BorderBetter

Canada → United States

BorderBetter goes beyond simple price conversion by accounting for the factors that affect whether a cross-border trip actually saves money.

Is a U.S. gas run actually worth it?

1

Your vehicle

Enter your vehicle details for a more accurate estimate.

Example values shown — change any field to match your trip.

Find your vehicle details

Use NRCan for fuel economy, and check your owner’s manual or manufacturer specifications for tank capacity.

NRCan fuel ratings ↗
2

Fuel prices

Compare the Canadian fuel price with the U.S. fuel price you expect to pay.

Foreign exchange fee
3

Your trip

Are you making this trip mainly for gas?

This determines whether the trip’s fuel cost should be deducted from your savings.

How BorderBetter calculates your savings

BorderBetter converts the U.S. pump price into Canadian dollars per litre, applies your selected exchange-rate cost, estimates how much fuel you can buy, and subtracts the estimated trip cost when applicable.

01

Fuel prices

Compare Canadian $/L with U.S. $/gal.

02

Exchange rate

Convert U.S. costs into Canadian dollars.

03

Your vehicle

Estimate how much fuel you can purchase and consume.

04

Trip cost

Account for fuel used getting there and back when it is a dedicated gas trip.

Why I Created BorderBetter

Living near the Canada–U.S. border, I regularly cross into the United States and often wondered whether filling up there actually saved money.

Most tools only compare fuel prices. They do not account for exchange rates, your vehicle’s fuel economy, or the cost of making the trip.

BorderBetter was created to estimate whether the fuel savings outweigh the estimated cost of making the trip.

BorderBetter starts with fuel savings, with additional cross-border tools planned over time.

Read the full founder story →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Does BorderBetter work outside British Columbia?

Yes. Canadian drivers can use the calculator anywhere in Canada. Enter your local Canadian fuel price, the U.S. fuel price you are comparing, your vehicle details and your trip distance.

Does BorderBetter include exchange-rate costs?

Yes. The calculator uses the USD/CAD exchange rate and the foreign-exchange cost you select.

What if I am already travelling to the United States?

Choose “No — I am already going to the U.S.” BorderBetter will not deduct your normal travel fuel cost because you were already making the trip.

Does BorderBetter include border wait times?

Not yet. Border wait times can make a meaningful difference to whether the trip is still worth it, even when U.S. fuel is cheaper.

Are the results exact?

No. BorderBetter provides estimates. Actual savings can vary because of fuel prices, exchange rates, card fees, traffic, driving conditions, fuel economy and station location.

What’s next

Planned tools

Additional cross-border tools are planned for areas such as border waits, shopping costs, duties, and trip planning.