Gas Or Pass?
Gas prices affect countless people every day. Be it road trips, daily commutes, or weekend plans. However, some states make it harder than others. If you are wondering where to fill up without flinching, buckle up. These rankings might surprise your tank and your budget. Let’s start by looking at the states with the highest gas prices, where every trip to the pump feels like a luxury tax.
1. California
Consistently topping the charts, California hits an average of $4.651 per gallon. Environmental regulations, taxes, and limited refinery capacity all play a role. Add regional pricing disparities and traffic-packed commutes, and you’ve got a state where every fill-up feels like a high-end purchase.
2. Hawaii
Expect to pay around $4.524 in Hawaii, where isolation and fuel imports drive up the cost. Prices are especially inflated on outer islands where supply logistics become even more complicated. Welcome to Hawaii!
3. Washington
With an average of $4.125 per gallon, Washington's carbon fees and clean energy policies contribute to its high costs. Count in refinery constraints and metro-area markups, and it’s easy to see why the Evergreen State lands high on this list.
4. Nevada
Fuel distribution challenges across Nevada’s vast deserts, plus tourism demand in places like Vegas, keep prices elevated. Nevada drivers pay about $4.755 per gallon. So, it’s not just the heat making your wallet sweat here.
5. Oregon
Oregon sits around $3.756 per gallon. Its clean fuel standards and transportation taxes bump up prices, even without self-service pumps. Whether you're exploring the coast or the Cascades, expect to pay a bit more per mile.
6. Arizona
In Arizona, $3.334 per gallon is the average. That figure is rising due to regional supply shifts and distribution challenges from neighboring states. It's not the worst (yet), but it's climbing fast. So, you might have to be prepared for your future trips.
Christoffer G. Thomsen on Wikimedia
7. Alaska
You’d think oil-rich states would have cheap gas. However, Alaska’s remote location and low population density mean high transport costs. Gas prices here average $3.409 per gallon. Fueling up before a long drive isn’t just smart—it’s survival.
8. Illinois
High state taxes and metro congestion, especially around Chicago, push prices above the national average. As a result, Illinois drivers pay about $3.432. Even with refinery access, tax layers pack a punch.
9. Pennsylvania
At $3.236 a gallon, Pennsylvania residents pay some of the highest gas taxes in the country. Moreover, the state’s pumps have aging infrastructure, and it also faces cold-weather fuel issues. All of this is a recipe for pain.
10. New York
Urban density, layered taxes, and regional refinery shutdowns mean consistently high prices. So, New York lands at $3.113. And don’t forget about the city premiums. This means New Yorkers pay to park and to pump.
Now that we’ve covered where gas guzzles your wallet, it’s time to check out the states where filling up feels almost like a bargain.
1. Texas
Texas has one of the lowest averages at $2.763 per gallon. As a major producer and refiner, it benefits from a short supply chain and low taxes. Here, road trips are almost encouraged. No wonder the phrase “fill ‘er up” was born here.
2. Mississippi
Low state taxes and access to Gulf Coast refineries help keep things affordable. With prices averaging $2.678, Mississippi is wallet-friendly when it comes to fuel. This is one of the best deals on the map.
3. Louisiana
The state has a strong refining capacity and less red tape, so fuel flows freely without inflating costs. That’s why Gas in Louisiana runs about $2.758. Bayou backroads never looked so budget-friendly because cruising Cajun country won’t burn your savings.
U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wikimedia
4. Arkansas
At $2.820 per gallon, Arkansas drivers enjoy some of the nation’s lowest prices. With a smaller population and fewer urban centers, demand stays manageable, which keeps prices low. Fewer cars, fewer problems—at least at the pump.
The original uploader was Bobak at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
5. Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s average of $2.731 is no accident. As an oil-rich state, local production, refining, and distribution all contribute to the bargain. Drivers here tend to fill up with fewer complaints. No middlemen, no markup, just straight-up savings.
6. Missouri
The state has among the lowest fuel taxes nationwide, and with fewer regulatory burdens, prices stay calm, even when national spikes hit elsewhere. Gas in Missouri goes for about $2.89. Call it the Midwest’s best-kept fuel secret.
7. Alabama
Alabama keeps things breezy at the pump, averaging $2.767 per gallon. Thanks to Gulf supply routes and light regulations, fuel stays affordable. There are no dramatic price hikes or surprise fees. It was just an easy stop before hitting the road again. Your wallet stays chill, and so does your drive.
8. Tennessee
A combination of low taxes and solid infrastructure means drivers can stretch their dollars—and maybe even their playlists—on every drive. Tennessee’s average sits at $2.802. So yes, your tank lasts longer than your road trip playlist while exploring the state.
AppalachianCentrist on Wikimedia
9. Kansas
Kansas drivers enjoy an average of $2.826. It's not flashy, but it’s consistent. Broad access to fuel pipelines and modest taxes keep gas prices in check year-round. Flyover state? Maybe. Drive-through dream? Definitely.
10. South Carolina
Rounding out the cheapest ten, South Carolina comes in at $2.824. The state’s low fuel taxes and proximity to supply hubs help keep the price per gallon refreshingly low. Road trippers rejoice because coastal drives have never been cheaper.
