Most Expensive States for Gas
This page ranks all 50 states by the average price of regular gasoline, most expensive first, from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s weekly retail survey. This week, regular gas averages $4.27 nationally and runs from $5.89 in California down to $3.63 in Texas.
Prices run highest on the West Coast, where California requires its own special gasoline blend to cut smog and fuel taxes are among the nation’s highest, and in states with long supply lines such as Hawaii and Alaska. This guide covers why prices run high and how to spend less when you drive through.
Who This Guide Helps
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.
$5.89/gal
$1.62 above avg
$5.20/gal
$0.93 above avg
$4.87/gal
$0.60 above avg
$4.87/gal
$0.60 above avg
$4.87/gal
$0.60 above avg
$4.87/gal
$0.60 above avg
$4.87/gal
$0.60 above avg
$4.46/gal
$0.19 above avg
$4.46/gal
$0.19 above avg
$4.46/gal
$0.19 above avg
$4.46/gal
$0.19 above avg
$4.46/gal
$0.19 above avg
$4.38/gal
$0.11 above 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
$4.25/gal
$4.25/gal
$4.25/gal
$4.25/gal
$4.25/gal
$4.20/gal
$4.20/gal
$4.20/gal
$4.20/gal
$4.20/gal
$4.15/gal
$4.14/gal
$4.02/gal
$3.83/gal
$3.83/gal
$3.83/gal
$3.83/gal
$3.83/gal
$3.70/gal
$3.70/gal
$3.70/gal
$3.70/gal
$3.70/gal
$3.63/gal
Source: EIA.gov. National average: $4.27/gal. Updated weekly.
The Strategic Approach: Fill Before You Cross
Crossing a state line can mean paying 50 to 90 cents more per gallon on the other side, or $10 to $18 extra on a single 20 gallon fill. The most effective strategy for crossings into expensive states is simple: fill your tank as completely as practical in the last cheaper state before you cross. It takes only modest planning, and on a truck or SUV with a 30 to 40 gallon tank the saving grows to about $15 to $36 per crossing.
| Crossing Into | Fill Up At |
|---|---|
| California (via I-80) | Reno, Nevada |
| California (via I-40) | Needles area, Arizona side |
| Washington (via I-90) | Coeur d'Alene or Post Falls, Idaho |
| Illinois from Indiana (I-80/I-90) | Hammond or Portage, Indiana |
| Connecticut (via I-95) | New York side of the border |
Track current prices for every state on the Gas Prices by State page before and during your trip. The data updates weekly, so you can see which side of each border is cheaper on your travel dates.
Understanding Gas Prices Across States
Gas prices are not the same everywhere. Even nearby states can have very different costs. These differences come from several key factors that affect how fuel is produced, transported, and sold.
State Taxes and Fees
Each state adds its own tax to fuel. Some states charge higher taxes, which directly increases the price per gallon.
Supply and Distribution
States that are far from oil refineries often pay more. Fuel must travel longer distances, which raises transportation costs.
Environmental Regulations
Some states require cleaner fuel blends. These are better for air quality but cost more to produce.
Demand Levels
Busy cities and tourist-heavy areas often have higher demand. When demand rises, prices usually follow.
Local Market Competition
In areas with fewer gas stations, prices can stay higher due to limited competition.
States With the Highest Gas Prices
Certain states regularly appear at the top of the list for expensive gas. These states share similar challenges such as higher taxes, strict fuel standards, or limited supply routes.
Common traits of high-cost states
Why Some States Pay More for Gas
Geographic Challenges
States far from major oil production areas depend on long supply chains. This adds cost at every step.
Limited Refining Capacity
When a state has few refineries, it depends on imports from other regions. This can lead to price spikes during supply shortages.
Policy and Regulations
Environmental rules often require special fuel blends. These blends are cleaner but more expensive to produce and distribute.
Seasonal Changes
Prices can rise in summer due to increased travel. Some states experience sharper increases due to higher demand.
How Gas Prices Impact Daily Life
Fuel costs affect more than just your car. They influence many parts of everyday life.
Transportation Costs
Higher gas prices increase commuting expenses. This impacts workers who drive long distances.
Delivery and Shipping
When fuel costs rise, delivery services become more expensive. Businesses often pass these costs to customers.
Travel Planning
Road trips and vacations become more expensive. Travelers may adjust routes or reduce travel distances.
Household Budgets
Rising gas prices reduce disposable income. Families may cut spending in other areas.
Smart Ways to Save on Gas
Even if you live in a high-cost state, you can still reduce your fuel expenses with simple habits.
Drive More Efficiently
- ✓ Avoid sudden acceleration and braking
- ✓ Maintain a steady speed on highways
- ✓ Use cruise control when possible
Keep Your Vehicle in Good Shape
- ✓ Check tire pressure regularly
- ✓ Replace air filters when needed
- ✓ Follow your car's maintenance schedule
Plan Your Trips
- ✓ Combine errands into one trip
- ✓ Avoid peak traffic hours
- ✓ Use navigation apps to find faster routes
Choose Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Cars with better mileage use less fuel. This can make a big difference over time, especially in states where gas prices are consistently above the national average.
High Gas Prices and Urban Areas
Cities often have higher gas prices than rural areas within the same state.
Why cities cost more
Urban drivers may notice faster price increases compared to rural regions.
Seasonal Trends in Gas Prices
Gas prices do not stay the same throughout the year.
Spring & Summer
Prices often rise due to increased travel and summer fuel blend requirements.
Holidays
Travel demand increases during major holidays, which can push prices higher.
Winter
May bring lower demand and slightly lower prices in some regions.
Driving Habits That Increase Fuel Costs
Certain habits can make you spend more on gas without realizing it. Avoiding these can lead to noticeable savings.
Idling for long periods
Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle
Driving at very high speeds
Ignoring maintenance issues
Planning Road Trips in High-Cost States
If you are traveling through states with high gas prices, planning becomes even more important.