The Most Expensive Gas in the U.S. Is on the West Coast

gas at pump — Most states out west haven't seen prices this low in years. Grace Cary / Getty Images

If you’ve ever crossed a state line and noticed a spike at the pump, you might have felt the sting of most expensive gas in the U.S.

While gas prices change weekly, some states consistently top the charts — and it’s not just about oil prices. Local taxes, supply routes and environmental regulations all play a role.

1. California

California consistently has the highest gas prices per gallon in the country. With strict environmental laws, special fuel blends and some of the highest gas taxes in the U.S., drivers here can expect to pay well above the national average.

According to the Energy Information Administration, California gas prices are often more than a dollar higher than in other states.

2. Hawaii

Fuel tankers transport gas to the islands. Felix Cesare / Getty Images

Hawaii ranks high due to its geography. Getting gas to the islands means added transportation costs, which drive up the price. Combine that with limited refinery access and you've got some of the priciest fuel in the nation.

3. Washington

Washington follows closely behind. Like California, it has state-imposed environmental standards and taxes that affect gas station prices. It also passed new cap-and-trade legislation that has further led to an increase in cost per gallon.

4. Oregon

Oregon's gas prices consistently hover above the national average. It shares regional supply routes with California and Washington, which can affect local prices when supply is tight. The state also lacks its own refineries, depending on imports to meet demand.

5. Nevada

Nevada’s fuel taxes are higher than the national average by about 11 cents per gallon. Its proximity to California, lack of in-state refineries and desert geography raise the cost. Tourists and transport trucks also create demand spikes, especially around service-heavy cities like Las Vegas.

Factors That Drive Gas Prices

Several forces influence gas prices:

Oil prices per barrel
State and federal taxes
Supply disruptions
Refinery availability
Inflation and cost of services
Demand from users and drivers

Even the time of year matters. Prices often rise in summer due to increased travel.

Apps and Resources for Drivers

Gas station — Sometimes it's worth going just a little out of your way to avoid the highest prices at the gas station. These apps digest data to help you. Issarawat Tattong / Getty Images

Gas prices vary not just by state but also by city and store. Apps like GasBuddy and sites like the Energy Information Administration offer real-time updates. They can help drivers find the cheapest or most expensive gas nearby, review trends and map prices across states.

States With the Cheapest Gas

While California and Hawaii top the list, states like Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi usually have the lowest prices per gallon. These states benefit from proximity to refineries, lower fuel taxes and fewer environmental restrictions.

So whether you're planning a road trip or just filling up in your hometown, knowing where your state falls on the list can help explain that number on the pump.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.