Cheapest States for Gas
This page ranks all 50 states by the average price of regular gasoline, cheapest first, from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s weekly retail survey. This week, regular gas averages $4.27 nationally and runs from $3.63 in Texas to $5.89 in California.
Gas is usually cheapest in Texas and the rest of EIA’s Gulf Coast region, home to more than half of U.S. refining capacity, and in states with low fuel taxes. Use the ranking to plan where to fill up on a road trip or to see how your state compares. For a specific drive, the Trip Planner prices each leg with these same prices.
Who this guide helps
Commuters, road trip planners, delivery drivers, business travelers, families, and anyone trying to reduce fuel costs.
States Ranked by Gas Price
EIA publishes weekly prices for 9 states. The other 41 are priced at their region’s weekly average, so states in the same region share a price and a rank.
$3.63/gal
$0.64 below avg
$3.70/gal
$0.57 below avg
$3.70/gal
$0.57 below avg
$3.70/gal
$0.57 below avg
$3.70/gal
$0.57 below avg
$3.70/gal
$0.57 below avg
$3.83/gal
$0.44 below avg
$3.83/gal
$0.44 below avg
$3.83/gal
$0.44 below avg
$3.83/gal
$0.44 below avg
$3.83/gal
$0.44 below avg
$4.02/gal
$0.25 below avg
$4.14/gal
$0.12 below avg
$4.15/gal
$0.12 below avg
$4.20/gal
$0.07 below avg
$4.20/gal
$0.07 below avg
$4.20/gal
$0.07 below avg
$4.20/gal
$0.07 below avg
$4.20/gal
$0.07 below avg
$4.25/gal
$0.02 below avg
$4.25/gal
$0.02 below avg
$4.25/gal
$0.02 below avg
$4.25/gal
$0.02 below avg
$4.25/gal
$0.02 below avg
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.27/gal
$4.38/gal
$4.46/gal
$4.46/gal
$4.46/gal
$4.46/gal
$4.46/gal
$4.87/gal
$4.87/gal
$4.87/gal
$4.87/gal
$4.87/gal
$5.20/gal
$5.89/gal
Source: EIA.gov. National average: $4.27/gal. Updated weekly.
Find Low Gas Prices by State
Fuel costs are not the same across the United States. A driver in one state may pay much less per gallon than a driver in another state on the same day. Comparing gas prices by state gives you a clear view of where fuel is more affordable and where driving may cost more.
This can be helpful when planning a trip, choosing a route, estimating monthly fuel expenses, or comparing the cost of living between states.
You can use it to quickly see:
The ranking gives a simple snapshot. It should be used as a guide, not a fixed price promise.
Why Some States Have Cheaper Gas
Gas prices are affected by several local and national factors. In simple terms, gas is often cheaper in states where fuel taxes are lower, supply is easier to access, or transportation costs are reduced.
Lower Fuel Taxes
States with lower per-gallon tax rates pass those savings directly to drivers at the pump.
Refinery Access
A state near refineries or major fuel supply routes may have lower transportation costs built into the price.
Fewer Fuel Rules
States with less strict fuel blend requirements often have simpler and cheaper fuel to produce and distribute.
How to Use This Information
Start by looking at the states with the lowest average fuel prices. Then compare them with your own state or any state you plan to visit.
For road trips, checking nearby states can help you decide where to stop for gas. Even a small price difference can matter when you are filling a large tank or driving many miles.
For daily drivers, this information can also help with monthly budgeting. If you know fuel is usually cheaper in a nearby area, you may plan your fill-ups more carefully.
Why Gas Prices Change Often
Gas prices can move up or down because fuel markets change constantly.
Supply and Demand
More people driving can increase demand, which may raise pump prices, especially during busy travel seasons.
Crude Oil Prices
Global oil prices directly influence how much refineries pay, which flows through to what you pay at the pump.
Weather and Refinery Activity
Extreme weather can disrupt supply chains and refinery output, causing regional price spikes.
Local Issues
A refinery delay, fuel delivery problem, or regional tax change can affect prices in one area more than another.
Cheapest Gas Does Not Always Mean Cheapest Driving
Low fuel prices are helpful, but they are only one part of driving cost. A driver with a fuel-efficient car in a higher-priced state may spend less than someone driving a large SUV in a cheaper gas state.
To understand your real cost, think about:
Best Ways to Save on Gas
You cannot control state gas prices, but you can control how you plan and drive. Small habits can help reduce fuel spending over time.
Avoid unnecessary trips when possible
Combine errands into one route instead of making several short drives.
Keep your tires properly inflated
Low tire pressure can make your car work harder and use more fuel.
Drive smoothly
Fast starts, hard braking, and speeding often increase fuel use.
Compare nearby stations before filling up
Prices can vary even within the same city, especially on long trips.
Experience-Based Fuel Planning Tips
Check prices before your tank gets too low, since waiting may force you to fill up wherever you are
Avoid filling up at the first station after a highway exit unless you need to, because those stations can cost more
Do not drive too far just to save a few cents per gallon, because the extra miles may cancel out the savings
Balance price, distance, safety, and convenience for the best overall decision
What to Remember Before Comparing States
State averages are useful, but they do not show every local price. A city, county, or station may be higher or lower than the state average.
Use the ranking as a starting point. Then check local station prices when you are ready to fill up.
Also remember that prices can change quickly. A state that is cheap this week may not stay in the same position forever.