Worth the Drive Calculator
Is driving somewhere to save money actually worth it? Calculate the true cost including gas and your time.
Is That Trip Really Worth It?
The Gas Trap
Driving 10 miles to save $0.10/gallon on gas? That 20-mile round trip costs about $2-3 in fuel. You'd need to fill a 30+ gallon tank just to break even, not counting your time.
Time Is Money
Your time has value. If you earn $25/hour, a 1-hour round trip costs you $25 in opportunity. Even if you're not working, ask: "Would I pay $25 to have that hour back?"
The Break-Even Point
Before you go, calculate the minimum savings needed to make the trip worthwhile. If you need to save $30 and the deal only saves $20, it's not worth it—even if it "feels" like a good deal.
Common "Worth the Drive" Scenarios
Costco / Warehouse Run
Often worth it if you're buying in bulk. A 15-mile trip costs ~$5 in gas + time, but savings on bulk items can easily exceed $30-50. Combine with other errands to maximize value.
Cheaper Gas Station
Rarely worth driving out of your way. $0.10/gallon savings × 15 gallons = $1.50. If the station is more than 2-3 miles out of your way, you lose money.
Big Sale Items
Calculate the actual dollar savings, not the percentage. 50% off a $30 item saves $15. If the drive costs $20, you're losing money despite the "great deal."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate if a drive is worth it?
To determine if a drive is worth it, calculate the total cost: gas cost (round trip distance ÷ MPG × gas price) plus time cost (total drive time × your hourly rate). If your potential savings exceed this total cost, the drive is financially worth it. Don't forget to double the one-way distance and time for the round trip.
Should I factor in the value of my time when deciding to drive somewhere?
Yes, absolutely. Your time has real value. If you earn $25/hour at work, spending an extra hour driving is essentially costing you $25. Even if you're not working during that time, you could be relaxing, spending time with family, or doing something more enjoyable. Most people significantly undervalue their time when making these decisions.
Is it worth driving further to save money on gas?
Almost never. Let's do the math: If gas is $0.10/gallon cheaper 10 miles away and you fill up 15 gallons, you save $1.50. But the 20-mile round trip uses about 0.8 gallons of gas ($2.80) plus 30+ minutes of your time (worth $10-15 at most hourly rates). You'd lose $10+ on this "savings." Only go to cheaper gas if it's already on your route.
Did you know?
- The IRS standard mileage rate for 2024 is $0.67 per mile, which accounts for gas, maintenance, depreciation, and insurance.
- That's the true cost of driving—much higher than just gas. A 20-mile round trip actually costs about $13.40 in total vehicle expenses.
- Americans drive an average of 37 miles per day, spending about $25 on the true cost of driving before counting their time.
- Studies show people consistently undervalue their time by 40-60% when making decisions about driving vs. paying for convenience.
- The average American spends 294 hours per year behind the wheel—equivalent to over 7 full work weeks.