Which States Have the Highest Gas Prices?

The final variant in the price you pay at the pump is the amount you pay in taxes. The federal government charges 18.4 cents per gallon. The average state gas tax is 30.63 cents per gallon, but

The final variant in the price you pay at the pump is the amount you pay in taxes. The federal government charges 18.4 cents per gallon. The average state gas tax is 30.63 cents per gallon, but there's quite a difference among states. Some states with no income tax, such as Washington, have a relatively high gas tax. Washington charges 49.4 cents per gallon, according to The Tax Foundation, and gas costs an average of $3.86.

California has the highest gas tax, at 65.98 cents. It has the highest gas price, as well: $4.39 a gallon. Oil-rich Alaska has the lowest gas tax: 14.98 cents. The average cost of a gallon of gas: $3.69. Oil-rich Texas levies just 20 cents per gallon in taxes; it is tied with Mississippi for the lowest national gas price: $2.82 a gallon.

Proflowers

25% off sitewide and 30% off select items

Unless you're just across the border from a state with low gas prices, your best bet is to shop carefully for the best fuel deals. You can get help with apps like GasBuddy, which can pinpoints the cheapest gas near you; MapQuest will do the same. But your best bet for saving is to drive smarter.

John Waggoner covers all things financial for AARP, from budgeting and taxes to retirement planning and Social Security. Previously he was a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance and  USA Today.

Find exclusive interviews, smart advice, free novels, full documentaries, fun daily features and much more — all a benefit of your AARP membership — on Members Only Access.

Already a Member? Login

AARP NEWSLETTERS

%{ newsLetterPromoText }%

%{ description }%

News

Which States Have ﻿the Highest Gas Prices?

Which States Have the Highest Gas Prices?