EV vs Gas Cost by State
This guide helps readers compare the driving cost of electric vehicles and gas cars across U.S. states. It shows how local gas prices and residential electricity rates can change the cost of traveling the same distance. This kind of comparison is useful for commuters, families, car shoppers, and people planning a move. It gives a clearer view of where EV driving is more affordable and where the gap is smaller. Instead of looking at fuel prices alone, readers can understand how state-level energy costs affect day-to-day driving expenses in a practical and easy-to-read format.
| State | Gas/100 mi | EV/100 mi | EV Saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $18.14 | $2.93 | +84% |
| Oregon | $16.51 | $3.25 | +80% |
| Nevada | $16.51 | $3.68 | +78% |
| Arizona | $16.51 | $3.92 | +76% |
| Idaho | $14.13 | $2.96 | +79% |
| Wyoming | $14.13 | $3.19 | +77% |
| Utah | $14.13 | $3.39 | +76% |
| Montana | $14.13 | $3.45 | +76% |
| California | $18.89 | $8.64 | +54% |
| Delaware | $14.20 | $4.00 | +72% |
| North Dakota | $13.16 | $3.13 | +76% |
| Oklahoma | $13.16 | $3.33 | +75% |
| Ohio | $13.94 | $4.12 | +70% |
| Alaska | $16.51 | $6.73 | +59% |
| Nebraska | $13.16 | $3.42 | +74% |
| South Dakota | $13.16 | $3.48 | +74% |
| Colorado | $13.68 | $4.00 | +71% |
| Tennessee | $13.16 | $3.51 | +73% |
| Maryland | $14.20 | $4.55 | +68% |
| Kentucky | $13.16 | $3.57 | +73% |
| Pennsylvania | $14.20 | $4.61 | +68% |
| Iowa | $13.16 | $3.63 | +72% |
| Missouri | $13.16 | $3.71 | +72% |
| Kansas | $13.16 | $3.83 | +71% |
| New Jersey | $14.20 | $4.99 | +65% |
| West Virginia | $12.78 | $3.63 | +72% |
| Illinois | $13.16 | $4.03 | +69% |
| Indiana | $13.16 | $4.09 | +69% |
| North Carolina | $12.78 | $3.74 | +71% |
| Georgia | $12.78 | $3.83 | +70% |
| South Carolina | $12.78 | $3.89 | +70% |
| Virginia | $12.78 | $3.92 | +69% |
| Arkansas | $12.07 | $3.28 | +73% |
| Minnesota | $13.00 | $4.21 | +68% |
| Louisiana | $12.07 | $3.42 | +72% |
| Florida | $12.81 | $4.21 | +67% |
| Mississippi | $12.07 | $3.54 | +71% |
| Wisconsin | $13.16 | $4.67 | +65% |
| Alabama | $12.07 | $3.89 | +68% |
| New York | $14.35 | $6.32 | +56% |
| New Mexico | $12.07 | $4.06 | +66% |
| Michigan | $13.16 | $5.16 | +61% |
| Vermont | $14.12 | $6.18 | +56% |
| Texas | $11.79 | $4.03 | +66% |
| Maine | $14.12 | $6.70 | +53% |
| New Hampshire | $14.12 | $7.66 | +46% |
| Connecticut | $14.12 | $7.95 | +44% |
| Massachusetts | $14.13 | $8.00 | +43% |
| Rhode Island | $14.12 | $8.06 | +43% |
| Hawaii | $16.51 | $12.21 | +26% |
Gas prices: EIA.gov. Electricity rates: EIA.gov 2024 residential averages.
How to Use This Comparison
Start by choosing the state you want to review
Energy costs vary by state, so location plays a big role in the comparison.
Look at the gas vehicle driving cost
This shows the estimated amount a gas car may spend to travel a fixed distance.
Check the EV driving cost
This shows the estimated electricity cost for driving the same distance.
Compare both values side by side
This helps you quickly see which option is cheaper to drive in that state.
Review the savings column
This shows how much lower the EV driving cost is compared with the gas vehicle.
Compare multiple states if needed
This is helpful for relocation planning, travel research, or broader market analysis.
Use the result as a practical benchmark
It gives a useful cost snapshot, but real-world expenses can still vary by vehicle, driving habits, and charging method.
What This Comparison Measures
This comparison measures the estimated cost of driving an electric vehicle and a gas vehicle over the same distance in each state. The goal is to make energy costs easier to compare.
Gas cost by state
Gas prices are different across the country. A state with higher fuel prices will usually show a higher driving cost for gas vehicles.
Electricity cost by state
Electricity rates also change by location. That affects how much it costs to charge an EV at home.
Gas vehicle efficiency (MPG)
Miles per gallon — how many miles a gas vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel.
EV efficiency (kWh/100 mi)
Kilowatt-hours per 100 miles — how much electricity an EV uses to travel that distance.
Cost for the same distance
Both vehicle types are measured over the same driving distance so the comparison stays fair and easy to understand.
Estimated savings
The difference between the gas driving cost and the EV driving cost. It helps show where EV driving has a stronger cost advantage.
Formula and Logic
The logic is simple. It compares how much energy each vehicle needs to travel the same distance and then matches that energy use with local state prices.
For a gas car, the comparison uses:
- Fuel efficiency (MPG)
- Local gas price
Gas driving cost = (100 / MPG) × gas price per gallonFor an EV, it uses:
- Electricity use (kWh/100 miles)
- Local electricity rate
EV driving cost = kWh per 100 miles × electricity rate per kWhEV savings:
EV savings = gas driving cost − EV driving costThis format works well because it compares equal distance, not different fuel types on their own. That makes the results easier to understand for everyday drivers.
Example Comparisons
Example 1: Lower electricity cost, average gas price
Inputs
Result
In a state with lower home electricity rates, EV driving can be much cheaper than gas driving.
Example 2: Lower gas price, higher electricity rate
Inputs
Result
The EV still costs less to drive, but the gap is smaller when electricity is more expensive and gas is less expensive.
Example 3: Less efficient gas vehicle
Inputs
Result
The lower the gas vehicle's fuel efficiency, the more noticeable the EV cost advantage can become.
Understanding Your Results
The results are easiest to read when you focus on three main numbers.
Gas Driving Cost
Estimated fuel cost for a gas vehicle to travel the set distance.
EV Driving Cost
Estimated electricity cost for an electric vehicle to travel the same distance.
Savings Difference
How much lower the EV cost is than the gas cost.
A wider savings gap means EV driving is much cheaper in that state.
A smaller gap means the cost advantage is still there, but it is less dramatic.
The more miles a person drives, the more meaningful the savings may become over time.
For low-mileage drivers, the monthly difference may feel smaller even if the EV still costs less per distance traveled.
This comparison focuses on energy cost, not every ownership expense. Insurance, maintenance, vehicle price, charging setup, and resale value are separate factors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Looking only at gas prices and ignoring electricity rates
Assuming all EVs use the same amount of electricity
Assuming all gas cars get the same MPG
Treating energy cost as the full cost of ownership
Forgetting that public charging can cost more than home charging
Ignoring how weather and traffic affect efficiency
Comparing one state without checking nearby alternatives
Misreading savings as fixed long-term numbers