For many Americans, filling up the gas tank carries a significant emotional weight, in addition to being a large financial outlay. Companies like AAA Gas Prices, GasBuddy, and the Tax Foundation have taken note of the states with cheap gas prices, and we’ll reveal some of the factors that influence it like regional taxes, seasonal demand, insurance costs, and inflationary pressures. Find out how much it costs to fill up your tank in these states with cheap gas prices!
Oklahoma
The south-central U.S. state boasts some of the lowest unleaded gasoline prices, according to averages reported by AAA Gas Prices. Compared to California, gas costs between $0.30 and $0.70 USD less during peak seasons and make it one of the states with cheap gas prices. The key to maintaining these prices lies in Oklahoma’s low gasoline taxes and easy access to refineries, which helps keep costs down. Some of these prices are judged emotionally from the drivers perspective, not just numerically.
Texas
The large refineries along the Gulf Coast help keep some states with cheap gas prices, like in Texas. According to AAA and GasBuddy, Texas typically ranks well below the national average when fuel prices soar. Additionally, the fact that companies like Costco, QuikTrip, and Buc-ee’s compete to attract more customers through fuel-buying programs further reduces upward pressure on the final price.
Mississippi
If you analyze the operating costs of getting fuel to gas stations in Mississippi and the state’s low taxes, you’ll find some of the best average fuel prices in the region, according to AAA. Those who work transporting goods and practically live in their trucks consider Mississippi one of their preferred states compared to other tourist destinations.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s easy access to refineries helps keep fuel prices relatively competitive in the region. Those most familiar with prices in the states are truck drivers, who indicated they are pleased to enter a state with lower taxes. Louisiana’s real advantage is the Gulf Coast infrastructure, which directly influences the low cost of gasoline.
Arkansas
According to data from AAA, Arkansas typically is one of the states with cheap gas prices than the national average. As part of a vast rural area in the United States, this fosters competition and helps maintain price stability, preventing significant price fluctuations. Combined with Arkansas’s relatively low cost of living, these factors contribute to a more manageable impact on residents’ budgets.
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Missouri
Two key factors keep Missouri well-positioned in the list of states with cheap gas prices: internal competition with other states like Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, and its proximity to refineries in the nation’s Midwest. Drivers often compare Missouri to Illinois, where gas prices are not low. Not in vain many Americans plan commutes, vacations and relocations around fuel affordability.
Tennessee
Compared to the West Coast and the Northeast, gasoline taxes in Tennessee are moderate. In addition to this government contribution, interstate transportation corridors create strong and unavoidable competition among gas station owners. When truck drivers approach larger cities, they often avoid refueling there and opt for storage stations instead. Tennessee has an average price between states with cheap gas prices.
Alabama
When fuel costs skyrocket, people start looking for the cheapest options, and that’s where they find Alabama. The small towns that make up Alabama allow the state to keep fuel prices down, far from what big cities charge. If you’re a driver in Alabama, you know you can save a lot by only making trips within the state, transporting goods.
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Kansas
Unlike the coastal states, Kansas benefits from low gasoline transportation costs, as well as relatively low operating costs. In addition, strong interstate competition helps stabilize prices. Drivers indicated that costs in the Midwest region appear less volatile than the general rule. Southern and Midwestern states often dominate “states with cheap gas prices” conversations.
South Carolina
Compared to some East Coast states, South Carolina maintains moderate gas prices. Drivers often rank South Carolina significantly higher than North Carolina and Virginia. One factor in the region’s strong tourism and travel culture is the pressure to keep prices competitive. The Gulf Coast pipelines are also nearby, and the low state taxes, averaging $0.28 USD per gallon, contribute to this.
Kentucky
The interstate routes that cross Kentucky are not only ideal for vacationers but also for truck drivers. This connection also fosters economic competition among the states, as drivers seek the best gas prices. Trucking routes contribute to lower prices, as does the area’s low rural population density. Fewer people mean less gas consumption, and lower demand translates to lower prices, making it one of the states with cheap gas prices.
Iowa
Iowa’s overall economy keeps fuel prices from skyrocketing. The cost of living in the state is low, so transportation costs are also reasonable. And because Iowa’s economy is based on agriculture, its extensive infrastructure of roads and highways connects it to other states, fostering internal competition. Smaller cities in Iowa reduce the impact on fuel costs, unlike larger metropolitan areas.
Ohio
Ohio’s central location on the map of the United States, coupled with internal competition for gasoline prices, keeps fuel costs relatively stable across the state. When drivers compare Ohio to Pennsylvania and Illinois, it fares much better. The low cost of living means less money is spent, and gasoline isn’t a significant expense. This is likely related to the psychological aspect of living in Ohio, where living doesn’t feel like a heavy burden.
Indiana
When fuel prices skyrocket in the United States, you’d better be in Indiana to save money. It’s one of the states that isn’t as affected by gas prices due to factors like competition among gas stations to maintain reasonable costs and its central geographic location. This is why many drivers choose to stop in Indiana and fill up their tanks there. This really is one of the states with cheap gas prices.
Georgia
Georgia is among the states with cheap gas prices. The discounts offered by gas stations and stores contribute significantly to lowering the cost of fuel. And for a transportation worker, apps are commonplace when it comes to finding the best cashback or the most convenient way to fill up.
New Mexico
Compared to its neighbors Arizona and California, New Mexico has fared better in terms of states with cheap gas prices. Fuel is much cheaper there because the smaller tourist towns, with fewer people and therefore less demand, significantly reduce costs. It’s one of the states where drivers and truckers clearly notice the price difference upon entering its borders.
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