Cheapest gas

Cheapest States for Gas

The cheapest US states for gas are clustered in the Gulf Coast and South — close to refineries and with low state fuel taxes. The top 5 typically average $0.40–$0.60 below the national average.

Updated for 2026
US units
US avg fuel prices
EPA-style MPG
Transparent assumptions

How to read this guide

Examples: Numbers shown in this guide are illustrative estimates, not personalized quotes.
Use the calculators: For exact figures use the linked calculators with your real MPG, miles and local fuel price.
Updated periodically: Content is reviewed against recent EPA, DOE, AAA and EIA references.

Top 10 cheapest states

1) Mississippi, 2) Arkansas, 3) Texas, 4) Oklahoma, 5) Alabama, 6) Kansas, 7) Louisiana, 8) Missouri, 9) South Carolina, 10) Tennessee. Most sit between $2.80 and $2.95/gal.

Why these states are cheap

Proximity to Gulf Coast refineries cuts shipping cost. Low state fuel taxes (Mississippi $0.18/gal, Texas $0.20/gal) keep retail prices down. Sparse highway congestion also means lower delivery overhead.

Plan a road trip through cheap-gas country

See routes through Texas, Louisiana and the Southeast in our route directory, or see every state ranked by yearly fuel cost in the 2026 Cost to Drive Index.

Popular routes

Dallas → Houston

Houston → New Orleans

Atlanta → Nashville

Dallas → Austin

Browse all road trip routes →

Frequently asked questions

Which US state has the cheapest gas?

Mississippi typically has the lowest average gas price in the US, often $0.50+ below the national average.

Why is gas cheaper in Texas?

Texas has low state gas tax ($0.20/gal), abundant in-state refining, and pipeline access keeping wholesale prices low.

Does cheap gas mean lower MPG?

No. All US regular gasoline meets the same minimum octane and quality standards regardless of price.