Key takeaways

• Gas prices are averaging $4.13 per gallon nationally as of mid-March.
• Californians are paying the most per gallon at $5.89, while Oklahoma residents currently enjoy the cheapest gas prices in the country at $3.44.
• Current gas prices are the highest seen since August 2022, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to impact oil prices.

What’s the cost of getting from A to B? It turns out that the price of filling the tank depends on location, with some states offering more budget-friendly prices than others.

Gas prices were up 21.2% in March, the largest monthly increase since the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) was first published in 1967.¹ The surge comes amid recent tensions in the Middle East, with crude oil prices having risen nearly 50% since the start of the conflict.¹

Paying up

Currently, AAA reports the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline stands at $4.13.² That’s the highest price for regular gas since August 2022.³

State-wide prices, however, tell a different story. Gas prices vary regionally due to factors such as taxes, transportation costs, supply chains, and local regulations. States with higher fuel taxes or limited access to refineries typically have higher prices, while those with lower taxes or abundant local supply often enjoy cheaper rates.⁴

Average gas prices by state

Which states are paying more at the pump? Data reveals Americans in California are paying the most for gas at $5.89 a gallon on average for regular fuel. They are closely followed by residents in Hawaii ($5.64), Washington ($5.39), Oregon ($4.99), and Nevada ($4.98). At the other end of the spectrum, the least expensive gasoline markets are Oklahoma ($3.44), Kansas ($3.49), Nebraska ($3.60), North Dakota ($3.61), and Arkansas ($3.64).⁵ 

Prices as of April 13, 2026.

States with the highest and lowest spending

How does the cost of gas compare to what people are actually spending? Empower Personal Dashboard ^TM  data* reveals how much Americans are spending at the pump each month.

As of March 2026, drivers nationwide spend $198.50 a month on average, at $45.70 per transaction. At the state level, these are the 10 states with the highest and lowest expenditures during each visit to a gas station per the most recent Empower data:  

Highest spending states

Lowest spending states

Average spending per transaction in March 2026.

Frequently asked questions about gas prices by state

Why are gas prices higher in some states?

State-level taxes, environmental regulations, and refining costs drive regional price differences, with California among the highest.⁶

Which state usually has the cheapest gas?

Gulf Coast states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi frequently record some of the lowest average gas prices.⁷

How often do gas prices change?

Prices typically adjust daily, influenced by global oil markets, refining capacity, and local supply and demand.⁸

Who tracks U.S. gas prices?

AAA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration regularly publish national and state-level gasoline price updates.^9,10

What causes sudden gas price spikes?

Geopolitical events, hurricanes affecting Gulf refineries, or sudden demand shifts can trigger short-term price surges.¹¹