Gas Prices By State 2024 [US Average & Regular Gas Price]

Navigating the everchanging world of gas prices by state can feel like an overwhelming task. As you crank your vehicle's ignition daily, you probably ask yourself why gas prices vary so much between states. Why does a gallon of gasoline in California cost almost twice as much in Louisiana?

Believe it or not, these price variations aren't just randomly set. Several factors contribute to the disparity in gas prices across the United States, and understanding these components can help make sense of what you see at the pump.

After all, knowledge is power - and in this case, it could mean saving some dollars next time you fill up your tank.

What is the average gas price in the US?

As per recent data, the national average gas price in the US has seen an increase compared to 2022. In 2022, the average gas price was $3.84 per gallon across the United States.

However, by 2023, this cost has risen to over $4 per gallon. This rise may be attributed to inflation, increased oil demand, changes in global market dynamics, and fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Average Gas Prices by State

Across the United States, the average gas price varies drastically state-by-state due to various factors. These include taxes, transportation costs, and regional supply and demand.

According to GasBuddy, as of February 2023, the states with the highest average gas prices include California at approximately $5.30 per gallon and Hawaii at roughly $4.79 per gallon.

Here is the table of gas prices by state:

State	Regular Price
Alaska	$4.62
Alabama	$3.43
Arkansas	$3.41
Arizona	$4.32
California	$5.30
Colorado	$3.96
Connecticut	$3.80
District of Columbia	$3.97
Delaware	$3.61
Florida	$3.70
Georgia	$3.61
Hawaii	$4.79
Iowa	$3.60
Idaho	$4.16
Illinois	$4.06
Indiana	$3.67
Kansas	$3.57
Kentucky	$3.50
Louisiana	$3.38
Massachusetts	$3.76
Maryland	$3.68
Maine	$3.84
Michigan	$3.73
Minnesota	$3.64
Missouri	$3.49
Mississippi	$3.31
Montana	$4.00
North Carolina	$3.54
North Dakota	$3.72
Nebraska	$3.59
New Hampshire	$3.72
New Jersey	$3.66
New Mexico	$3.78
Nevada	$4.52
New York	$3.90
Ohio	$3.63
Oklahoma	$3.51
Oregon	$4.76
Pennsylvania	$3.88
Rhode Island	$3.74
South Carolina	$3.50
South Dakota	$3.74
Tennessee	$3.45
Texas	$3.42
Utah	$4.32
Virginia	$3.61
Vermont	$3.81
Washington	$5.11
Wisconsin	$3.59
West Virginia	$3.65
Wyoming	$3.93

Which State Has the Highest Gas Prices?

One of the first things you'll notice when comparing gas prices is a stark variation from state to state. Numerous factors influence these differences, from taxes and refinery costs to supply and demand dynamics.

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California

($5.00 to $5.30)

California has the dubious honor of having the highest gas prices in the nation, with an average price per gallon hovering between $5.00 and $5.30.

The reasons behind this are many; California has stringent environmental standards leading to higher processing costs.

Further enforcement of a high gasoline excise tax also contributes significantly to this price surge. Factors such as supply-demand equilibria and market conditions invariably affect these prices.

Washington

($4.95 to $5.11)

Coming second on our list is Washington state, with an average price range from $4.95 to $5.11 per gallon. Like California, Washington also imposes a relatively high tax on gasoline, notably inflating its price per gallon.

Geographical issues such as pipeline access for crude oil delivery into refineries come into play here, causing increased distribution expenses.

Hawaii

($4.70 to $4.79)

Beautiful islands packed with beaches come at a high cost – literally! Hawaii's average gas price sits around $4.70 to $4.79 per gallon, making it one of the highest in the country, second only to California and Washington state, respectively.

Its geographical isolation from mainland US sources contributes vastly to higher distribution costs, underlined by port fees, alongside Hawaii's requirement for particular blends, further adding complications leading to higher costs at the pump.

Oregon

($4.61 to $4.76)

Oregon stands as one of the top states with the highest gas prices in the country. Prices at the pump here can go as high as $4.76 per gallon, with an average price hovering around $4.61.

One contributing factor to Oregon's relatively high gasoline price is its distance from major oil producers and refineries, which drives up transportation costs and ultimately impacts what you pay at the pump.

Additionally, Oregon imposes a substantial fuel tax to fund infrastructure projects, adding to per-gallon costs.

Alaska

($4.34 to $4.62)

In stark contrast, despite being oil-rich, Alaska faces higher-than-average gas prices ranging from $4.34 to $4.62 per gallon on average. It may seem counter-intuitive that a state producing large amounts of crude oil has such steep gas prices.

This paradox is due primarily to the cost and complexity of refining crude oil into gasoline within the state's borders, coupled with logistical issues associated with distributing gasoline across Alaska’s vast geographical landscape, where many areas are accessible solely by plane or boat.

Which State Has The Lowest Gas Prices?

The South seems to be the way to go when it comes to fueling your vehicle. Many southern states feature prices that are significantly lower than the national average. Let’s examine which states offer you the most gas for your buck.

Also Read: Average Vacation Cost 2024 [Lodging, Food & Transportation]

Alabama

($3.43 to $3.35)

Among the states where motorists get more gas for their money is Alabama, with average prices between $3.43 and $3.35 per gallon.

The Heart of Dixie enjoys relatively low taxes on gasoline, contributing to its favorable pricing and making it a more economical option for road trippers and residents alike.

Texas

($3.42 to $3.44)

Next is Texas, where oil production heritage plays a part in lower prices at the pump - averaging between $3.42 and $3.44 per gallon.

Besides being an oil-rich state, vast flat landscapes mean logistics are more straightforward and cheaper here than in other states with more challenging terrains.

Arkansas

($3.41 - $3.44)

Arkansas boasts excellent fuel economy, with prices hovering around $3.41 - $3.44 per gallon on average recently, much thanks to lower state excise taxes on gasoline, which give motorists some relief when filling up at stations.

Louisiana

($3.38 - $3.40)

Louisiana currently has some of the lowest gas prices in America at an average of just over $3 per gallon ($2-4 cents below Arkansas’).

Another member of the petroleum-rich Gulf Coast region helps keep transportation costs low, aiding Louisiana's position towards the bottom of nationwide gas price rankings.

Mississippi

($3.25 - $3.31)

Lastly, Mississippi holds the crown for boasting the least expensive gas prices in America recently - coming in as low as an average of 25 cents below any other state's low end!

This can be attributed partly to its proximity to major Gulf Coast refineries and relatively low state taxes on gasoline.

While each state's specific circumstances are unique. Generally, factors like taxation policy, local supply chains, proximity to distribution points (like refineries or ports), and general cost-of-living indices play a role in determining what you’ll pay when you fill up your tank.

How To Save Money on Gas

Despite the constant shifts in gas prices, there are still effective ways to stretch your dollar at the pump. With a few strategic strategies and some inside tips, you can mitigate the impact of those extra cents on your wallet.

Maintain a Steady Speed and Avoid Rapid Acceleration

Did you know that speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking can lower your gas mileage? The solution is simple: maintain a steady speed. Here's why this helps:

• Rapid acceleration and deceleration consume more fuel. Smooth, gradual changes in speed are far more efficient.
• Consistently high speeds force your vehicle's engine to work harder, increasing its gasoline intake.
• Cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, which is particularly beneficial for highway driving.

Key Takeaways:

• Drive smoothly and avoid "stop-and-go" conditions whenever possible.
• Use cruise control to maintain steady highway speeds.
• Remember that every 5 mph driven over 50 mph is equivalent to paying an additional $0.18 per gallon for gas.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated

Your car's tires play a significant role in fuel efficiency. Neglecting them can increase fuel consumption due to higher rolling resistance from under-inflated tires.

To put it simply:

• A tire under-inflated by just one PSI (pound per square inch) can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 0.3%.
• Under-inflation increases "rolling resistance," the friction between tires and the road surface.
• Check tire pressures monthly with a good-quality gauge that measures pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI).

Action Points:

• Keep an eye on tire pressure levels – not only does it help with fuel efficiency, but it also improves overall vehicle performance and safety.
• Regularly rotate tires as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.

Download Gas Apps

Technology has put money-saving tools right at your fingertips! Downloading apps to track gas prices can lead you to the most affordable pumps in your area.

Why they work:

• These apps collect price information from various sources, providing real-time updates on price fluctuations.
• Users often share local pricing information - making it a community effort!

Must-Try Apps:

• GasBuddy: This robust app provides real-time data on gas prices across North America.
• Waze: While known as a navigation app, Waze also alerts users about nearby gas prices.

Buy Gas with a Rewards Credit Card

You can keep your gas expenditures in check by utilizing a rewards credit card that offers cash back or rewards points for every dollar spent at the gas station.

Many of these cards have partnerships with specific brands, allowing you to earn even more if you commit to fueling up at their pumps consistently.

Every time you use your rewards credit card to buy gas, you receive a percentage of your purchase back as a reward, which can help offset the effect of rising gas prices.

Certain cards even offer introductory rates as high as 5% cash back during an initial period. Other benefits can include no annual fee and introductory APR offers.

• Consider co-branded cards: Some gasoline companies have their own branded credit cards that might offer additional perks like discounts on in-store purchases.
• Pay attention to limits and tiers: Many cards offer tiered reward structures or may set a limit on how much you can earn.
• Read the fine print: Be aware of high interest rates if not paid in full monthly.
• Maximize your rewards: Plan frequent trips around stations where card rewards are maximized.

Use Cruise Control on Highways

Utilizing your vehicle's cruise control feature when driving on highways can greatly aid fuel efficiency. When you maintain constant speed with cruise control, the engine does not need to work harder to accelerate or decelerate often, leading to less fuel consumption.

• Saves gas: Limiting the changes in speed via cruise control maximizes potential MPG and can save substantial amounts of fuel over time.
• Reduces wear and tear: Constant accelerating and braking leads to car wear-out; cruise control use significantly minimizes it.
• Cruise responsibly: Never use cruise control in heavy traffic or unfavorable weather conditions (like rain or snow) where sudden braking is necessary.

Remove Excess Weight from Your Car

Extra weight puts unnecessary strain on your vehicle's engine and significantly reduces fuel efficiency. You'd be surprised what an impact even an additional 100 pounds could make on MPG reduction.

If removing physical items isn't cutting it, consider digital weight too; unused roof racks add wind resistance, resulting in more energy required for movement. Here are some steps we'd suggest:

• Regularly clean out your trunk and backseats from unnecessary items.
• Avoid carrying heavy equipment or tools unless needed immediately.
• Remove bike racks or cargo boxes from rooftops, reducing wind resistance and improving mileage if not regularly utilized.

By following these steps and understanding the dynamics behind U.S. gas prices state by state—you'll be better equipped to manage fuel expenses effectively.

FAQs About gas prices by state

Conclusion

Gas prices vary considerably from state to state due to various factors, including crude oil prices, state taxes, and local supply and demand.

These fluctuations can represent a significant portion of your budget, especially if you commute daily or travel frequently.

By understanding these influences and adopting practical habits such as utilizing credit card rewards, maximizing cruise control usage on highways, and emphasizing vehicle weight management— you can make purposeful decisions that could substantially diminish your overall fuel costs.

Being an informed consumer is the best way to navigate the turbulent landscape of gas prices.