🇺🇸 US Gas Price Calculator
Calculate the cost of any American road trip, see gas prices by state, and find out how your driving speed affects what you spend at the pump.
Gas prices in the US right now
The US national average for regular unleaded gas is around $4.17 per gallon as of November 2026 — up from roughly $3 a year earlier, driven largely by geopolitical tensions affecting global oil supply. Prices vary enormously by state, from around $3.38 in North Carolina to $5.91 in California.
Gas prices by state — 2026
Gas prices differ significantly across the US, driven by state taxes, proximity to refineries, and distribution costs. Here's how the major states compare:
| State | Regular (per gallon) | vs National Average |
|---|---|---|
| California | $5.91 | +42% |
| Hawaii | $5.66 | +36% |
| Nevada | $5.24 | +26% |
| Washington | $5.19 | +24% |
| Oregon | $4.79 | +15% |
| Illinois | $4.71 | +13% |
| New York | $4.34 | +4% |
| Florida | $3.86 | -7% |
| Indiana | $3.81 | -9% |
| Texas | $3.65 | -12% |
| North Carolina | $3.38 | -19% |
Why do gas prices vary so much by state?
The biggest factor is state fuel taxes, which range from around 9 cents per gallon in Alaska to over 68 cents per gallon in California. Proximity to Gulf Coast refineries also plays a major role — states in the South and Midwest benefit from shorter distribution chains, while West Coast states face higher costs due to limited pipeline access and stricter environmental regulations that require specially blended fuel.
Crude oil makes up roughly 51% of the price of a gallon of gas in the US, with taxes accounting for 17%, distribution and marketing 18%, and refining costs 14%, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
What does a US road trip actually cost?
Using the FuelSmarter calculator with the US selected, you can calculate the exact cost of any American road trip based on your vehicle's MPG (or L/100km), your driving speed, and current gas prices. Here are some example costs based on a typical 25 MPG vehicle at $4.17/gallon:
| Route | Distance | Estimated gas cost |
|---|---|---|
| New York to Los Angeles | 2,790 miles | ~$465 |
| Chicago to Miami | 1,380 miles | ~$230 |
| Los Angeles to Las Vegas | 270 miles | ~$45 |
| Seattle to San Francisco | 810 miles | ~$135 |
| Boston to Washington DC | 440 miles | ~$73 |
These are estimates based on highway driving at 65mph. Use our calculator for your exact vehicle and route.
How speed affects your gas bill
Driving faster uses significantly more fuel. At highway speeds, aerodynamic drag increases with the square of your speed — meaning going from 65mph to 80mph doesn't just add 23% more distance covered per hour, it increases fuel consumption by considerably more than that. Most vehicles achieve their best fuel economy between 45mph and 60mph.
On a cross-country drive from New York to LA, driving at 75mph instead of 65mph could add $30-50 to your gas bill — on top of the speeding ticket risk.
💡 Tips to save money on gas in the US
US vs UK gas prices — how do they compare?
American drivers pay significantly less for gas than their UK counterparts. At $4.17 per gallon (roughly £3.11/gallon or 82p/litre), US gas is less than half the price of UK petrol at around 174p/litre. The main reason is taxation — UK fuel duty and VAT add around 82p to every litre, while US federal gas tax is just 18.4 cents per gallon with varying state taxes on top.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average gas price in the US in 2026?
The national average for regular unleaded is around $4.17 per gallon as of November 2026, up from around $3 a year earlier. California is the most expensive state at $5.91/gallon; North Carolina is among the cheapest at $3.38/gallon.
How do I calculate the gas cost of a road trip?
Use our free calculator above — enter your route, your vehicle's MPG, and select United States. We'll calculate the exact cost based on current gas prices and your driving speed.
Why is gas so expensive in California?
California has the highest state gas taxes in the US, strict environmental regulations requiring a unique fuel blend, limited pipeline connections to Gulf Coast refineries, and high distribution costs. These combine to push prices consistently $1-2 above the national average.
What's the cheapest state for gas?
Southern and Midwestern states consistently have the cheapest gas — Indiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Mississippi regularly come in well below the national average due to lower state taxes and proximity to Gulf Coast refineries.