5 states with the highest gas prices and what you can do about them
If there’s one cost to American drivers, it’s higher gasoline prices than in years past.
The average annual retail price of gasoline has increased significantly since 2002, from $1.36 to as high as $4.09 in 2022, based on data from the US Department of Energy.
Unfortunately for millions of Americans, some states have higher gas prices than others. By 2026, gasoline prices range from $2.26 a gallon to $4.58 a gallon, according to the latest AAA data. These prices may increase later in the year.
Which states have the most expensive gas prices in 2026 so far?
5 regions with the highest gas prices in 2026
Perhaps not surprisingly, the state with the highest gas prices this year is California.
State taxes and fees, environmental regulations and limited regional production are all factors that contribute to California’s status as the state with the highest gasoline prices in the country. Many drivers have switched to hybrid and electric vehicle ownership to save on fuel costs in the province.
Countries with the highest gas prices in 2026, according to AAA
- California: $4.58 per gallon
- Hawaii: $4.40 per gallon
- Washington: $4.15 per gallon
- Oregon: $3.69 per gallon
- Nevada: $3.63 per gallon
The US Energy Information Administration also cites “distance from supply” and “supply disruptions” and “retail competition” as reasons for high gasoline prices in some regions. You may not have an impact on fuel prices as a consumer, but you can make the decision to save money and choose the most fuel efficient car with the right information.
The most efficient cars to buy in states with high gas prices
If you live in a country with high gas prices compared to the national average ($2.92 according to AAA), fuel economy is a big factor to consider when buying a used or new car. Some cars, trucks and SUVs boast incredible gas mileage that can save their drivers a lot of money at the pump.
Cars with the best gas mileage of 2026
- 2026 Toyota Prius: Up to 57 miles per gallon combined
- 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Up to 54 miles per gallon combined
- 2026 Kia Niro: Up to 53 miles per gallon combined
- 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Up to 51 miles per gallon combined
Small and midsize cars with hybrid powertrains often get the best gas mileage. If the gas mileage is high, the car can go on one gallon of gas.
Some vehicles such as the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have long gas mileage and large gas tanks, resulting in an amazing driving range. The Sonata Hybrid can travel over 400 miles on a single tank of gas, making it ideal for drivers looking to save fuel in a different way.
The most expensive cars to own in states with high gas prices
Some of the most expensive vehicles to own in states with high gas prices are trucks and SUVs with large engines. Full-size SUVs and pickup trucks tend to be the slowest new vehicles on the market because of their large bodies.
Cars with the worst gas mileage in 2026
- 2026 Cadillac Escalade-V: 13 miles per gallon combined
- 2026 Chevrolet Suburban: 17 miles per gallon combined
- 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe: 17 miles per gallon combined
- 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer: 19 miles per gallon combined (estimated)
If you’re looking for a full-size truck or SUV with a large gas engine (six or eight cylinders), chances are its fuel economy won’t be very good. There are plenty of mild-hybrid and diesel SUV and truck options on the market that get better gas mileage than regular gas trucks. There’s a lot to like about the SUVs and trucks listed above, but don’t expect cheap gas mileage from them.
Should you switch to a hybrid or electric car to save money on gas?
High fuel costs can make vehicles with electric powertrains such as hybrids or EVs tempting, but other options may have hidden costs of ownership depending on your choice. Hybrids are generally more expensive to purchase than their gas equivalents. EVs can also be very expensive, and can be very difficult to charge publicly, depending on your home state.
You shouldn’t consider switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle until you weigh the cost of ownership of each powertrain against the other. Hybrid ownership is a good middle ground between gas and EV ownership because drivers can still rely on gasoline and get more mileage out of their car with electric motors assisting the gas engines.
If you live in a state with sky-high gas prices, hybrid vehicles are worth a little more research when considering your next new ride.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 states with the highest gas prices and what to do about them
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
