Gas prices across the United States vary dramatically from state to state. In June 2026, the difference between the cheapest state (Louisiana at $2.72/gallon) and the most expensive (California at $5.97/gallon) is a staggering $3.25 per gallon. This comprehensive guide explains the current gas prices for all 50 US states and the key reasons behind the price differences.
National average: $4.44/gallon · Cheapest state: Louisiana $2.72 · Most expensive: California $5.97 · Data source: EIA.gov weekly survey
What Determines Gas Prices by State?
Four main factors determine why gas prices differ so much from state to state:
- State fuel taxes — Range from 18¢/gallon (Mississippi) to 68¢/gallon (California)
- Distance from refineries — Gulf Coast states pay less for transportation
- Fuel blend requirements — California requires a special expensive blend
- Carbon and environmental fees — California and Washington charge extra
Gas Prices by Region — June 2026
South (Cheapest Region — Avg $3.10)
Southern states consistently have the lowest gas prices in the US, benefiting from Gulf Coast refinery proximity and low state fuel taxes. Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas are regularly the five cheapest states in the nation.
Midwest (Below Average — Avg $3.40)
Midwest states like Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, and Kansas offer below-average prices due to moderate fuel taxes and good access to multiple refinery sources. Illinois is the exception with higher taxes driving prices above average.
Northeast (Above Average — Avg $3.70)
Northeast states pay more due to higher state taxes and longer distribution distances from Gulf Coast refineries. New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts all have significant fuel taxes that push prices higher.
West (Most Expensive Region — Avg $4.50)
Western states top the price charts, led by California at $5.97 and Hawaii at $5.21. Washington, Oregon, and Nevada also rank among the most expensive due to environmental regulations, carbon fees, and geographic isolation.
Full State Gas Price Table — June 2026
| Rank | State | Regular | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | $2.72 | South |
| 2 | Mississippi | $2.91 | South |
| 3 | Oklahoma | $2.94 | South |
| 4 | Texas | $2.97 | South |
| 5 | Arkansas | $2.99 | South |
| 6 | Missouri | $3.02 | Midwest |
| 7 | Kentucky | $3.01 | South |
| 8 | Kansas | $3.03 | Midwest |
| 9 | South Carolina | $3.04 | South |
| 10 | Georgia | $3.06 | South |
| 11 | Alabama | $3.08 | South |
| 12 | Tennessee | $3.09 | South |
| 13 | Nebraska | $3.11 | Midwest |
| 14 | North Carolina | $3.15 | South |
| 15 | Iowa | $3.14 | Midwest |
| 16 | Indiana | $3.12 | Midwest |
| 17 | Ohio | $3.19 | Midwest |
| 18 | Minnesota | $3.22 | Midwest |
| 19 | Virginia | $3.22 | South |
| 20 | Wisconsin | $3.21 | Midwest |
| 25 | Florida | $3.29 | South |
| 30 | Colorado | $3.38 | West |
| 35 | New Jersey | $3.55 | Northeast |
| 40 | New York | $3.85 | Northeast |
| 43 | Illinois | $4.12 | Midwest |
| 46 | Oregon | $4.38 | West |
| 47 | Nevada | $4.51 | West |
| 48 | Washington | $4.72 | West |
| 49 | Hawaii | $5.21 | Pacific |
| 50 | California | $5.97 | West |
For live, up-to-date prices for all 50 states, visit our live gas price tracker — updated every Monday directly from EIA.gov.
State Gas Tax Comparison
State fuel taxes are the single biggest controllable factor in gas prices. Here's how taxes compare between the highest and lowest taxing states:
| State | Gas Tax (¢/gal) | Impact on Price |
|---|---|---|
| California | 68¢ | Major price driver |
| Pennsylvania | 59¢ | High impact |
| Illinois | 59¢ | High impact |
| Washington | 49¢ | Significant |
| National Average | ~31¢ | Baseline |
| Texas | 20¢ | Low impact |
| Louisiana | 20¢ | Low impact |
| Mississippi | 18¢ | Lowest in US |
Conclusion
Gas prices across the US in 2026 reflect a complex mix of state taxation policies, geographic location, environmental regulations, and market conditions. Southern states offer the best value for drivers, while West Coast states — particularly California — remain the most expensive due to a combination of high taxes, special fuel requirements, and carbon fees.
For the most current gas prices in your state, bookmark our live tracker at usgasprices.online and check back every Monday when EIA.gov releases updated weekly data.