10 American Cities With The Most Expensive Gas & 10 With The Cheapest
Where Should You Fill Up?
It may be one big country, but gas prices throughout the US vary an astounding amount depending on your city due to factors such as proximity to refineries and differing state and local taxes. Knowing which cities cost the most and which cost the least can save you a lot at the pump. Here are the 10 American cities with the highest gas prices and the 10 with the cheapest.
1. Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in the US, period, and gas is no exception. Regular gasoline costs around $4.70 per gallon, and premium comes at over $5.00 a gallon.
2. San Francisco, CA
California has the highest gas prices out of any state, largely due to state taxes, which amount to around $1.25 per gallon. In San Francisco, regular gas costs around $4.75 a gallon.
3. Portland, OR
It's no wonder folks in Portland are so into cycling. Gas prices in the city are about $1.00 higher than the national average and some of the highest in the country at around $4.28 per gallon.
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4. Honolulu, HI
Hawaii has limited access to refineries, and its geography makes it more expensive to acquire certain goods, gas included. That's why the average price of gasoline is well above the national average, at around $4.38 per gallon.
5. Boston, MA
Because Boston is nowhere near an oil refinery, the cost to transport gasoline from there is high, especially now, when geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are high. Gas prices in Boston are around $3.75 per gallon.
6. San Diego, CA
Like Boston, San Diego is far from gas-producing regions, making transportation costs for fuel high. On top of that, California has taxes and special regulations meant to reduce the state's carbon emissions, making gas prices in San Diego very high at around $4.35 a gallon.
7. Seattle, WA
Washington is another state with extremely high taxes placed on gasoline due to climate initiatives. Gas in Seattle costs around $4.81 per gallon, almost $1.50 more than the national average.
8. Sacramento, CA
California is the state with the highest average gas prices, and Sacramento's prices are even higher than the state average due to local market dynamics. The price for regular gasoline is around $4.40 per gallon.
9. Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, on the southern shore of Alaska, has high gas prices due to its remote location, which increases transportation costs. Even though Alaska is an oil-producing state, the price of gas is based on the nearest major market, which is Seattle, meaning gasoline prices in Anchorage remain high, at around $3.90 per gallon.
10. Portland, ME
The other Portland in Maine has high gas prices due to its remote geography and reliance on Canadian fuel exports. Gasoline here is around $3.80 per gallon.
Now that we've talked about the states that will guzzle your money at the pumps, let's talk about the ones that still manage to keep gas prices reasonable.
1. Houston, TX
The majority of the US's gas is refined along the Gulf in Texas. Houston's proximity to them, along with the state's low taxes, allows for gas to remain cheap at only around $2.69 per gallon.
2. Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma has some of the nation's lowest state gasoline taxes, and it's also home to several refineries, allowing for fewer transportation costs. Gas prices in Tulsa are around $2.72 per gallon.
3. San Antonio, TX
Texas's extensive oil production and refinement allow for gasoline in places like San Antonio to remain cheap. The city's competitive market also encourages gas stations to avoid marking up their prices. Gasoline here is only around $2.78 a gallon.
4. Kansas City, MO
The state of Missouri doesn't have sales tax on fuel, allowing for prices to remain low. Kansas City is also served by several major fuel pipelines, which mitigates transportation costs. Gas here is around $2.88 per gallon.
5. Memphis, TN
Memphis enjoys low gas prices due to a combination of nonexistent city taxes, low state taxes, and good oil distribution infrastructure in the area. Gas here is around $2.80 per gallon.
6. Atlanta, GA
Gas prices in Atlanta are typically lower than the national average because of its proximity to refineries, its coastal location, which allows easy pipeline access, and minimal taxes. Gasoline is around $2.95 per gallon.
7. Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville's proximity to the Gulf Coast, where most of the US's oil is refined, along with aggressive local retail competition, allows gas prices to remain low. Gas is only around $2.84 per gallon.
8. St. Louis, MO
Missouri's low gasoline taxes and connection to major pipelines contribute to St. Louis's low gas prices. Gas here is only $2.81 per gallon.
9. Albuquerque, NM
State and local taxes on gasoline in Albuquerque are low, and the city is also well situated near refining centers, contributing to lower gas prices. You can get a gallon of gasoline for around $3.00.
10. Jackson, MS
Mississippi is another state that doesn't charge a lot of gasoline tax. What's more, Jackson is located close to refineries, allowing for easy transport of fuel. Gas is around $2.75 per gallon.
