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LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

US Gas Prices Decrease By As Much As 14% — See Where Your State Stacks Up

Updated on:
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
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Average monthly gas prices are down $1.80 per gallon from their peak in June 2022, according to the newest LendingTree analysis.

Meanwhile, average daily gas prices are down 5.8% year over year as of Jan. 11 — ranging from an increase of 4.4% in California to a decrease of 14.3% in Wisconsin.

We looked at the biggest fluctuations in gas prices between Jan. 11, 2023, and Jan. 11, 2024. In addition to highlighting which states and metros saw the biggest increases (and decreases), we’ll explain how you can utilize credit card rewards to earn cash back at the pump.

  • The average U.S. gas price on Jan. 11, 2024, was $3.08 per gallon — down 5.8% from $3.27 a year ago.
  • The average gas price per gallon in 2023 was $3.52, reaching a peak in August and September before falling to its lowest point in December.
  • The highest average gas prices are in Hawaii ($4.68 per gallon), California ($4.62) and Washington ($4.04).
  • Oklahoma has the lowest average gas price ($2.59 per gallon), ahead of Arkansas and Missouri (tied at $2.63).
  • Average gas prices jumped the most between Jan. 11, 2023, and Jan. 11, 2024, in California (4.4%), Georgia (2.6%) and Washington (2.5%).
  • Average gas prices decreased the most between Jan. 11, 2023, and Jan. 11, 2024, in Wisconsin (14.3%), Utah (13.8%) and Colorado (13.4%).
  • By metro, average gas prices jumped the most in Walla Walla, Wash. (12.1%), Merced, Calif. (8.5%), and Chico, Calif. (8.3%).
  • By metro, average gas prices decreased the most in Casper, Wyo. (21.1%), Pocatello, Idaho (19.6%), and Pueblo, Colo. (18.8%).

On Jan. 11, 2024, the average U.S. gas price was $3.08 per gallon. That’s a relief for many U.S. drivers, as it’s down 5.8% from $3.27 on Jan. 11, 2023.

Much to the pain of most U.S. consumers’ pockets, the average gas price per gallon in 2023 was $3.52. At the beginning of the year, the average price was $3.34. Prices peaked at $3.84 in August and September before tumbling to the lowest average of the year ($3.13) in December.

Average gas prices in 2023

MonthAverage price per gallon
January$3.34
February$3.39
March$3.42
April$3.60
May$3.56
June$3.57
July$3.60
August$3.84
September$3.84
October$3.61
November$3.32
December$3.13

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 a gallon were June and July 2008, when demand was high but global oil production was low.

Highest gas prices (historical)

RankMonthAverage price per gallon
1June 2022$4.93
2July 2022$4.56
3May 2022$4.44
4March 2022$4.22
5April 2022$4.11
6July 2008$4.06
7June 2008$4.05
8August 2022$3.98
9May 2011$3.91
10April 2012$3.90

Source: EIA. Note: Prices aren’t adjusted for inflation.

Still, by year, 2022 wasn’t the worst as far as gas prices go. 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

YearAverage price per gallonAverage 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.

As of Jan. 11, 2024, the highest average gas price is in Hawaii at $4.68 per gallon. That’s followed by California ($4.62) and Washington ($4.04).

States with the highest average gas prices

RankStateAverage price per gallon
1Hawaii$4.68
2California$4.62
3Washington$4.04
4Nevada$3.85
5Oregon$3.69

Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Jan. 11, 2024.

On the other hand, Oklahoma has the lowest average gas price at $2.59 per gallon. That’s ahead of Arkansas and Missouri (tied at $2.63).

States with the lowest average gas prices

RankStateAverage price per gallon
1Oklahoma$2.59
2Arkansas$2.63
2Missouri$2.63
4Mississippi$2.66
5Wisconsin$2.67

Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Jan. 11, 2024.

Full rankings

Highest average gas prices (by state)

RankStateAverage price per gallonPercentage difference from average gas price in U.S.
1Hawaii$4.6851.9%
2California$4.6250.0%
3Washington$4.0431.4%
4Nevada$3.8525.3%
5Oregon$3.6919.9%
6Alaska$3.5816.3%
7Pennsylvania$3.358.8%
8New York$3.307.4%
9Vermont$3.245.2%
10Arizona$3.224.6%
11District of Columbia$3.193.8%
11Maine$3.193.6%
13Connecticut$3.162.8%
13Massachusetts$3.162.8%
15Florida$3.131.6%
16Idaho$3.090.5%
17New Hampshire$3.07-0.2%
17Maryland$3.07-0.3%
19Illinois$3.06-0.6%
19New Jersey$3.06-0.6%
21Rhode Island$3.05-0.8%
22Georgia$2.95-4.0%
23Michigan$2.94-4.6%
24Virginia$2.93-4.9%
25Montana$2.92-5.1%
25Delaware$2.92-5.1%
27Indiana$2.91-5.4%
27North Carolina$2.91-5.5%
29West Virginia$2.89-6.0%
30South Dakota$2.88-6.3%
31Ohio$2.84-7.7%
31New Mexico$2.84-7.8%
33South Carolina$2.83-8.2%
34Kentucky$2.82-8.3%
34North Dakota$2.82-8.4%
36Minnesota$2.81-8.8%
37Utah$2.79-9.3%
37Alabama$2.79-9.3%
39Nebraska$2.78-9.7%
40Iowa$2.75-10.5%
40Wyoming$2.75-10.5%
40Tennessee$2.75-10.6%
43Louisiana$2.74-10.9%
44Colorado$2.71-12.0%
45Texas$2.68-13.0%
45Kansas$2.68-13.0%
47Wisconsin$2.67-13.4%
48Mississippi$2.66-13.5%
49Missouri$2.63-14.4%
49Arkansas$2.63-14.6%
51Oklahoma$2.59-15.8%

Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Jan. 11, 2024.

It’s also worth noting which states saw the biggest year-over-year changes. Average gas prices jumped the most between Jan. 11, 2023, and Jan. 11, 2024, in California — $4.42 to $4.62, an increase of 4.4%.

That’s followed by Georgia, where prices rose 2.6% from $2.88 to $2.95, and Washington, where prices rose 2.5% from $3.95 to $4.04.

States with the biggest jumps in average gas prices

RankStateAverage gas price, Jan. 11, 2024Average gas price, Jan. 11, 2023YoY % changeYoY $ change
1California$4.62$4.424.4%-$0.20
2Georgia$2.95$2.882.6%-$0.08
3Washington$4.04$3.952.5%-$0.10
4Connecticut$3.16$3.170.0%$0.00
4Oregon$3.69$3.690.0%$0.00

Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Note: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s average gas prices decreased the most between Jan. 11, 2023, and Jan. 11, 2024. Here, gas prices fell 14.3% from $3.11 to $2.67. That’s followed by Utah, where prices fell 13.8% from $3.24 to $2.79, and Colorado, where prices fell 13.4% from $3.13 to $2.71.

States with the biggest decreases in average gas prices

RankStateAverage gas price, Jan. 11, 2024Average gas price, Jan. 11, 2023YoY % changeYoY $ change
1Wisconsin$2.67$3.11-14.3%$0.44
2Utah$2.79$3.24-13.8%$0.45
3Colorado$2.71$3.13-13.4%$0.42
4Ohio$2.84$3.26-12.9%$0.42
5Iowa$2.75$3.15-12.5%$0.39

Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Note: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers.

Full rankings

Changes in average gas prices (by state)

RankStateAverage gas price, Jan. 11, 2024Average gas price, Jan. 11, 2023YoY % changeYoY $ change
1California$4.62$4.424.4%-$0.20
2Georgia$2.95$2.882.6%-$0.08
3Washington$4.04$3.952.5%-$0.10
4Connecticut$3.16$3.170.0%$0.00
4Oregon$3.69$3.690.0%$0.00
6Montana$2.92$3.00-2.5%$0.08
6Nevada$3.85$3.95-2.5%$0.10
8New York$3.30$3.44-4.0%$0.14
9New Hampshire$3.07$3.20-4.1%$0.13
10Massachusetts$3.16$3.31-4.4%$0.15
10Alaska$3.58$3.75-4.4%$0.17
12Florida$3.13$3.28-4.6%$0.15
12Kentucky$2.82$2.96-4.6%$0.14
14Vermont$3.24$3.41-5.0%$0.17
15Maine$3.19$3.36-5.1%$0.17
16South Carolina$2.83$2.99-5.5%$0.17
16Arizona$3.22$3.41-5.5%$0.19
18Texas$2.68$2.84-5.7%$0.16
18Rhode Island$3.05$3.24-5.7%$0.18
20Louisiana$2.74$2.93-6.6%$0.19
20Hawaii$4.68$5.00-6.6%$0.33
22New Jersey$3.06$3.28-6.8%$0.22
23North Carolina$2.91$3.12-6.9%$0.21
24Tennessee$2.75$2.97-7.3%$0.22
25Maryland$3.07$3.33-7.7%$0.26
25Mississippi$2.66$2.89-7.7%$0.22
25District of Columbia$3.19$3.46-7.7%$0.27
25Virginia$2.93$3.17-7.7%$0.24
29Kansas$2.68$2.90-7.9%$0.23
30Alabama$2.79$3.03-8.0%$0.24
31Pennsylvania$3.35$3.64-8.1%$0.30
32New Mexico$2.84$3.09-8.2%$0.26
33Idaho$3.09$3.39-8.9%$0.30
34West Virginia$2.89$3.18-9.0%$0.29
35North Dakota$2.82$3.11-9.4%$0.29
36Indiana$2.91$3.22-9.5%$0.30
37Delaware$2.92$3.23-9.7%$0.31
38Missouri$2.63$2.93-10.1%$0.30
39Minnesota$2.81$3.13-10.4%$0.33
39South Dakota$2.88$3.22-10.4%$0.33
41Nebraska$2.78$3.11-10.6%$0.33
42Michigan$2.94$3.29-10.8%$0.36
43Arkansas$2.63$2.95-11.0%$0.33
44Illinois$3.06$3.45-11.3%$0.39
44Oklahoma$2.59$2.92-11.3%$0.33
46Wyoming$2.75$3.11-11.5%$0.36
47Iowa$2.75$3.15-12.5%$0.39
48Ohio$2.84$3.26-12.9%$0.42
49Colorado$2.71$3.13-13.4%$0.42
50Utah$2.79$3.24-13.8%$0.45
51Wisconsin$2.67$3.11-14.3%$0.44

Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Note: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers.

California metros dominate list of biggest increases

By metro, the fluctuations are even more pronounced. California metros saw average gas prices jump the most — even if the state didn’t occupy the top spot. At the top of the list, Walla Walla, Wash., saw the largest jump, 12.1%, from $3.87 to $4.34 per gallon. That’s followed by Merced, Calif., where prices rose 8.5% from $4.14 to $4.49, and Chico, Calif., where prices rose 8.3% from $4.12 to $4.46.

Metros with the biggest jumps in average gas prices

RankMetroAverage gas price, Jan. 11, 2024Average gas price, Jan. 11, 2023YoY % changeYoY $ change
1Walla Walla, WA$4.34$3.8712.1%$0.47
2Merced, CA$4.49$4.148.5%$0.35
3Chico, CA$4.46$4.128.3%$0.34
4Visalia, CA$4.62$4.317.2%$0.31
5Sacramento, CA$4.55$4.266.8%$0.29
5Madera, CA$4.54$4.256.8%$0.29
7Fresno, CA$4.53$4.256.6%$0.28
7Modesto, CA$4.36$4.096.6%$0.27
9Stockton, CA$4.40$4.136.5%$0.27
10Santa Rosa, CA$4.78$4.506.2%$0.28
10Yuba City, CA$4.27$4.026.2%$0.25

Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Note: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers.

Meanwhile, the metro with the largest drop in gas prices was in Wyoming. Average gas prices decreased the most in Casper, where they fell 21.1% from $2.80 to $2.21. That’s followed by Pocatello, Idaho, where prices dropped 19.6% from $3.32 to $2.67, and Pueblo, Colo., where prices dropped 18.8% from $3.09 to $2.51.

Metros with the biggest decreases in average gas prices

RankMetroAverage gas price, Jan. 11, 2024Average gas price, Jan. 11, 2023YoY % changeYoY $ change
1Casper, WY$2.21$2.80-21.1%-$0.59
2Pocatello, ID$2.67$3.32-19.6%-$0.65
3Pueblo, CO$2.51$3.09-18.8%-$0.58
4Grand Forks, ND$2.59$3.18-18.6%-$0.59
4Idaho Falls, ID$2.75$3.38-18.6%-$0.63
4Wheeling, WV$2.63$3.23-18.6%-$0.60
7Greeley, CO$2.51$3.08-18.5%-$0.57
8Colorado Springs, CO$2.54$3.11-18.3%-$0.57
9Quincy, IL$2.83$3.46-18.2%-$0.63
10Appleton, WI$2.50$3.05-18.0%-$0.55

Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Note: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers.

Although gas prices have fallen across the U.S., drivers should keep in mind that these prices will likely stay relatively high. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts gas to be $3.36 per gallon in 2024 and $3.24 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.

“Obviously, it doesn’t make sense to drive across town to save 3 cents a gallon, but the truth is that gas prices can vary quite a bit even in a small area,” he says. “Driving an extra few blocks for a lower price on gas can add up over a year, depending on how often you fill up.”

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.”

LendingTree researchers analyzed AAA data on average regular gas prices in states and metros. Prices are as of Jan. 11, 2024, and are compared to those on Jan. 11, 2023.

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data was used for average historical prices for 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.

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