Fuel costs have been rising in recent years, so people have had to research the market to find the best prices for filling up. Many of the cheapest gas near major cities can be found in nearby towns, which tend to have more competitive prices according to AAA Gas Prices, GasBuddy, and the Tax Foundation. Here are some of the cheapest places to fill up near the country’s largest cities right now!
Costco Stations Outside Dallas, Texas
Costco gas stations are among the most sought-after by experienced drivers. Especially those outside Dallas, Costco stations offer gas at prices $0.10 to $0.25 USD less per gallon. Unlike other coastal states, having competition from Texas to the north helps keep prices low. In fact, many truckers are known to fill up outside of Dallas before heading out onto the highways.
New Jersey Stations Outside New York City
Many drivers transport goods through New York City, so most of them already know that filling up their gas tank is a must before entering the city limits. That’s why gas stations in New Jersey are packed with drivers, drawn by the low prices resulting from low taxes and strong internal competition.
Suburban Buc-ee’s Locations Near Houston
Within the competitive Texas market, the area around Houston is where drivers most often find fuel. Suburban Buc-ee stations are the best place to fill up without breaking the bank. Their low prices are due to their proximity to refineries. Those who work in freight transportation often combine these inexpensive gas stations with budget-friendly restaurants.
Costco and Sam’s Club Corridors Outside Atlanta
Just like near Dallas, Texas, you should also pay attention to the Costco gas stations, but also to those inside Sam’s Club stores, on the outskirts of Atlanta. With so many truckers in the Atlanta area, the competition to offer the best fuel prices is fierce. It’s very helpful to check mobile apps before choosing a station.
Oklahoma City Interstate Corridors
If you’re traveling with your family or work in freight transport, be sure to fill up your gas tank when passing through Oklahoma City. The highway stations in this city offer some of the best prices in the area. Intense interstate competition combined with low taxes helps keep costs down. Drivers are already aware that once they’re about to cross the state line, they should fill up there because the price difference compared to other cities is significant.
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Rural Outskirts Outside Nashville, Tennessee
You should avoid filling up in Nashville at all costs, and drivers are already taking note. Instead, head to suburban areas or rural routes where you’ll find more affordable prices. Some of Tennessee’s secrets to staying competitive are its low gas taxes and relative vulnerability to inflation, with the exception of its larger cities like Nashville.
South Carolina Border Towns Near Charlotte
Many drivers intentionally leave Charlotte to enter South Carolina, fill up their gas tanks, and return to their hometown. Gas is significantly cheaper there due to the substantial tax difference between North and South Carolina. This adds up to a considerable amount of money saved annually. Competition at the state line is fierce as gas stations vie for customers.
Murphy USA Stations Near Walmart Hubs
When you’re on the road and see a Walmart, check two things: First, make sure there’s a Murphy USA next door, and second, check your gas tank. If both are right, you’re in luck. It turns out that Walmart and Murphy USA have agreements to offer discounts to their customers, so a savvy driver will definitely take advantage of this when gas prices are soaring.
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Indiana Stops Outside Chicago
Drivers leaving the greater Chicago area often wait until they cross the city limits to fill up their gas tanks at service stations in Indiana. Prices outside of Chicago are significantly different from those found within the city itself. While interstate competition drives prices down, this effect is limited in major cities.
QuickTrip Stations Around Kansas City
Two factors elevate the standing of QuickTrip gas stations near Kansas City. One is their price, which is among the lowest in the region, and the other is the trust they inspire in customers. Drivers generally know which gas station chains are the best to fill up at, over any other station along the route, and QuickTrip is one of the good ones.
Alabama Interstate Fuel Corridors Near Birmingham
Among the Southern states of the United States, Alabama remains one that offers very affordable gasoline prices. Outside the city of Birmingham, you’ll find a fierce competition among gas stations that tourists may not be aware of, but freight carriers are, and they consistently choose to spend their money outside the city because it goes further.
Nevada Stations Away From the Las Vegas Strip
The Vegas Strip will leave you broke, not only because you can lose it all in the casinos, but also because filling up with gas will likely cost you more than you expect. Gas stations on the Strip mark up prices because it’s a tourist area. You should opt for suburban areas like Henderson or more distant highways. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on fuel, you might get quite frustrated in Las Vegas.
Suburban Ohio Costco Clusters
Just as we discussed the advantages of having a Murphy USA nearby in Walmart for good fuel prices, if you see a Costco outside of Ohio, you should take advantage of it too! Considering the discounts offered by stores like Costco, fuel prices can become reasonable in areas where they are expensive. What helps in Ohio is that national competition contributes to keeping prices reasonable.
Arizona Fuel Stops Outside Phoenix Tourism Zones
Airport and luxury hotel zones are notorious for their high fuel prices, and gas stations in those areas, like Phoenix, are no exception. Therefore, you should venture off the beaten track miles from the city to find better deals. Travelers heading southwest will trust GasBuddy’s recommendations during their summer road trips—and rightly so!
Louisiana Stations Near Gulf Refinery Corridors
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Louisiana’s proximity to the Gulf Coast refineries contributes to moderate fuel costs compared to the national average. The Gulf Coast’s infrastructure remains one of the most attractive factors when filling up a car. Travelers often notice that prices drop significantly once they enter Louisiana, compared to neighboring states. Their relative low state fuel taxes are also a major cause.
Independent Stations Outside Tourist Beach Towns
As with many independent supermarkets, independent gas stations also tend to offer lower prices, especially those located on the outskirts of tourist beach towns. Beaches attract people, generating demand and thus higher prices. Drivers passing through coastal areas know they’ll have to detour inland to fill up their tanks. These beachside gas stations were particularly affected by the 2026 fuel crisis, when prices skyrocketed.
More from Cheapism:
- These Are The Best Times of Day To Find Slightly Cheaper Gas — Timing your fill-up around quieter hours and weekly price shifts could help you save a little more at the pump.
- Americans Are Finally Realizing Which Days of the Week Gas Prices Spike the Worst — Drivers are catching on that gas prices can jump midweek and before weekend trips, making the day you fill up matter more than ever.
- Apparently Cracker Barrel Cares More About Gas Prices Than the Government — Cracker Barrel’s summer sweepstakes is offering food and gas gift cards at a time when road-trip costs are hitting families hard.
