just a weekend getaway, it’s important to budget for your trip. One of the biggest expenses of any road trip is the cost of gas. In this article, we’ll break down the cost of a trip between Chandler and Yuma based on current gas prices, provide several possible route options, compare the costs and distances, and recommend the best route.
Current Gas Prices
As of October 2021, the average gas price in Arizona is $3.78 per gallon, according to AAA. However, gas prices can vary by city and location. It’s important to check gas prices on your route before you start driving. You can use GasBuddy or other similar apps to find the cheapest gas stations along your route.
Route Options
There are several possible routes you could take from Chandler to Yuma. Here are four options:
Route 1: Via I-10 W
The most direct route is to take Interstate 10 West all the way to Yuma. This path covers about 188 miles and takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes without accounting for stops. This option is ideal if you are looking to get to your destination as quickly as possible.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of gas for this route based on different miles-per-gallon (MPG) ratings and vehicle sizes:
| MPG Rating | Small Car | Medium Car | Large Car | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | $48.00 | $59.25 | $73.50 | $84.50 |
| 25 | $38.40 | $47.40 | $58.80 | $67.60 |
| 30 | $32.00 | $39.38 | $48.60 | $55.30 |
Route 2: Via AZ-85 S
If you are looking for a less congested route, you can take AZ-85 S to Gila Bend, then take I-8 W to Yuma. This path covers about 196 miles and takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes without accounting for stops. While this may be a longer route, it may have less traffic and is more scenic.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of gas for this route based on different MPG ratings and vehicle sizes:
| MPG Rating | Small Car | Medium Car | Large Car | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | $49.00 | $60.38 | $74.50 | $86.00 |
| 25 | $39.20 | $48.30 | $59.60 | $68.80 |
| 30 | $32.67 | $40.25 | $49.67 | $56.33 |
Route 3: Via AZ-347 S and I-8 W
For a more scenic route that takes you through the Sonoran Desert, you can take AZ-347 S to Maricopa, then hop on I-8 W to Yuma. This path covers about 217 miles and takes around 3 hours and 44 minutes without accounting for stops. This route may be ideal if you have some extra time and want to explore a bit more.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of gas for this route based on different MPG ratings and vehicle sizes:
| MPG Rating | Small Car | Medium Car | Large Car | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | $54.25 | $66.81 | $82.50 | $94.75 |
| 25 | $43.40 | $53.45 | $66.00 | $76.00 |
| 30 | $36.17 | $44.54 | $54.90 | $62.67 |
Route 4: Via AZ-587 S and I-10
If you want to take a scenic route that gives you some historical background, then the AZ-587 S followed by a merge on I-10 W is the best option. This route is also the longest, covering about 246 miles and taking around 4 hours and 15 minutes without accounting for stops.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of gas for this route based on different MPG ratings and vehicle sizes:
| MPG Rating | Small Car | Medium Car | Large Car | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | $61.50 | $75.94 | $93.50 | $107.50 |
| 25 | $49.20 | $60.18 | $74.80 | $86.00 |
| 30 | $41.00 | $50.15 | $62.33 | $71.67 |
Recommended Route
If you're looking for the quickest route, then taking I-10 W is the best option. While it may not be the most scenic, it will certainly get you to your destination the fastest. For those who are looking for a more leisurely drive and have the time to spare, we recommend taking Route 3 via AZ-347 and I-8 W. This route provides the ideal balance between distance, time, and scenery.
Conclusion
No matter which route you choose, it's important to factor in the cost of gas when budgeting for a road trip. Taking the most direct route isn’t always the cheapest or the best option. We recommend exploring the different routes and finding what best fits your travel style and budget. So, plan your trip well, bring with you some snacks and drinks, and make the most of your travels between Chandler and Yuma. Safe travels!