US Gas Prices Decrease By As Much As 14% — See Where Your State Stacks Up
Average monthly gas prices are down $1.47 per gallon from their peak in June 2022, according to the newest LendingTree analysis.
Meanwhile, average daily gas prices are down 1.8% year over year as of July 19 — ranging from an increase of 5.6% in Ohio to a decrease of 13.6% in Washington.
We examined the biggest fluctuations in gas prices between July 19, 2023, and July 19, 2024. In addition to highlighting which states and metros saw the biggest increases (and decreases), we’ll explain how you can use credit card rewards to earn cash back at the pump.
Key findings
- The average U.S. gas price on July 19, 2024, was $3.50 per gallon — down 1.8% from $3.57 a year ago.
- The average gas price per gallon in 2023 was $3.52, peaking in August and September before falling to its lowest point in December.
- The highest average gas prices are in California ($4.71 per gallon), Hawaii ($4.70) and Washington ($4.26).
- Mississippi has the lowest average gas price ($3.00 per gallon), ahead of Louisiana ($3.10) and Texas ($3.11).
- Average gas prices jumped the most between July 19, 2023, and July 19, 2024, in Ohio (5.6%), Indiana (3.2%) and West Virginia (2.2%).
- Average gas prices decreased the most between July 19, 2023, and July 19, 2024, in Washington (13.6%), Oregon (13.4%) and Colorado (13.3%).
- By metro, average gas prices jumped the most in Belmont County, Ohio (7.8%), Lafayette, Ind. (7.0%), and Steubenville-Weirton, Ohio (6.9%).
- By metro, average gas prices decreased the most in Bend, Ore. (18.4%), and Spokane, Wash., and Eugene-Springfield, Ore. (both at 17.2%).
Average gas prices fall 1.8% nationwide — here’s how they fluctuated
On July 19, 2024, the average U.S. gas price was $3.50 per gallon. That’s a slight relief for U.S. drivers, as it’s down 1.8% from $3.57 on July 19, 2023.
Much to the pain of U.S. consumers’ pockets, the average gas price per gallon in 2023 was $3.52. Prices reached their highest point at $3.84 in August and September 2023, then hit a 12-month low of $3.13 in December. However, prices rose again to $3.61 per gallon in April 2024.
Average gas prices over the past 12 months
| Month | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|
| July 2023 | $3.60 |
| August 2023 | $3.84 |
| September 2023 | $3.84 |
| October 2023 | $3.61 |
| November 2023 | $3.32 |
| December 2023 | $3.13 |
| January 2024 | $3.08 |
| February 2024 | $3.21 |
| March 2024 | $3.43 |
| April 2024 | $3.61 |
| May 2024 | $3.60 |
| June 2024 | $3.46 |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
It’s worth noting how gas prices dipped in 2023 compared to 2022. To put it into perspective, six of the 10 months with the highest average gas prices dating to 1992 occurred in 2022 — with the year claiming the top five spots. Notably, the only other months where average gas prices reached over $4.00 a gallon were June and July 2008, when demand was high but global oil production was low.
Highest gas prices (historical)
| Rank | Month | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 2022 | $4.93 |
| 2 | July 2022 | $4.56 |
| 3 | May 2022 | $4.44 |
| 4 | March 2022 | $4.22 |
| 5 | April 2022 | $4.11 |
| 6 | July 2008 | $4.06 |
| 7 | June 2008 | $4.05 |
| 8 | August 2022 | $3.98 |
| 9 | May 2011 | $3.91 |
| 10 | April 2012 | $3.90 |
Source: EIA. Note: Prices aren’t adjusted for inflation.
Still, 2022 wasn’t the worst year for gas prices. When adjusted for inflation, 2012 had the highest average gas price, at $4.80 per gallon. Before adjusting for inflation, it was $3.62 per gallon.
Average gas prices dating to 1992
| Year | Average price per gallon | Average price per gallon, adjusted for inflation |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | $1.09 | $2.36 |
| 1993 | $1.07 | $2.25 |
| 1994 | $1.08 | $2.21 |
| 1995 | $1.11 | $2.22 |
| 1996 | $1.20 | $2.33 |
| 1997 | $1.20 | $2.28 |
| 1998 | $1.03 | $1.93 |
| 1999 | $1.14 | $2.08 |
| 2000 | $1.48 | $2.63 |
| 2001 | $1.42 | $2.44 |
| 2002 | $1.35 | $2.28 |
| 2003 | $1.56 | $2.58 |
| 2004 | $1.85 | $2.99 |
| 2005 | $2.27 | $3.54 |
| 2006 | $2.57 | $3.89 |
| 2007 | $2.80 | $4.11 |
| 2008 | $3.25 | $4.59 |
| 2009 | $2.35 | $3.34 |
| 2010 | $2.78 | $3.89 |
| 2011 | $3.52 | $4.77 |
| 2012 | $3.62 | $4.80 |
| 2013 | $3.51 | $4.58 |
| 2014 | $3.36 | $4.32 |
| 2015 | $2.43 | $3.12 |
| 2016 | $2.14 | $2.72 |
| 2017 | $2.42 | $3.00 |
| 2018 | $2.72 | $3.30 |
| 2019 | $2.60 | $3.10 |
| 2020 | $2.17 | $2.55 |
| 2021 | $3.01 | $3.38 |
| 2022 | $3.95 | $4.11 |
| 2023 | $3.52 | $3.52 |
Source: EIA.
Average gas prices highest in California, lowest in Mississippi
As of July 19, 2024, the highest average gas price is in California ($4.71 per gallon). That’s followed by Hawaii ($4.70) and Washington ($4.26).
States with the highest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $4.71 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $4.70 |
| 3 | Washington | $4.26 |
| 4 | Nevada | $3.99 |
| 5 | Oregon | $3.98 |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of July 19, 2024.
Conversely, Mississippi has the lowest average gas price, at $3.00 per gallon. That’s ahead of Louisiana ($3.10) and Texas ($3.11).
States with the lowest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | $3.00 |
| 2 | Louisiana | $3.10 |
| 3 | Texas | $3.11 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | $3.13 |
| 4 | Tennessee | $3.13 |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of July 19, 2024.
Full rankings
Highest average gas prices (by state)
| Rank | State | Average price per gallon | Percentage difference from average gas price in U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $4.71 | 34.6% |
| 2 | Hawaii | $4.70 | 34.3% |
| 3 | Washington | $4.26 | 21.7% |
| 4 | Nevada | $3.99 | 14.0% |
| 5 | Oregon | $3.98 | 13.7% |
| 6 | Illinois | $3.87 | 10.6% |
| 7 | Alaska | $3.83 | 9.4% |
| 8 | District of Columbia | $3.70 | 5.7% |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | $3.66 | 4.6% |
| 10 | New York | $3.62 | 3.4% |
| 11 | Indiana | $3.60 | 2.9% |
| 11 | Idaho | $3.60 | 2.9% |
| 13 | Connecticut | $3.59 | 2.6% |
| 14 | Michigan | $3.58 | 2.3% |
| 15 | Utah | $3.56 | 1.7% |
| 16 | Montana | $3.54 | 1.1% |
| 17 | Maryland | $3.52 | 0.6% |
| 18 | Massachusetts | $3.50 | 0.0% |
| 18 | Maine | $3.50 | 0.0% |
| 18 | Ohio | $3.50 | 0.0% |
| 21 | Arizona | $3.48 | -0.6% |
| 21 | Vermont | $3.48 | -0.6% |
| 23 | Rhode Island | $3.46 | -1.1% |
| 23 | Delaware | $3.46 | -1.1% |
| 23 | New Jersey | $3.46 | -1.1% |
| 26 | Virginia | $3.44 | -1.7% |
| 26 | West Virginia | $3.44 | -1.7% |
| 28 | New Hampshire | $3.43 | -2.0% |
| 29 | Florida | $3.40 | -2.9% |
| 30 | North Dakota | $3.39 | -3.1% |
| 30 | Wisconsin | $3.39 | -3.1% |
| 32 | North Carolina | $3.36 | -4.0% |
| 32 | Georgia | $3.36 | -4.0% |
| 34 | Wyoming | $3.34 | -4.6% |
| 35 | Minnesota | $3.32 | -5.1% |
| 35 | Colorado | $3.32 | -5.1% |
| 37 | Kentucky | $3.28 | -6.3% |
| 38 | Iowa | $3.27 | -6.6% |
| 39 | South Dakota | $3.26 | -6.9% |
| 40 | New Mexico | $3.25 | -7.1% |
| 41 | Missouri | $3.23 | -7.7% |
| 42 | Nebraska | $3.22 | -8.0% |
| 43 | South Carolina | $3.21 | -8.3% |
| 44 | Kansas | $3.17 | -9.4% |
| 44 | Alabama | $3.17 | -9.4% |
| 46 | Arkansas | $3.15 | -10.0% |
| 47 | Tennessee | $3.13 | -10.6% |
| 47 | Oklahoma | $3.13 | -10.6% |
| 49 | Texas | $3.11 | -11.1% |
| 50 | Louisiana | $3.10 | -11.4% |
| 51 | Mississippi | $3.00 | -14.3% |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of July 19, 2024.
Where average gas prices jumped (and fell) the most
It’s also worth noting which states saw the biggest year-over-year changes. Average gas prices jumped the most in Ohio between July 19, 2023, and July 19, 2024 — 5.6% from $3.31 to $3.50.
That’s followed by Indiana, where prices rose 3.2% from $3.49 to $3.60, and West Virginia, where prices rose 2.2% from $3.36 to $3.44.
States with the biggest jumps in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average gas price, July 19, 2024 | Average gas price, July 19, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | $3.50 | $3.31 | 5.6% | -$0.19 |
| 2 | Indiana | $3.60 | $3.49 | 3.2% | -$0.11 |
| 3 | West Virginia | $3.44 | $3.36 | 2.2% | -$0.07 |
| 4 | Georgia | $3.36 | $3.30 | 1.7% | -$0.06 |
| 5 | North Carolina | $3.36 | $3.31 | 1.6% | -$0.05 |
Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Notes: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers. The rankings are based on year-over-year percentage changes.
Meanwhile, Washington’s average gas prices decreased the most between July 19, 2023, and July 19, 2024. Here, gas prices fell 13.6% from $4.93 to $4.26. That’s followed by Oregon, where prices fell 13.4% from $4.60 to $3.98, and Colorado, where prices fell 13.3% from $3.83 to $3.32.
States with the biggest decreases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average gas price, July 19, 2024 | Average gas price, July 19, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $4.26 | $4.93 | -13.6% | $0.67 |
| 2 | Oregon | $3.98 | $4.60 | -13.4% | $0.62 |
| 3 | Colorado | $3.32 | $3.83 | -13.3% | $0.51 |
| 4 | Alaska | $3.83 | $4.30 | -10.7% | $0.46 |
| 5 | Utah | $3.56 | $3.89 | -8.6% | $0.33 |
Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Notes: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers. The rankings are based on year-over-year percentage changes.
Full rankings
Changes in average gas prices (by state)
| Rank | State | Average gas price, July 19, 2024 | Average gas price, July 19, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | $3.50 | $3.31 | 5.6% | -$0.19 |
| 2 | Indiana | $3.60 | $3.49 | 3.2% | -$0.11 |
| 3 | West Virginia | $3.44 | $3.36 | 2.2% | -$0.07 |
| 4 | Georgia | $3.36 | $3.30 | 1.7% | -$0.06 |
| 5 | North Carolina | $3.36 | $3.31 | 1.6% | -$0.05 |
| 6 | Michigan | $3.58 | $3.53 | 1.5% | -$0.05 |
| 7 | Wisconsin | $3.39 | $3.35 | 1.1% | -$0.04 |
| 8 | Alabama | $3.17 | $3.13 | 1.0% | -$0.03 |
| 8 | Illinois | $3.87 | $3.83 | 1.0% | -$0.04 |
| 10 | Virginia | $3.44 | $3.42 | 0.6% | -$0.02 |
| 10 | Kentucky | $3.28 | $3.26 | 0.6% | -$0.02 |
| 12 | District of Columbia | $3.70 | $3.69 | 0.3% | -$0.01 |
| 13 | Hawaii | $4.70 | $4.69 | 0.1% | -$0.01 |
| 14 | Delaware | $3.46 | $3.47 | -0.3% | $0.01 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | $3.66 | $3.68 | -0.5% | $0.02 |
| 15 | Missouri | $3.23 | $3.24 | -0.5% | $0.02 |
| 17 | Tennessee | $3.13 | $3.16 | -0.7% | $0.02 |
| 17 | Arkansas | $3.15 | $3.17 | -0.7% | $0.02 |
| 17 | Mississippi | $3.00 | $3.02 | -0.7% | $0.02 |
| 20 | Connecticut | $3.59 | $3.62 | -0.8% | $0.03 |
| 21 | Florida | $3.40 | $3.43 | -0.9% | $0.03 |
| 22 | Maryland | $3.52 | $3.56 | -1.1% | $0.04 |
| 23 | Rhode Island | $3.46 | $3.51 | -1.2% | $0.04 |
| 24 | New Hampshire | $3.43 | $3.48 | -1.3% | $0.05 |
| 25 | New York | $3.62 | $3.68 | -1.4% | $0.05 |
| 26 | Massachusetts | $3.50 | $3.56 | -1.5% | $0.05 |
| 27 | South Carolina | $3.21 | $3.27 | -1.6% | $0.05 |
| 27 | Louisiana | $3.10 | $3.15 | -1.6% | $0.05 |
| 29 | New Jersey | $3.46 | $3.52 | -1.8% | $0.06 |
| 30 | Texas | $3.11 | $3.18 | -2.0% | $0.07 |
| 31 | Iowa | $3.27 | $3.35 | -2.2% | $0.07 |
| 32 | North Dakota | $3.39 | $3.47 | -2.4% | $0.09 |
| 33 | Oklahoma | $3.13 | $3.22 | -2.9% | $0.09 |
| 33 | Minnesota | $3.32 | $3.43 | -2.9% | $0.10 |
| 35 | Kansas | $3.17 | $3.27 | -3.0% | $0.10 |
| 36 | Vermont | $3.48 | $3.61 | -3.5% | $0.13 |
| 37 | Maine | $3.50 | $3.63 | -3.6% | $0.13 |
| 38 | California | $4.71 | $4.90 | -3.9% | $0.19 |
| 39 | Nebraska | $3.22 | $3.36 | -4.1% | $0.14 |
| 40 | Montana | $3.54 | $3.74 | -5.2% | $0.20 |
| 41 | Nevada | $3.99 | $4.22 | -5.5% | $0.23 |
| 42 | New Mexico | $3.25 | $3.47 | -6.5% | $0.22 |
| 43 | South Dakota | $3.26 | $3.50 | -6.9% | $0.24 |
| 44 | Idaho | $3.60 | $3.89 | -7.6% | $0.30 |
| 45 | Wyoming | $3.34 | $3.61 | -7.7% | $0.28 |
| 46 | Arizona | $3.48 | $3.80 | -8.2% | $0.31 |
| 47 | Utah | $3.56 | $3.89 | -8.6% | $0.33 |
| 48 | Alaska | $3.83 | $4.30 | -10.7% | $0.46 |
| 49 | Colorado | $3.32 | $3.83 | -13.3% | $0.51 |
| 50 | Oregon | $3.98 | $4.60 | -13.4% | $0.62 |
| 51 | Washington | $4.26 | $4.93 | -13.6% | $0.67 |
Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Notes: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers. The rankings are based on year-over-year percentage changes.
Ohio metros dominate list of biggest increases
The fluctuations are even more pronounced by metro (as designated by AAA). Metros in Ohio and Indiana saw the most substantial average gas price increases, with eight Ohio and two Indiana metros ranking in the top 10.
At the top, Belmont County, Ohio, saw the largest jump, 7.8%, from $3.23 to $3.48 per gallon. That’s followed by Lafayette, Ind., where prices rose 7.0% from $3.51 to $3.75, and Steubenville-Weirton, Ohio, where prices rose 6.9% from $3.29 to $3.52.
Metros with the biggest jumps in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Average gas price, July 19, 2024 | Average gas price, July 19, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belmont County, OH | $3.48 | $3.23 | 7.8% | -$0.25 |
| 2 | Lafayette, IN | $3.75 | $3.51 | 7.0% | -$0.25 |
| 3 | Steubenville-Weirton (OH only), OH | $3.52 | $3.29 | 6.9% | -$0.23 |
| 4 | Fort Wayne, IN | $3.69 | $3.47 | 6.4% | -$0.22 |
| 4 | Lawerence County, OH | $3.54 | $3.33 | 6.4% | -$0.21 |
| 6 | Columbus, OH | $3.53 | $3.32 | 6.3% | -$0.21 |
| 6 | Cincinnati (OH only), OH | $3.53 | $3.32 | 6.3% | -$0.21 |
| 8 | Akron, OH | $3.53 | $3.33 | 6.0% | -$0.20 |
| 9 | Springfield, OH | $3.49 | $3.29 | 5.9% | -$0.20 |
| 9 | Toledo, OH | $3.51 | $3.31 | 5.9% | -$0.19 |
Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Notes: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers. The rankings are based on year-over-year percentage changes. AAA has counties in Ohio on its metro list.
Meanwhile, the metro with the largest drop in gas prices is in Oregon. Average gas prices decreased the most in Bend, where they fell 18.4% from $4.65 to $3.80. That’s followed by Spokane, Wash., where prices dropped 17.2% from $4.60 to $3.81, and Eugene-Springfield, Ore., where prices dropped 17.2% from $4.57 to $3.79.
Metros with the biggest decreases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Average gas price, July 19, 2024 | Average gas price, July 19, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bend, OR | $3.80 | $4.65 | -18.4% | $0.85 |
| 2 | Spokane, WA | $3.81 | $4.60 | -17.2% | $0.79 |
| 2 | Eugene-Springfield, OR | $3.79 | $4.57 | -17.2% | $0.79 |
| 4 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $3.95 | $4.75 | -16.8% | $0.80 |
| 5 | Fairbanks, AK | $3.64 | $4.37 | -16.7% | $0.73 |
| 5 | Vail, CO | $3.60 | $4.32 | -16.7% | $0.72 |
| 7 | Pueblo, CO | $3.34 | $3.97 | -16.0% | $0.63 |
| 8 | Bellingham, WA | $4.08 | $4.85 | -15.8% | $0.77 |
| 9 | Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, WA | $4.10 | $4.85 | -15.5% | $0.75 |
| 9 | Albany, OR | $3.69 | $4.37 | -15.5% | $0.68 |
Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Notes: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers. The rankings are based on year-over-year percentage changes.
Utilizing credit cards for cash back at the gas station: Expert tips
Although gas prices have fallen across the U.S., drivers should remember that these prices will likely stay relatively high. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts gas to be $3.40 per gallon in 2024 and $3.50 per gallon in 2025.
However, LendingTree chief credit analyst Matt Schulz says that isn’t necessarily the end of the world for drivers, as there are a few things they can do to save on gas at the pump.
His first tip? Shop around.
Next, Schulz says to leverage credit cards with the best gas station rewards.
“Whether you’re loyal to one specific gas station chain or just looking to save on gas prices no matter where you fill up, plenty of credit cards can help you,” he says. “Just know that gas station-specific cards tend to have higher-than-average APRs, so if you’re going to use them, make sure you pay them off in full every month. Otherwise, the amount you save on gas can quickly be outweighed by how much you accrue in interest.”
Methodology
LendingTree researchers analyzed AAA data on average regular gas prices in states and metros. Prices are as of July 19, 2024, and are compared to those on July 19, 2023.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data was used to calculate average historical prices of regular gas per gallon.