If you drive in Pennsylvania, you've probably wondered why your gas costs more than in a lot of nearby states. Pennsylvania sits close to East Coast refineries and isn't far from major supply routes, so you'd think gas would be reasonably priced. But Pennsylvania consistently runs above the national average — and there's one big reason for it that most drivers already suspect: taxes.
Pennsylvania typically runs above the national average, largely because of the state's very high gas tax. (As of late July 2026 the national average was around $4.09/gallon, though this moves week to week.) Note: EIA doesn't publish Pennsylvania's price every week, so exact figures vary by source and week — check AAA or GasBuddy for the precise daily number in your town.
The Main Reason: One of the Highest Gas Taxes in America
Pennsylvania has one of the highest state gas taxes in the entire country, sitting around 58 to 59 cents per gallon. To put that in perspective, states like Texas and Louisiana charge about 20 cents, and Mississippi charges just 18. So a Pennsylvania driver pays roughly 40 cents more per gallon in state tax alone compared to a driver in the cheapest states — before the cost of the actual fuel even comes in.
Pennsylvania uses that tax money mainly for roads and bridges. The state has a huge amount of infrastructure to maintain — lots of highways, lots of aging bridges — and the gas tax is how they pay for much of it. Whether that's a fair trade is up to you, but it's the clearest reason your fill-up costs more here.
Why Tax Is Such a Big Deal
Here's the thing about gas taxes — they're fixed cents per gallon, so they hit you every single time regardless of what oil prices are doing. When crude oil is cheap, Pennsylvania's high tax makes the state stand out even more, because the tax stays the same while the base fuel price drops. That's why Pennsylvania often looks especially expensive compared to low-tax states during cheaper-gas periods.
Gas Prices Across Pennsylvania
Prices aren't the same everywhere in the state. Generally, the eastern side around Philadelphia runs more expensive, while central and western Pennsylvania tend to be cheaper:
If you're near the western border, filling up in Ohio can genuinely save you money — Ohio's gas tax is lower, so prices there often run 30 to 50 cents cheaper. Plenty of western Pennsylvania drivers already do this.
Pennsylvania vs Nearby States
| State | Gas Tax (approx) | Typical vs PA |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | ~58¢ | — |
| New York | ~48¢ | Similar / slightly less |
| Ohio | ~38¢ | Cheaper |
| Maryland | ~47¢ | Often cheaper |
| West Virginia | ~35¢ | Cheaper |
The pattern is clear — Pennsylvania's tax is at the top of its neighborhood, which is why it usually costs more to fill up here than in Ohio or West Virginia right next door.
How to Save on Gas in Pennsylvania
- Fill up near the western or Ohio border if you're traveling — prices drop noticeably away from Philadelphia.
- Cross into Ohio or West Virginia if you live close. The tax difference makes it worth it for a full tank.
- Use GasBuddy — in metro areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, station-to-station prices vary a lot.
- Try warehouse clubs — Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's locations across PA usually beat the corner station.
- Skip premium unless your car needs it — with PA's already-high prices, paying for unnecessary premium stings even more.
Pennsylvania borders six states, and several have lower gas taxes. If you live near the Ohio, West Virginia, or Maryland line, timing your fill-ups on the cheaper side of the border is one of the easiest ways to cut your fuel costs here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Pennsylvania gas prices stay above average mostly because of the state's very high gas tax — one of the steepest in the country. That money funds the state's roads and bridges, but it does mean you pay more at the pump than drivers in neighboring Ohio or West Virginia. If you live near a border or travel across the state, timing your fill-ups in the cheaper areas is the simplest way to save.
Want to compare Pennsylvania to other states right now? Check our live gas price tracker, updated weekly using EIA.gov data. For the exact daily price in your Pennsylvania town, AAA and GasBuddy are good sources since EIA doesn't publish PA every week.