Gas Prices Up in Every State From a Year Ago, Despite Recent Decline
U.S. gas prices remain well above year-ago levels despite falling from their recent peak.
The national average reached $4.10 per gallon on Aug. 3, 2026, up 30.0% from a year earlier but 8.5% below the recent peak of $4.48 per gallon in May. Every state and nearly every metropolitan area recorded year-over-year increases of at least 10.0%.
- The U.S. average gas price was $4.10 per gallon on Aug. 3, 2026, up 30.0% from $3.15 per gallon a year earlier but down 8.5% from the recent peak of $4.48 per gallon in May.
- The average monthly gas price declined to $3.93 per gallon in July 2026 from $4.05 in June 2026 and $4.48 in May 2026.
- California had the highest average gas price at $5.66 per gallon, followed by Hawaii ($5.45) and Washington ($5.13).
- Texas had the lowest average gas price at $3.60 per gallon, followed by Indiana ($3.61) and Mississippi ($3.65).
- Average gas prices increased by double digits in every state from Aug. 3, 2025, to Aug. 3, 2026. Michigan and Arizona recorded the largest increase (38.9%), followed by Colorado (38.2%).
- Indiana saw the smallest price increase (11.4%) from Aug. 3, 2025, to Aug. 3, 2026, followed by Washington and Oregon (16.7%).
- Among metros, average gas prices increased the most in Farmington, N.M. (48.0%), followed by Casper, Wyo., and Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, Mich. (45.1%).
- The smallest year-over-year increases in average metro gas prices were all in Indiana. Clarksville recorded the smallest increase (6.5%), followed by Terre Haute (8.3%) and Bloomington (9.2%).
How much have gas prices increased?
The average U.S. gas price was $4.10 per gallon on Aug. 3, 2026, up 30.0% from $3.15 per gallon on Aug. 3, 2025, but down 8.5% from the recent peak of $4.48 per gallon in May 2026.
The average monthly gas price fell to $3.93 per gallon in July 2026 after averaging $4.05 in June 2026 and $4.48 in May 2026. June 2026 tied June 2008 for the ninth-highest monthly average on record at $4.05 per gallon.
Average gas prices over the past 12 months
| Month | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | $3.93 |
| June 2026 | $4.05 |
| May 2026 | $4.48 |
| April 2026 | $4.10 |
| March 2026 | $3.64 |
| February 2026 | $2.91 |
| January 2026 | $2.81 |
| December 2025 | $2.89 |
| November 2025 | $3.05 |
| October 2025 | $3.06 |
| September 2025 | $3.17 |
| August 2025 | $3.13 |
Five of the 10 highest-priced months on record since 1992 occurred in 2022, including the top two. June 2026 became the latest month to average more than $4.00 per gallon, tying June 2008 at $4.05. At $4.48 per gallon, May 2026 remains the third-highest monthly average on record, behind only June and July 2022.
Highest gas prices (historical)
| Rank | Month | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 2022 | $4.93 |
| 2 | July 2022 | $4.56 |
| 3 | May 2026 | $4.48 |
| 4 | May 2022 | $4.44 |
| 5 | March 2022 | $4.22 |
| 6 | April 2022 | $4.11 |
| 7 | April 2026 | $4.10 |
| 8 | July 2008 | $4.06 |
| 9 | June 2008 | $4.05 |
| 9 | June 2026 | $4.05 |
However, 2022 didn’t have the highest inflation-adjusted gas prices. After adjusting for inflation, 2012 had the highest annual average at $5.07 per gallon, compared with an unadjusted average of $3.62.
Average gas prices since 1992
| Year | Avg. price per gallon | Avg. inflation-adjusted price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.10 | $3.10 |
| 2024 | $3.30 | $3.39 |
| 2023 | $3.52 | $3.72 |
| 2022 | $3.95 | $4.35 |
| 2021 | $3.01 | $3.57 |
| 2020 | $2.17 | $2.70 |
| 2019 | $2.60 | $3.28 |
| 2018 | $2.72 | $3.49 |
| 2017 | $2.42 | $3.17 |
| 2016 | $2.14 | $2.87 |
| 2015 | $2.43 | $3.30 |
| 2014 | $3.36 | $4.57 |
| 2013 | $3.51 | $4.84 |
| 2012 | $3.62 | $5.07 |
| 2011 | $3.52 | $5.04 |
| 2010 | $2.78 | $4.11 |
| 2009 | $2.35 | $3.53 |
| 2008 | $3.25 | $4.85 |
| 2007 | $2.80 | $4.34 |
| 2006 | $2.57 | $4.11 |
| 2005 | $2.27 | $3.74 |
| 2004 | $1.85 | $3.16 |
| 2003 | $1.56 | $2.73 |
| 2002 | $1.35 | $2.41 |
| 2001 | $1.42 | $2.58 |
| 2000 | $1.48 | $2.77 |
| 1999 | $1.14 | $2.20 |
| 1998 | $1.03 | $2.03 |
| 1997 | $1.20 | $2.41 |
| 1996 | $1.20 | $2.46 |
| 1995 | $1.11 | $2.35 |
| 1994 | $1.08 | $2.34 |
| 1993 | $1.07 | $2.38 |
| 1992 | $1.09 | $2.49 |
Where are gas prices highest and lowest?
As of Aug. 3, 2026, California had the nation’s highest average gas price at $5.66 per gallon, followed by Hawaii ($5.45) and Washington ($5.13). They were the only states with average gas prices above $5.00 per gallon.
States with the highest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $5.66 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $5.45 |
| 3 | Washington | $5.13 |
| 4 | Nevada | $4.80 |
| 5 | Alaska | $4.74 |
Texas had the nation’s lowest average gas price at $3.60 per gallon, followed by Indiana ($3.61) and Mississippi ($3.65).
States with the lowest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | $3.60 |
| 2 | Indiana | $3.61 |
| 3 | Mississippi | $3.65 |
| 4 | Louisiana | $3.66 |
| 4 | South Carolina | $3.66 |
Full rankings
Average gas prices by state
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon | % difference from avg. U.S. gas price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $5.66 | 38.2% |
| 2 | Hawaii | $5.45 | 33.1% |
| 3 | Washington | $5.13 | 25.3% |
| 4 | Nevada | $4.80 | 17.2% |
| 5 | Alaska | $4.74 | 15.8% |
| 6 | Oregon | $4.65 | 13.6% |
| 7 | Arizona | $4.44 | 8.4% |
| 8 | Michigan | $4.35 | 6.2% |
| 9 | Illinois | $4.34 | 6.0% |
| 10 | Idaho | $4.31 | 5.3% |
| 11 | Montana | $4.29 | 4.8% |
| 12 | Utah | $4.25 | 3.8% |
| 13 | District of Columbia | $4.24 | 3.5% |
| 14 | New York | $4.22 | 3.1% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | $4.21 | 2.8% |
| 16 | Vermont | $4.20 | 2.6% |
| 16 | Connecticut | $4.20 | 2.6% |
| 18 | Delaware | $4.16 | 1.6% |
| 19 | Maryland | $4.15 | 1.3% |
| 20 | New Jersey | $4.13 | 0.9% |
| 20 | Wyoming | $4.13 | 0.9% |
| 22 | Massachusetts | $4.12 | 0.6% |
| 22 | Maine | $4.12 | 0.6% |
| 24 | Colorado | $4.11 | 0.4% |
| 25 | Rhode Island | $4.09 | -0.1% |
| 26 | New Hampshire | $4.08 | -0.4% |
| 26 | Ohio | $4.08 | -0.4% |
| 28 | South Dakota | $3.99 | -2.6% |
| 29 | New Mexico | $3.97 | -3.1% |
| 30 | Wisconsin | $3.96 | -3.3% |
| 31 | Minnesota | $3.94 | -3.8% |
| 32 | Virginia | $3.92 | -4.3% |
| 33 | Nebraska | $3.90 | -4.8% |
| 34 | West Virginia | $3.88 | -5.3% |
| 34 | North Dakota | $3.88 | -5.3% |
| 36 | Georgia | $3.86 | -5.7% |
| 37 | Florida | $3.83 | -6.5% |
| 38 | Iowa | $3.81 | -7.0% |
| 39 | North Carolina | $3.79 | -7.4% |
| 40 | Missouri | $3.78 | -7.7% |
| 41 | Kansas | $3.75 | -8.4% |
| 42 | Alabama | $3.74 | -8.7% |
| 43 | Arkansas | $3.73 | -8.9% |
| 44 | Kentucky | $3.69 | -9.9% |
| 44 | Oklahoma | $3.69 | -9.9% |
| 46 | Tennessee | $3.67 | -10.4% |
| 47 | South Carolina | $3.66 | -10.6% |
| 47 | Louisiana | $3.66 | -10.6% |
| 49 | Mississippi | $3.65 | -10.9% |
| 50 | Indiana | $3.61 | -11.8% |
| 51 | Texas | $3.60 | -12.1% |
Where have gas prices increased the most?
Average gas prices increased by double digits in every state from Aug. 3, 2025, to Aug. 3, 2026.
Michigan and Arizona recorded the largest increase in average gas prices, rising 38.9% from $3.13 and $3.20 to $4.35 and $4.44 per gallon. They were followed by Colorado, where prices rose 38.2% from $2.98 to $4.11.
States with the biggest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, Aug. 3, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Aug. 3, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | $4.35 | $3.13 | 38.9% | $1.22 |
| 1 | Arizona | $4.44 | $3.20 | 38.9% | $1.24 |
| 3 | Colorado | $4.11 | $2.98 | 38.2% | $1.14 |
| 4 | New Mexico | $3.97 | $2.94 | 35.3% | $1.04 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $4.08 | $3.01 | 35.3% | $1.06 |
Indiana gas prices increased the least from Aug. 3, 2025, to Aug. 3, 2026, rising 11.4% from $3.24 to $3.61 per gallon. (Indiana temporarily suspended most of its state gasoline taxes during the spring and summer of 2026.) Washington and Oregon followed, where prices increased 16.7% from $4.39 and $3.98 to $5.13 and $4.65.
States with the smallest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, Aug. 3, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Aug. 3, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana | $3.61 | $3.24 | 11.4% | $0.37 |
| 2 | Washington | $5.13 | $4.39 | 16.7% | $0.73 |
| 2 | Oregon | $4.65 | $3.98 | 16.7% | $0.66 |
| 4 | Hawaii | $5.45 | $4.46 | 22.2% | $0.99 |
| 5 | Idaho | $4.31 | $3.48 | 23.7% | $0.83 |
Full rankings
Change in average gas prices by state
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, Aug. 3, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Aug. 3, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | $4.35 | $3.13 | 38.9% | $1.22 |
| 1 | Arizona | $4.44 | $3.20 | 38.9% | $1.24 |
| 3 | Colorado | $4.11 | $2.98 | 38.2% | $1.14 |
| 4 | New Mexico | $3.97 | $2.94 | 35.3% | $1.04 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $4.08 | $3.01 | 35.3% | $1.06 |
| 6 | Vermont | $4.20 | $3.11 | 35.1% | $1.09 |
| 7 | Mississippi | $3.65 | $2.71 | 34.7% | $0.94 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $4.20 | $3.12 | 34.5% | $1.08 |
| 9 | Wisconsin | $3.96 | $2.94 | 34.4% | $1.01 |
| 10 | Alabama | $3.74 | $2.78 | 34.3% | $0.95 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $4.09 | $3.05 | 34.3% | $1.05 |
| 12 | Massachusetts | $4.12 | $3.07 | 34.2% | $1.05 |
| 12 | Arkansas | $3.73 | $2.78 | 34.2% | $0.95 |
| 12 | Oklahoma | $3.69 | $2.75 | 34.2% | $0.94 |
| 15 | New Jersey | $4.13 | $3.08 | 34.0% | $1.05 |
| 16 | North Dakota | $3.88 | $2.91 | 33.3% | $0.97 |
| 17 | Wyoming | $4.13 | $3.10 | 33.2% | $1.03 |
| 17 | Tennessee | $3.67 | $2.76 | 33.2% | $0.91 |
| 19 | New York | $4.22 | $3.17 | 33.0% | $1.05 |
| 20 | Nebraska | $3.90 | $2.94 | 32.9% | $0.97 |
| 21 | Missouri | $3.78 | $2.85 | 32.6% | $0.93 |
| 22 | Georgia | $3.86 | $2.92 | 32.4% | $0.95 |
| 23 | Maine | $4.12 | $3.11 | 32.3% | $1.01 |
| 24 | Louisiana | $3.66 | $2.77 | 32.2% | $0.89 |
| 25 | Montana | $4.29 | $3.24 | 32.1% | $1.04 |
| 26 | Delaware | $4.16 | $3.16 | 31.6% | $1.00 |
| 27 | North Carolina | $3.79 | $2.88 | 31.5% | $0.91 |
| 28 | Kansas | $3.75 | $2.85 | 31.4% | $0.90 |
| 29 | South Dakota | $3.99 | $3.04 | 31.1% | $0.95 |
| 30 | South Carolina | $3.66 | $2.81 | 30.4% | $0.86 |
| 30 | Texas | $3.60 | $2.76 | 30.4% | $0.84 |
| 32 | Minnesota | $3.94 | $3.03 | 30.3% | $0.92 |
| 33 | Maryland | $4.15 | $3.19 | 30.1% | $0.96 |
| 34 | Ohio | $4.08 | $3.14 | 30.0% | $0.94 |
| 35 | Florida | $3.83 | $2.95 | 29.6% | $0.87 |
| 36 | Kentucky | $3.69 | $2.86 | 29.2% | $0.83 |
| 36 | Pennsylvania | $4.21 | $3.26 | 29.2% | $0.95 |
| 38 | Nevada | $4.80 | $3.74 | 28.5% | $1.07 |
| 39 | West Virginia | $3.88 | $3.04 | 27.6% | $0.84 |
| 40 | Iowa | $3.81 | $2.99 | 27.5% | $0.82 |
| 41 | Virginia | $3.92 | $3.08 | 27.3% | $0.84 |
| 42 | District of Columbia | $4.24 | $3.34 | 27.0% | $0.90 |
| 43 | Utah | $4.25 | $3.36 | 26.4% | $0.89 |
| 44 | Illinois | $4.34 | $3.44 | 26.2% | $0.90 |
| 45 | California | $5.66 | $4.49 | 25.9% | $1.17 |
| 46 | Alaska | $4.74 | $3.77 | 25.8% | $0.97 |
| 47 | Idaho | $4.31 | $3.48 | 23.7% | $0.83 |
| 48 | Hawaii | $5.45 | $4.46 | 22.2% | $0.99 |
| 49 | Washington | $5.13 | $4.39 | 16.7% | $0.73 |
| 49 | Oregon | $4.65 | $3.98 | 16.7% | $0.66 |
| 51 | Indiana | $3.61 | $3.24 | 11.4% | $0.37 |
Smallest metro gas price increases were concentrated in Indiana
Indiana accounted for the 10 metros with the smallest year-over-year increases in average gas prices during the period analyzed.
Among metros, Farmington, N.M., recorded the largest increase in average gas prices, rising 48.0% from $2.95 to $4.36 per gallon. It was followed by Casper, Wyo., and Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, Mich., where prices increased 45.1% year over year — from $2.71 to $3.94 and from $3.04 to $4.41, respectively.
Metros with the biggest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, Aug. 3, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Aug. 3, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farmington, NM | $4.36 | $2.95 | 48.0% | $1.42 |
| 2 | Casper, WY | $3.94 | $2.71 | 45.1% | $1.23 |
| 2 | Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, MI | $4.41 | $3.04 | 45.1% | $1.37 |
| 4 | Durango, CO | $4.37 | $3.01 | 45.0% | $1.36 |
| 5 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $4.40 | $3.05 | 44.5% | $1.36 |
| 6 | Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $4.37 | $3.04 | 43.5% | $1.33 |
| 7 | Greeley, CO | $4.06 | $2.83 | 43.4% | $1.23 |
| 7 | Flagstaff, AZ | $4.45 | $3.10 | 43.4% | $1.35 |
| 9 | Tucson, AZ | $4.37 | $3.05 | 43.2% | $1.32 |
| 9 | Yuma, AZ | $4.35 | $3.04 | 43.2% | $1.31 |
| 9 | Pima County, AZ | $4.38 | $3.06 | 43.2% | $1.32 |
Clarksville, Ind., recorded the smallest increase in average gas prices, with prices rising 6.5% from $3.13 to $3.33 per gallon. It was followed by Terre Haute, Ind., where prices increased 8.3% from $3.27 to $3.55, and Bloomington, Ind., where prices rose 9.2% from $3.37 to $3.68.
Metros with the smallest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, Aug. 3, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Aug. 3, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clarksville, IN | $3.33 | $3.13 | 6.5% | $0.20 |
| 2 | Terre Haute, IN | $3.55 | $3.27 | 8.3% | $0.27 |
| 3 | Bloomington, IN | $3.68 | $3.37 | 9.2% | $0.31 |
| 4 | South Bend, IN | $3.63 | $3.31 | 9.9% | $0.33 |
| 4 | Fort Wayne, IN | $3.65 | $3.32 | 9.9% | $0.33 |
| 6 | Kokomo, IN | $3.61 | $3.26 | 10.6% | $0.35 |
| 6 | Indianapolis, IN | $3.62 | $3.27 | 10.6% | $0.35 |
| 8 | Columbus, IN | $3.62 | $3.26 | 10.8% | $0.35 |
| 9 | Elkhart, IN | $3.67 | $3.29 | 11.5% | $0.38 |
| 10 | Muncie, IN | $3.62 | $3.21 | 12.6% | $0.41 |
How can you use credit cards to earn cash back on gas purchases?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that gas prices will average $3.64 per gallon in 2026 before falling to $3.09 per gallon in 2027.
LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz says drivers can take several steps to reduce fuel costs, starting with comparing prices at nearby stations.
“It doesn’t make sense to drive across town to save 3 cents a gallon, but gas prices can vary quite a bit even within a small area,” he says. “Driving a few extra blocks for a lower price can add up over the course of a year, especially if you fill up frequently.”
Schulz also recommends using a credit card that offers strong rewards on gas purchases.
“Whether you’re loyal to a specific gas station chain or simply want to save no matter where you fill up, plenty of credit cards can help,” he says. “Just know that gas station-specific cards tend to have higher-than-average APRs, so pay your balance in full every month if you use one. Otherwise, the interest you accrue can quickly outweigh any savings at the pump.”
Methodology
LendingTree researchers analyzed AAA data on average regular gas prices across states and metropolitan areas. Prices were as of Aug. 3, 2026, and were compared with those from Aug. 3, 2025.
LendingTree researchers also analyzed U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data to calculate historical average prices for regular gas per gallon.