SPOKANE, Wash. — As gas prices in Spokane continue to climb, many people have wondered if they would save money filling up their tank if they crossed the border into Idaho and filled up in Post Falls, where gas prices are slightly cheaper.
However, making the nearly 30-minute drive may not be worth it.
Gas prices in Spokane are approaching near record-high prices for the first time since 2008, averaging $4.03 per gallon. The cheapest price for regular gas in Spokane on Sunday, March 6 was $3.73 per gallon while the most expensive was $4.25.
In Spokane County, the average price is $4.14 per gallon, according to AAA Washington.
Across the border in Kootenai County, the average gas price is relatively cheaper, averaging $3.93 per gallon.
It's no secret that most Spokane residents want to spend as little on gas as possible, which begs the question: is it worth it to drive to Post Falls from Spokane to get gas?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Automotive Trends Report, most vehicles get about 25 miles per gallon. The distance from Spokane to Post Falls is roughly 25 miles.
This means that driving from Spokane to Post Falls and back would be roughly 50 miles, which equates to approximately two gallons of gas.
Assuming the driver used a gallon of gas purchased in Spokane ($4.14) to get to Post Falls, and another gallon of gas purchased in Post Falls ($3.93) to get back to Spokane, the total cost of the trip is $8.07.
Because Kootenai County gas prices are only 21 cents cheaper than Spokane County prices ($4.14 minus $3.93), you would need to purchase approximately 38 gallons of gas in Post Falls to save money.
In short, you're better off filling up in Spokane and skipping the long drive to Post Falls. However, if you find yourself in Post Falls for errands, events or any other reason, filling up on the way home isn't a bad idea since you're already there.