Gas prices by state
North Carolina Gas Prices
Estimated current fuel and electricity prices for North Carolina, plus monthly and annual driving cost estimates for a typical commuter.
- Updated for 2026
- US avg fuel prices
- EV rates vary by state
- Transparent assumptions
Regular
$3.15
per gallon
Premium
$3.80
per gallon
Diesel
$3.60
per gallon
Electricity
$0.13
per kWh
Estimated driving cost in North Carolina
Monthly (1,000 mi · 27 MPG)
$117
Annual (12,000 mi)
$1400
EV monthly (1,000 mi · 3.5 mi/kWh)
$37
Key takeaway
Switch to gas, premium or EV in the fuel cost calculator or estimate a full drive with the trip cost calculator.
How North Carolina compares
Regular gas, $/gal — this state vs cheapest and priciest in the US.
Cheapest states for gas
Most expensive states
Nearby states
Commuting in North Carolina
Estimate commute fuel cost for a typical driver in these cities.
Popular North Carolina road trips
Best road trips in North Carolina → · All North Carolina routes →
Curated picks
Popular Drives From North Carolina
Short-distance North Carolina routes at the state's $3.15/gal average.
Charlotte, NC → Raleigh, NC
165 mi · 2.5 h · ~$19 gas
Asheville, NC → Charlotte, NC
118 mi · 1.9 h · ~$13 gas
Charlotte, NC → Columbia, SC
101 mi · 1.6 h · ~$11 gas
Wilmington, NC → Raleigh, NC
135 mi · 2.2 h · ~$15 gas
Raleigh, NC → Richmond, VA
164 mi · 2.6 h · ~$18 gas
Asheville, NC → Raleigh, NC
259 mi · 4.2 h · ~$29 gas
How we estimate North Carolina prices
- Per-gallon prices
- State-level estimates for regular, premium and diesel calibrated to recent averages.
- Electricity rate
- Residential per-kWh rate used for EV charging cost comparisons.
- Monthly cost formula
- (monthly miles ÷ MPG) × $/gal — defaults assume ~1,000 miles/month.
- Local variation
- City prices can swing ±$0.30/gal from state averages; taxes and refinery proximity dominate.
Sources & assumptions
- EPA fuel economy data — City / highway / combined MPG and MPGe baselines.
- U.S. Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov) — Vehicle efficiency and EV range references.
- AAA gas price trends — Recent national and regional retail fuel averages.
- EIA electricity rates — Average residential per-kWh prices used for EV charging.
We summarize publicly available data — no scraping, no external API calls. Figures are calibrated periodically; use the calculators above for your exact inputs.
FAQ
Why are North Carolina gas prices lower than the national average?
Prices reflect local fuel taxes, refining capacity, and transport costs. North Carolina currently averages about $3.15 per gallon of regular.
How much does it cost to drive 1,000 miles in North Carolina?
At $3.15/gal and 27 MPG, 1,000 miles costs about $117 in fuel. Use the trip calculator for exact estimates.
Is it cheaper to drive an EV in North Carolina?
At $0.13/kWh and 3.5 mi/kWh, 1,000 miles costs roughly $37 — typically cheaper versus gas.
How often are these prices updated?
These are rolling estimates for editorial use. Verify current prices at a local station or via AAA before fueling up.