The 5 States With the Highest Gas Prices Right Now
While gas prices have come down in many areas across the country, they are still historically high in other areas. Here are the five states with the highest gas prices, as well as suggestions on how you can reduce your overall fuel expenditures based on the type of vehicle that you purchase.
Where Gas Prices Are the Highest in the U.S.
Rising gas prices over the last several years are just one factor that is putting the pinch on many American pocketbooks. According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, the average annual retail price of fuel has increased sharply since 2002. Average prices during this time have soared from $1.36 to as much as $4.09 during the peak in 2022.
The skyrocketing prices have not been uniform across the U.S., with some states feeling the brunt more than others. Recent AAA data demonstrates that gas prices have ranged from $2.26 per gallon to a massive $4.58 per gallon since the start of the year across the country. Experts are warning that these prices may go up even more in the months ahead.
Not surprising to anyone who follows gas costs on the national level is that California continues to experience the highest prices. There are a variety of factors that make fuel in the Golden State so expensive. These factors include higher state taxes, limited local production of gas, and environmental regulations designed to mitigate pollution. Many Californians have made the switch to hybrid or electric vehicles in an effort to cut this cost. For context, AAA notes that the latest average price of a gallon of gas in California is $4.58.
Coming in just behind California for the highest gas prices is Hawaii. The island chain's most recent average reading was $4.40 per gallon. Rounding out the top five are Washington state at $4.15 per gallon, neighboring Oregon at $3.69 per gallon, and Nevada at $3.63 per gallon. The current average per-gallon price in the U.S. is $2.92.
All of these states suffer from what is known by the U.S. Energy Information Administration as "distance from supply." The agency also cites supply disruptions as a major factor in the higher prices in these five states.
Choosing a Vehicle with Fuel Economy in Mind
Although you cannot control the price of gas, there are choices that you can make as a consumer to limit the impact on your wallet. The most obvious step is to consider fuel economy when buying a new or used vehicle. Choosing a vehicle with better gas mileage will naturally save you money at the pump.
Good vehicles to consider include the 2026 Toyota Prius (up to 57 miles per gallon combined), the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (up to 54 miles per gallon combined), the 2026 Kia Niro (up to 53 miles per gallon combined), and the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (up to 51 miles per gallon combined). In general, small and midsize sedans featuring hybrid powertrains enjoy the highest gas mileage. This means that a vehicle can travel farther on one gallon of fuel.
In addition, some vehicles combine both high gas mileage ratings with large gas tanks. This pairing translates to a longer driving range.
On the other side of the spectrum are the vehicles that are known for their poor fuel economy. Large SUVs with gas engines and full-size pickup trucks tend to cost the most to fuel up, as they are also the least efficient. The worst vehicles defined by gas mileage for this year include the 2026 Cadillac Escalade-V (13 miles per gallon combined), the 2026 Chevrolet Suburban (17 miles per gallon combined), the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe (17 miles per gallon combined), and the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (19 miles per gallon combined).
Consumers looking for a full-size truck or SUV should consider a mild-hybrid option if gas mileage is a concern. While SUVs and trucks are certainly beneficial for many purposes, saving at the pump is not one of them.
Millions of Americans have made the switch to hybrid or electric vehicles in order to save money on gas. However, these alternatives also come with more costs of ownership. For instance, hybrids and electric vehicles typically cost more than their gas counterparts. In addition, it can be challenging to find public charging stations in some communities. Fortunately, the states with the highest gas prices also tend to have a greater availability of charging stations.
It is important to run the costs of ownership with these alternative vehicles compared to the money saved on gasoline. Many people find that it makes financial sense to make the hybrid or electric vehicle change if you live in a state with notoriously high gas prices. Only you can determine what path makes the most sense for your specific financial situation and driving habits. However, it is worth exploring the pros and cons of each type of vehicle as gas prices show little sign of ever dropping back to the low levels of the past.
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