Estimating the Cost of a Road Trip from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri to Goodyear, Arizona Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip can be an exciting adventure, but understanding the costs associated with the journey is essential. This article breaks down the various routes you can take from downtown Kansas City, Missouri to Goodyear, Arizona. We'll calculate travel distances, estimated gas costs, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.
Overview of the Trip
Traveling from Kansas City to Goodyear covers approximately 1,100 miles, making it a significant journey. Depending on the specific route chosen, gas prices, and vehicle fuel efficiency, the total trip cost can vary considerably. As of recent data, the average gas price in the U.S. hovers around $3.85 per gallon. To estimate the fuel costs accurately, we need to consider the fuel economy of your vehicle.
Typical Vehicle Fuel Efficiency
For this estimation, we'll assume the following vehicle types and their average miles per gallon (MPG):
- Compact Car: 30 MPG
- Mid-size Car: 25 MPG
- SUV: 20 MPG
- Truck: 15 MPG
Now, let's dive into the routes and the associated costs.
Route Options
Route 1: I-70 W and I-40 W
- Distance: Approximately 1,125 miles
- Estimated Travel Time: 16-18 hours (not including stops)
This route takes you westward through Kansas and into Colorado before connecting with I-40 in New Mexico. You'll pass through notable cities like Denver, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff.
Gas Cost Calculation
Fuel Needed:
- For a compact car: ( \frac{1,125}{30} = 37.5 ) gallons
- For a mid-size car: ( \frac{1,125}{25} = 45 ) gallons
- For an SUV: ( \frac{1,125}{20} = 56.25 ) gallons
- For a truck: ( \frac{1,125}{15} = 75 ) gallons
Total Cost:
- Compact Car: ( 37.5 \times 3.85 \approx $144.38 )
- Mid-size Car: ( 45 \times 3.85 \approx $173.25 )
- SUV: ( 56.25 \times 3.85 \approx $216.56 )
- Truck: ( 75 \times 3.85 \approx $288.75 )
Route 2: I-70 W and I-10 W
- Distance: Approximately 1,100 miles
- Estimated Travel Time: 16-17 hours
This route also starts on I-70 but cuts down through New Mexico, entering Arizona much earlier than Route 1. This offers a faster route by avoiding the mountainous areas in Colorado.
Gas Cost Calculation
Fuel Needed:
- For a compact car: ( \frac{1,100}{30} = 36.67 ) gallons
- For a mid-size car: ( \frac{1,100}{25} = 44 ) gallons
- For an SUV: ( \frac{1,100}{20} = 55 ) gallons
- For a truck: ( \frac{1,100}{15} = 73.33 ) gallons
Total Cost:
- Compact Car: ( 36.67 \times 3.85 \approx $140.67 )
- Mid-size Car: ( 44 \times 3.85 \approx $169.40 )
- SUV: ( 55 \times 3.85 \approx $211.75 )
- Truck: ( 73.33 \times 3.85 \approx $282.12 )
Route 3: I-35 S and I-10 W
- Distance: Approximately 1,200 miles
- Estimated Travel Time: 20 hours
This route takes you south through Oklahoma City, then joining I-10 in Texas. While it offers a scenic experience, the additional mileage makes it the longest option.
Gas Cost Calculation
Fuel Needed:
- For a compact car: ( \frac{1,200}{30} = 40 ) gallons
- For a mid-size car: ( \frac{1,200}{25} = 48 ) gallons
- For an SUV: ( \frac{1,200}{20} = 60 ) gallons
- For a truck: ( \frac{1,200}{15} = 80 ) gallons
Total Cost:
- Compact Car: ( 40 \times 3.85 \approx $154.00 )
- Mid-size Car: ( 48 \times 3.85 \approx $184.80 )
- SUV: ( 60 \times 3.85 \approx $231.00 )
- Truck: ( 80 \times 3.85 \approx $308.00 )
Comparing the Routes
Cost Summary
| Route | Distance (miles) | Compact Car Cost | Mid-size Car Cost | SUV Cost | Truck Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-70 W and I-40 W | 1,125 | $144.38 | $173.25 | $216.56 | $288.75 |
| I-70 W and I-10 W | 1,100 | $140.67 | $169.40 | $211.75 | $282.12 |
| I-35 S and I-10 W | 1,200 | $154.00 | $184.80 | $231.00 | $308.00 |
Recommended Route
Based on our analysis, Route 2 (I-70 W and I-10 W) stands out as the best option. It offers a reasonable distance of 1,100 miles and the lowest estimated gas cost across all vehicle types. By taking this route, travelers can enjoy a balance of scenic views and minimal travel expenses.
Conclusion
Traveling from downtown Kansas City to Goodyear, Arizona can be both an exciting and budget-conscious journey. The recommended route via I-70 W and I-10 W covers about 1,100 miles and costs approximately $140.67 in gas for a compact car, making it an efficient choice. Overall, expect the trip to last around 16-17 hours, providing ample opportunities for sightseeing and rest stops along the way. With the right planning and a clear budget, embarking on this adventurous road trip could create lasting memories.