US Gas Prices Decrease By As Much As 23% — See Where Your State Stacks Up
Key takeaways
- The average U.S. gas price on Oct. 15, 2024, was $3.20 per gallon — down 11.1% from $3.60 a year ago.
- The highest average gas price per gallon in 2024 was in April, when it was $3.61.
- 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 ($4.68 per gallon), Hawaii ($4.59) and Washington ($4.07).
- Georgia has the lowest average gas price ($2.71 per gallon), ahead of Mississippi ($2.75) and Oklahoma ($2.80).
- Average gas prices increased between Oct. 15, 2023, and Oct. 15, 2024, in only one state — Delaware, by 3.8%.
- Average gas prices decreased the most between Oct. 15, 2023, and Oct. 15, 2024, in Arizona (22.7%), Alaska (20.6%) and Oregon (19.0%).
- By metro, average gas prices jumped the most in Milford-Seaford, Del. (7.3%), Dover, Del. (6.4%), and Lake County, Ill., and Canton-Massillon, Ohio (both at 2.5%).
- By metro, average gas prices decreased the most in Juneau, Alaska (26.6%), and two in Arizona — West Valley (26.1%) and Glendale (26.0%).
Average monthly gas prices are down $1.72 per gallon from their peak in June 2022, according to the newest LendingTree analysis.
Meanwhile, average daily gas prices are down 11.1% year over year as of Oct. 15. Prices dropped in every state except Delaware, ranging from 1.6% in Ohio to 22.7% in Arizona.
We examined the biggest fluctuations in gas prices between Oct. 15, 2023, and Oct. 15, 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.
Average gas prices fall 11.1% nationwide — here’s how they fluctuated
On Oct. 15, 2024, the average U.S. gas price was $3.20 per gallon. That’s a relief for U.S. drivers, as it’s down 11.1% from $3.60 on Oct. 15, 2023.
Much to the pain of U.S. consumers’ pockets, the average gas price per gallon in 2023 was $3.52. Monthly prices reached their highest point of the year 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. They’ve since lowered to an average of $3.21 per gallon in September.
Average gas prices over the past 12 months
| Month | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| July 2024 | $3.48 |
| August 2024 | $3.39 |
| September 2024 | $3.21 |
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 are highest in California, lowest in Georgia
As of Oct. 15, 2024, the highest average gas price is in California ($4.68 per gallon). That’s followed by Hawaii ($4.59) and Washington ($4.07).
States with the highest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $4.68 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $4.59 |
| 3 | Washington | $4.07 |
| 4 | Nevada | $3.91 |
| 5 | Oregon | $3.68 |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Oct. 15, 2024.
Conversely, Georgia has the lowest average gas price at $2.71 per gallon. That’s ahead of Mississippi ($2.75) and Oklahoma ($2.80).
States with the lowest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia | $2.71 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $2.75 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | $2.80 |
| 4 | Texas | $2.81 |
| 5 | Louisiana | $2.83 |
| 5 | Arkansas | $2.83 |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Oct. 15, 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 | $4.68 | 46.3% |
| 2 | Hawaii | $4.59 | 43.4% |
| 3 | Washington | $4.07 | 27.2% |
| 4 | Nevada | $3.91 | 22.2% |
| 5 | Oregon | $3.68 | 15.0% |
| 6 | Alaska | $3.62 | 13.1% |
| 7 | Utah | $3.49 | 9.1% |
| 8 | Illinois | $3.48 | 8.7% |
| 9 | Idaho | $3.43 | 7.2% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | $3.38 | 5.6% |
| 11 | Arizona | $3.35 | 4.7% |
| 12 | District of Columbia | $3.31 | 3.4% |
| 13 | Michigan | $3.30 | 3.1% |
| 14 | Colorado | $3.27 | 2.2% |
| 15 | New York | $3.24 | 1.3% |
| 15 | Wyoming | $3.24 | 1.3% |
| 15 | Maryland | $3.24 | 1.3% |
| 18 | Montana | $3.22 | 0.6% |
| 19 | Indiana | $3.21 | 0.3% |
| 20 | Vermont | $3.19 | -0.3% |
| 20 | Delaware | $3.19 | -0.3% |
| 22 | Virginia | $3.13 | -2.2% |
| 23 | Minnesota | $3.12 | -2.5% |
| 23 | Ohio | $3.12 | -2.5% |
| 25 | Maine | $3.11 | -2.8% |
| 25 | North Dakota | $3.11 | -2.8% |
| 27 | Connecticut | $3.10 | -3.1% |
| 27 | Florida | $3.10 | -3.1% |
| 27 | West Virginia | $3.10 | -3.1% |
| 30 | Massachusetts | $3.08 | -3.8% |
| 31 | South Dakota | $3.07 | -4.1% |
| 32 | New Hampshire | $3.04 | -5.0% |
| 33 | Wisconsin | $3.03 | -5.3% |
| 34 | Rhode Island | $3.00 | -6.3% |
| 35 | New Jersey | $2.99 | -6.6% |
| 35 | Nebraska | $2.99 | -6.6% |
| 35 | Iowa | $2.99 | -6.6% |
| 38 | New Mexico | $2.98 | -6.9% |
| 39 | North Carolina | $2.97 | -7.2% |
| 40 | Kentucky | $2.93 | -8.4% |
| 41 | South Carolina | $2.91 | -9.1% |
| 42 | Alabama | $2.87 | -10.3% |
| 43 | Missouri | $2.86 | -10.6% |
| 44 | Tennessee | $2.85 | -10.9% |
| 45 | Kansas | $2.84 | -11.3% |
| 46 | Arkansas | $2.83 | -11.6% |
| 46 | Louisiana | $2.83 | -11.6% |
| 48 | Texas | $2.81 | -12.2% |
| 49 | Oklahoma | $2.80 | -12.5% |
| 50 | Mississippi | $2.75 | -14.1% |
| 51 | Georgia | $2.71 | -15.3% |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Oct. 15, 2024.
Where average gas prices jumped (and fell) the most
It’s also worth noting which states saw the biggest year-over-year changes. In this look, every state saw a decrease except Delaware. Average gas prices increased by 3.8% in Delaware between Oct. 15, 2023, and Oct. 15, 2024, from $3.07 to $3.19.
The smallest dips were in Ohio — 1.6% from $3.17 to $3.12 — and Maryland — 3.2% from $3.35 to $3.24.
States with the biggest jump and smallest decreases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average gas price, Oct. 15, 2024 | Average gas price, Oct. 15, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | $3.19 | $3.07 | 3.8% | $0.12 |
| 2 | Ohio | $3.12 | $3.17 | -1.6% | -$0.05 |
| 3 | Maryland | $3.24 | $3.35 | -3.2% | -$0.11 |
| 4 | Illinois | $3.48 | $3.62 | -3.9% | -$0.14 |
| 4 | Indiana | $3.21 | $3.34 | -3.9% | -$0.13 |
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, Arizona’s average gas prices decreased the most between Oct. 15, 2023, and Oct. 15, 2024. Here, gas prices fell 22.7% from $4.33 to $3.35. That’s followed by Alaska, where prices fell 20.6% from $4.56 to $3.62, and Oregon, where prices fell 19.0% from $4.54 to $3.68.
States with the biggest decreases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average gas price, Oct. 15, 2024 | Average gas price, Oct. 15, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | $3.35 | $4.33 | -22.7% | -$0.98 |
| 2 | Alaska | $3.62 | $4.56 | -20.6% | -$0.94 |
| 3 | Oregon | $3.68 | $4.54 | -19.0% | -$0.86 |
| 4 | Nevada | $3.91 | $4.79 | -18.4% | -$0.88 |
| 5 | Montana | $3.22 | $3.94 | -18.2% | -$0.72 |
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, Oct. 15, 2024 | Average gas price, Oct. 15, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | $3.19 | $3.07 | 3.8% | $0.12 |
| 2 | Ohio | $3.12 | $3.17 | -1.6% | -$0.05 |
| 3 | Maryland | $3.24 | $3.35 | -3.2% | -$0.11 |
| 4 | Illinois | $3.48 | $3.62 | -3.9% | -$0.14 |
| 4 | Indiana | $3.21 | $3.34 | -3.9% | -$0.13 |
| 6 | Hawaii | $4.59 | $4.79 | -4.2% | -$0.20 |
| 7 | Michigan | $3.30 | $3.47 | -5.1% | -$0.18 |
| 8 | South Carolina | $2.91 | $3.12 | -6.7% | -$0.21 |
| 9 | Wisconsin | $3.03 | $3.25 | -6.8% | -$0.22 |
| 10 | Florida | $3.10 | $3.33 | -7.0% | -$0.23 |
| 11 | Virginia | $3.13 | $3.40 | -7.9% | -$0.27 |
| 12 | Alabama | $2.87 | $3.13 | -8.3% | -$0.26 |
| 13 | Texas | $2.81 | $3.08 | -8.8% | -$0.27 |
| 14 | Kentucky | $2.93 | $3.22 | -9.0% | -$0.29 |
| 15 | North Carolina | $2.97 | $3.27 | -9.3% | -$0.31 |
| 16 | Tennessee | $2.85 | $3.15 | -9.5% | -$0.30 |
| 16 | Iowa | $2.99 | $3.31 | -9.5% | -$0.31 |
| 18 | Louisiana | $2.83 | $3.14 | -9.7% | -$0.31 |
| 19 | West Virginia | $3.10 | $3.44 | -10.0% | -$0.34 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $3.38 | $3.77 | -10.4% | -$0.39 |
| 20 | Minnesota | $3.12 | $3.48 | -10.4% | -$0.36 |
| 22 | Mississippi | $2.75 | $3.08 | -10.6% | -$0.33 |
| 23 | Arkansas | $2.83 | $3.19 | -11.1% | -$0.36 |
| 24 | District of Columbia | $3.31 | $3.74 | -11.6% | -$0.43 |
| 24 | Colorado | $3.27 | $3.70 | -11.6% | -$0.43 |
| 24 | Utah | $3.49 | $3.94 | -11.6% | -$0.46 |
| 24 | Georgia | $2.71 | $3.07 | -11.6% | -$0.36 |
| 28 | Missouri | $2.86 | $3.28 | -12.8% | -$0.42 |
| 29 | Wyoming | $3.24 | $3.75 | -13.6% | -$0.51 |
| 30 | Vermont | $3.19 | $3.70 | -13.8% | -$0.51 |
| 31 | New Jersey | $2.99 | $3.47 | -13.9% | -$0.48 |
| 32 | Idaho | $3.43 | $4.00 | -14.1% | -$0.57 |
| 33 | New Hampshire | $3.04 | $3.56 | -14.6% | -$0.52 |
| 34 | Maine | $3.11 | $3.65 | -14.8% | -$0.54 |
| 34 | Oklahoma | $2.80 | $3.29 | -14.8% | -$0.49 |
| 36 | South Dakota | $3.07 | $3.62 | -15.0% | -$0.54 |
| 37 | New York | $3.24 | $3.82 | -15.1% | -$0.58 |
| 38 | New Mexico | $2.98 | $3.51 | -15.3% | -$0.54 |
| 39 | Nebraska | $2.99 | $3.53 | -15.5% | -$0.55 |
| 40 | North Dakota | $3.11 | $3.68 | -15.6% | -$0.57 |
| 41 | Massachusetts | $3.08 | $3.65 | -15.7% | -$0.57 |
| 41 | Connecticut | $3.10 | $3.68 | -15.7% | -$0.58 |
| 43 | Rhode Island | $3.00 | $3.58 | -16.1% | -$0.58 |
| 44 | California | $4.68 | $5.63 | -16.9% | -$0.95 |
| 45 | Washington | $4.07 | $4.91 | -17.1% | -$0.84 |
| 46 | Kansas | $2.84 | $3.43 | -17.2% | -$0.59 |
| 47 | Montana | $3.22 | $3.94 | -18.2% | -$0.72 |
| 48 | Nevada | $3.91 | $4.79 | -18.4% | -$0.88 |
| 49 | Oregon | $3.68 | $4.54 | -19.0% | -$0.86 |
| 50 | Alaska | $3.62 | $4.56 | -20.6% | -$0.94 |
| 51 | Arizona | $3.35 | $4.33 | -22.7% | -$0.98 |
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.
Delaware, Ohio metros dominate list of biggest increases
Metros (as designated by AAA) in Delaware and Ohio saw the most substantial average gas price increases, occupying seven of the top 10 spots.
Milford-Seaford, Del., saw the biggest jump, with prices increasing 7.3% from $3.01 to $3.23. It’s followed by another Delaware metro — Dover — where gas prices jumped by 6.4% from $3.04 to $3.23, and Lake County, Ill., and Canton-Massillon, Ohio, where prices jumped by 2.5% from $3.49 and $3.07 to $3.58 and $3.15.
Metros with the biggest jumps in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Average gas price, Oct. 15, 2024 | Average gas price, Oct. 15, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milford-Seaford, DE | $3.23 | $3.01 | 7.3% | $0.22 |
| 2 | Dover, DE | $3.23 | $3.04 | 6.4% | $0.19 |
| 3 | Lake County, IL | $3.58 | $3.49 | 2.5% | $0.09 |
| 3 | Canton-Massillon, OH | $3.15 | $3.07 | 2.5% | $0.08 |
| 5 | Akron, OH | $3.16 | $3.08 | 2.4% | $0.08 |
| 6 | Dayton, OH | $3.07 | $3.00 | 2.3% | $0.07 |
| 6 | Springfield, OH | $3.09 | $3.02 | 2.3% | $0.07 |
| 8 | Fort Wayne, IN | $3.30 | $3.25 | 1.8% | $0.05 |
| 9 | Fredericksburg, VA | $3.23 | $3.21 | 0.7% | $0.02 |
| 9 | Wilmington-Newark (DE only), DE | $3.15 | $3.12 | 0.7% | $0.03 |
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, nine of the 10 metros with the largest drop in gas prices are in Alaska and Arizona. Average gas prices decreased the most in Juneau, Alaska, where they fell 26.6% from $4.64 to $3.41. That’s followed by two Arizona metros, West Valley and Glendale, where prices dropped 26.1% and 26.0% from $4.49 and $4.46 to $3.32 and $3.30.
Metros with the biggest decreases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Average gas price, Oct. 15, 2024 | Average gas price, Oct. 15, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juneau, AK | $3.41 | $4.64 | -26.6% | -$1.23 |
| 2 | West Valley, AZ | $3.32 | $4.49 | -26.1% | -$1.17 |
| 3 | Glendale, AZ | $3.30 | $4.46 | -26.0% | -$1.16 |
| 4 | Peoria, AZ | $3.37 | $4.54 | -25.9% | -$1.17 |
| 5 | Phoenix Proper, AZ | $3.33 | $4.48 | -25.5% | -$1.15 |
| 6 | Scottsdale, AZ | $3.49 | $4.67 | -25.1% | -$1.18 |
| 7 | Phoenix-Mesa, AZ | $3.38 | $4.50 | -25.0% | -$1.12 |
| 8 | East Valley, AZ | $3.43 | $4.52 | -24.2% | -$1.09 |
| 9 | Lake Havasu-Kingman, AZ | $3.31 | $4.35 | -23.8% | -$1.04 |
| 10 | Clarkston, WA | $3.40 | $4.41 | -22.9% | -$1.01 |
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
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts gas to be $3.20 per gallon in 2025.
LendingTree chief credit analyst Matt Schulz says drivers can do a few things 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 make sure you pay them off in full every month if you’re going to use them. 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 Oct. 15, 2024, and are compared to those on Oct. 15, 2023.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data was used to calculate average historical prices of regular gas per gallon.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.