If you drive a car in the U.S., you know that gas prices have soared. According to Reuters, gas prices have spiked 90% since early March. But gas prices can vary quite dramatically, depending on where you are. So which are the most and least expensive states to buy gas?
If you’re planning a road trip this summer, knowing where to find cheaper gas can be crucial to budgeting your journey. Gas prices vary depending on factors such as the proximity to gas-related resources, as well as taxes.
Here’s a rundown of where gas prices are sky high and where they may be reasonable.
AAA Gas Price Tracker
One of the easiest ways to track national gas prices is using the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) price tool, which it updates daily with key information about gas prices around the country.
Along with showing the national average gas price, the AAA website also displays a color-coded map of the U.S. to show which states have the highest gas prices. Below the map is a spreadsheet showing the average prices for regular, mid-grade, premium and diesel gas in each state.
Because the AAA changes its gas price data daily, be sure to check out its website for the latest information.
States with the Most Expensive Gas Prices
As of mid June 2022, the states with the highest retail gas prices are concentrated in the West Coast and Midwest. The states with the highest regular gas prices are:
- California ($6.43)
- Nevada ($5.65)
- Hawaii ($5.56)
- Illinois ($5.56)
- Alaska ($5.56)
- Washington ($5.54)
- Oregon ($5.54)
- Indiana ($5.52)
The following states also have high gas prices, between $5.02 – $5.22 per gallon:
- Idaho
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
States with the Cheapest Gas Prices
Meanwhile, southern states tend to have the cheapest gas prices in the country. These states have the lowest gas prices between $4.48 – $4.67 per gallon:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas