US Gas Prices Decrease By As Much As 10% — See Where Your State Stacks Up
Key takeaways
- The average U.S. gas price on Dec. 17, 2024, was $3.03 per gallon — down 1.2% from $3.07 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 Hawaii ($4.54 per gallon), California ($4.32) and Washington ($3.92).
- Oklahoma has the lowest average gas price ($2.53 per gallon), ahead of Mississippi ($2.59) and Arkansas ($2.61).
- Average gas prices increased the most between Dec. 17, 2023, and Dec. 17, 2024, in Ohio (11.0%), Indiana (9.2%) and Florida (9.0%).
- Average gas prices decreased the most between Dec. 17, 2023, and Dec. 17, 2024, in Oregon (10.2%), Alaska (10.0%) and Idaho (9.1%).
- By metro, average gas prices jumped the most in Fort Wayne, Ind. (19.3%), Mansfield, Ohio (18.7%), and Dayton, Ohio (17.3%).
- By metro, average gas prices decreased the most in Lawton, Okla. (50.7%), Farmington, N.M. (19.6%), and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (19.2%).
Average monthly gas prices are down $1.88 per gallon from their peak in June 2022, according to the newest LendingTree analysis.
Meanwhile, average daily gas prices are down 1.2% year over year as of Dec. 17 — ranging from an increase of 11.0% in Ohio to a decrease of 10.2% in Oregon.
We examined the biggest fluctuations in gas prices between Dec. 17, 2023, and Dec. 17, 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 1.2% nationwide — here’s how they fluctuated
On Dec. 17, 2024, the average U.S. gas price was $3.03 per gallon. That’s somewhat of a relief for U.S. drivers, as it’s down 1.2% from $3.07 on Dec. 17, 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 $3.05 per gallon in November.
Average gas prices over the past 12 months
Month | Average price per gallon |
---|---|
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 |
October 2024 | $3.14 |
November 2024 | $3.05 |
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 Hawaii, lowest in Oklahoma
As of Dec. 17, 2024, the highest average gas price is in Hawaii ($4.54 per gallon). That’s followed by California ($4.32) and Washington ($3.92).
States with the highest average gas prices
Rank | State | Average price per gallon |
---|---|---|
1 | Hawaii | $4.54 |
2 | California | $4.32 |
3 | Washington | $3.92 |
4 | Nevada | $3.61 |
5 | Oregon | $3.47 |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Dec. 17, 2024.
Conversely, Oklahoma has the lowest average gas price, at $2.53 per gallon. That’s ahead of Mississippi ($2.59) and Arkansas ($2.61).
States with the lowest average gas prices
Rank | State | Average price per gallon |
---|---|---|
1 | Oklahoma | $2.53 |
2 | Mississippi | $2.59 |
3 | Arkansas | $2.61 |
4 | Texas | $2.62 |
5 | Kansas | $2.66 |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Dec. 17, 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 | Hawaii | $4.54 | 49.8% |
2 | California | $4.32 | 42.6% |
3 | Washington | $3.92 | 29.4% |
4 | Nevada | $3.61 | 19.1% |
5 | Oregon | $3.47 | 14.5% |
6 | Alaska | $3.35 | 10.6% |
7 | Pennsylvania | $3.23 | 6.6% |
7 | District of Columbia | $3.23 | 6.6% |
9 | Illinois | $3.21 | 5.9% |
10 | New York | $3.14 | 3.6% |
11 | Florida | $3.12 | 3.0% |
11 | Arizona | $3.12 | 3.0% |
11 | Vermont | $3.12 | 3.0% |
14 | Maine | $3.05 | 0.7% |
15 | Idaho | $3.04 | 0.3% |
15 | Connecticut | $3.04 | 0.3% |
15 | Utah | $3.04 | 0.3% |
18 | Massachusetts | $3.02 | -0.3% |
18 | Michigan | $3.02 | -0.3% |
20 | Indiana | $3.00 | -1.0% |
20 | Ohio | $3.00 | -1.0% |
22 | New Hampshire | $2.95 | -2.6% |
23 | Rhode Island | $2.94 | -3.0% |
23 | Maryland | $2.94 | -3.0% |
25 | Colorado | $2.93 | -3.3% |
25 | Wyoming | $2.93 | -3.3% |
25 | West Virginia | $2.93 | -3.3% |
28 | New Jersey | $2.92 | -3.6% |
29 | Georgia | $2.91 | -4.0% |
30 | Virginia | $2.90 | -4.3% |
31 | Minnesota | $2.87 | -5.3% |
32 | North Carolina | $2.85 | -5.9% |
33 | North Dakota | $2.82 | -6.9% |
34 | South Dakota | $2.81 | -7.3% |
34 | Montana | $2.81 | -7.3% |
34 | New Mexico | $2.81 | -7.3% |
37 | Delaware | $2.80 | -7.6% |
38 | Kentucky | $2.77 | -8.6% |
38 | Wisconsin | $2.77 | -8.6% |
40 | South Carolina | $2.76 | -8.9% |
41 | Nebraska | $2.74 | -9.6% |
42 | Alabama | $2.73 | -9.9% |
43 | Louisiana | $2.70 | -10.9% |
44 | Iowa | $2.69 | -11.2% |
44 | Tennessee | $2.69 | -11.2% |
46 | Missouri | $2.67 | -11.9% |
47 | Kansas | $2.66 | -12.2% |
48 | Texas | $2.62 | -13.5% |
49 | Arkansas | $2.61 | -13.9% |
50 | Mississippi | $2.59 | -14.5% |
51 | Oklahoma | $2.53 | -16.5% |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Dec. 17, 2024.
Where average gas prices jumped (and fell) the most
It’s also worth noting which states saw the biggest year-over-year changes. Average gas prices increased by 11.0% in Ohio between Dec. 17, 2023, and Dec. 17, 2024, from $2.71 to $3.00.
That’s followed by Indiana, where prices rose 9.2% from $2.75 to $3.00, and Florida, where prices rose 9.0% from $2.86 to $3.12.
States with the biggest increases in average gas prices
Rank | State | Average gas price, Dec. 17, 2024 | Average gas price, Dec. 17, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ohio | $3.00 | $2.71 | 11.0% | $0.30 |
2 | Indiana | $3.00 | $2.75 | 9.2% | $0.25 |
3 | Florida | $3.12 | $2.86 | 9.0% | $0.26 |
4 | Colorado | $2.93 | $2.75 | 6.7% | $0.18 |
5 | Texas | $2.62 | $2.54 | 3.2% | $0.08 |
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, Oregon’s average gas prices decreased the most between Dec. 17, 2023, and Dec. 17, 2024. Here, gas prices fell 10.2% from $3.86 to $3.47. Oregon is followed by Alaska, where prices fell 10.0% from $3.73 to $3.35, and Idaho, where prices fell 9.1% from $3.34 to $3.04.
States with the biggest decreases in average gas prices
Rank | State | Average gas price, Dec. 17, 2024 | Average gas price, Dec. 17, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Oregon | $3.47 | $3.86 | -10.2% | -$0.39 |
2 | Alaska | $3.35 | $3.73 | -10.0% | -$0.37 |
3 | Idaho | $3.04 | $3.34 | -9.1% | -$0.30 |
4 | Nevada | $3.61 | $3.94 | -8.6% | -$0.34 |
5 | New York | $3.14 | $3.42 | -8.1% | -$0.28 |
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, Dec. 17, 2024 | Average gas price, Dec. 17, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ohio | $3.00 | $2.71 | 11.0% | $0.30 |
2 | Indiana | $3.00 | $2.75 | 9.2% | $0.25 |
3 | Florida | $3.12 | $2.86 | 9.0% | $0.26 |
4 | Colorado | $2.93 | $2.75 | 6.7% | $0.18 |
5 | Texas | $2.62 | $2.54 | 3.2% | $0.08 |
6 | Utah | $3.04 | $2.94 | 3.1% | $0.09 |
7 | Michigan | $3.02 | $2.96 | 2.0% | $0.06 |
8 | Wisconsin | $2.77 | $2.72 | 1.7% | $0.05 |
9 | Kentucky | $2.77 | $2.73 | 1.5% | $0.04 |
10 | Illinois | $3.21 | $3.18 | 1.2% | $0.04 |
10 | Missouri | $2.67 | $2.64 | 1.2% | $0.03 |
12 | Louisiana | $2.70 | $2.67 | 0.8% | $0.02 |
13 | South Carolina | $2.76 | $2.77 | -0.1% | $0.00 |
14 | Alabama | $2.73 | $2.74 | -0.3% | -$0.01 |
15 | Minnesota | $2.87 | $2.88 | -0.4% | -$0.01 |
16 | Mississippi | $2.59 | $2.62 | -1.1% | -$0.03 |
16 | Wyoming | $2.93 | $2.96 | -1.1% | -$0.03 |
18 | District of Columbia | $3.23 | $3.26 | -1.2% | -$0.04 |
19 | North Carolina | $2.85 | $2.89 | -1.7% | -$0.05 |
19 | New Mexico | $2.81 | $2.86 | -1.7% | -$0.05 |
21 | Georgia | $2.91 | $2.97 | -2.0% | -$0.06 |
22 | Arkansas | $2.61 | $2.67 | -2.1% | -$0.06 |
23 | Virginia | $2.90 | $2.96 | -2.3% | -$0.07 |
23 | Kansas | $2.66 | $2.73 | -2.3% | -$0.06 |
25 | Tennessee | $2.69 | $2.76 | -2.5% | -$0.07 |
26 | Arizona | $3.12 | $3.20 | -2.6% | -$0.08 |
27 | Iowa | $2.69 | $2.77 | -2.7% | -$0.08 |
28 | North Dakota | $2.82 | $2.90 | -2.8% | -$0.08 |
29 | Hawaii | $4.54 | $4.68 | -3.0% | -$0.14 |
30 | Oklahoma | $2.53 | $2.63 | -3.5% | -$0.09 |
31 | West Virginia | $2.93 | $3.03 | -3.6% | -$0.11 |
32 | Nebraska | $2.74 | $2.87 | -4.6% | -$0.13 |
33 | Maryland | $2.94 | $3.10 | -5.3% | -$0.17 |
34 | Delaware | $2.80 | $2.96 | -5.6% | -$0.17 |
35 | South Dakota | $2.81 | $2.99 | -5.8% | -$0.17 |
36 | Maine | $3.05 | $3.24 | -5.9% | -$0.19 |
37 | Pennsylvania | $3.23 | $3.44 | -6.0% | -$0.21 |
37 | Montana | $2.81 | $2.99 | -6.0% | -$0.18 |
39 | California | $4.32 | $4.61 | -6.3% | -$0.29 |
39 | Connecticut | $3.04 | $3.25 | -6.3% | -$0.21 |
41 | New Hampshire | $2.95 | $3.15 | -6.4% | -$0.20 |
42 | New Jersey | $2.92 | $3.12 | -6.5% | -$0.20 |
43 | Washington | $3.92 | $4.21 | -6.8% | -$0.29 |
43 | Rhode Island | $2.94 | $3.16 | -6.8% | -$0.22 |
45 | Vermont | $3.12 | $3.35 | -7.1% | -$0.24 |
46 | Massachusetts | $3.02 | $3.27 | -7.6% | -$0.25 |
47 | New York | $3.14 | $3.42 | -8.1% | -$0.28 |
48 | Nevada | $3.61 | $3.94 | -8.6% | -$0.34 |
49 | Idaho | $3.04 | $3.34 | -9.1% | -$0.30 |
50 | Alaska | $3.35 | $3.73 | -10.0% | -$0.37 |
51 | Oregon | $3.47 | $3.86 | -10.2% | -$0.39 |
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.
Ohio metros dominate list of biggest increases
Metros (as designated by AAA) in Ohio saw the most substantial average gas price increases, occupying four of the top 10 spots.
Fort Wayne, Ind., saw the biggest jump, with prices increasing 19.3% from $2.59 to $3.09. It’s followed by Ohio metros Mansfield — where gas prices jumped by 18.7% from $2.55 to $3.03 — and Dayton — where prices jumped by 17.3% from $2.55 to $2.99.
Metros with the biggest jumps in average gas prices
Rank | Metro | Average gas price, Dec. 17, 2024 | Average gas price, Dec. 17, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fort Wayne, IN | $3.09 | $2.59 | 19.3% | $0.50 |
2 | Mansfield, OH | $3.03 | $2.55 | 18.7% | $0.48 |
3 | Dayton, OH | $2.99 | $2.55 | 17.3% | $0.44 |
4 | Springfield, OH | $3.00 | $2.57 | 16.8% | $0.43 |
5 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $3.17 | $2.73 | 16.3% | $0.44 |
6 | Casper, WY | $2.73 | $2.36 | 15.8% | $0.37 |
7 | Orlando, FL | $3.16 | $2.73 | 15.7% | $0.43 |
8 | Canton-Massillon, OH | $3.01 | $2.62 | 15.1% | $0.39 |
9 | Terre Haute, IN | $3.03 | $2.65 | 14.4% | $0.38 |
10 | Greeley, CO | $2.81 | $2.46 | 14.2% | $0.35 |
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, average gas prices decreased the most in Lawton, Okla., where they fell 50.7% from $4.96 to $2.44. It’s followed by Farmington, N.M., where prices dropped 19.6% from $3.69 to $2.97, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where prices dropped 19.2% from $3.53 to $2.85.
Metros with the biggest decreases in average gas prices
Rank | Metro | Average gas price, Dec. 17, 2024 | Average gas price, Dec. 17, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lawton, OK | $2.44 | $4.96 | -50.7% | -$2.52 |
2 | Farmington, NM | $2.97 | $3.69 | -19.6% | -$0.72 |
3 | Coeur d'Alene, ID | $2.85 | $3.53 | -19.2% | -$0.68 |
4 | Lincoln, NE | $2.79 | $3.24 | -13.7% | -$0.45 |
5 | Lewiston, ID | $3.20 | $3.67 | -12.8% | -$0.47 |
6 | Bend, OR | $3.27 | $3.75 | -12.7% | -$0.48 |
7 | Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $3.07 | $3.49 | -12.1% | -$0.42 |
8 | Binghamton, NY | $3.11 | $3.52 | -11.7% | -$0.41 |
9 | Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY | $3.16 | $3.56 | -11.3% | -$0.40 |
10 | Bakersfield, CA | $4.26 | $4.80 | -11.2% | -$0.54 |
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.”
Expert insight
LendingTree is curating an exclusive panel of professionals, spanning various areas of expertise, to help dissect difficult subjects and empower you to make smarter financial decisions. Read on for more gas price insights.
- What are some key indicators to predict gas price trends?
- What are some ways consumers can combat high gas prices?
- In light of current gas prices, what are the financial benefits and considerations in investing in a more fuel-efficient car or electric vehicle?
- Are there specific budgeting techniques or financial tools that can help individuals amid unpredictable gas prices?
- How should individuals adjust their travel or commuting habits to manage the financial impact of higher gas prices?
Bryan Cutsinger, Ph.D.
Assistant professor and undergraduate director, Florida Atlantic University College of Business
What are some key indicators to predict gas price trends?
Predicting the future is difficult. However, one way to get a sense of what may happen to gas prices in the future is by looking at the price of oil futures. These contracts provide a view of what people think will happen to oil prices. As these prices rise, future gas prices will also likely increase. This approach is imperfect, as the people buying and selling these contracts may be wrong about future oil prices. Nonetheless, it can be a helpful data point when planning for higher gas prices.
What are some ways consumers can combat high gas prices?
The strategies consumers can adopt to combat high gas prices depend on how long they expect prices to remain high. If the price increase is temporary, carpooling or working from home temporarily can provide relief. More drastic changes may be needed if consumers expect the gas price to stay high for a long time. For example, investing in a more fuel-efficient car or electric vehicle (EV) may make sense. Consumers may also consider relocating to be closer to their jobs.
In light of current gas prices, what are the financial benefits and considerations in investing in a more fuel-efficient car or EV?
Investing in a more fuel-efficient vehicle can reduce how much you spend on gas. However, whether it makes sense to go out and buy one depends on more than just current gas prices. For example, a more fuel-efficient vehicle enables you to drive more miles per gallon. As a result, you may drive more miles than you would with a less fuel-efficient vehicle, potentially increasing your total spending on gas.
Another factor you should consider is how long you expect gas prices to remain high. For instance, you would not want to go out and buy a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle if you expect gas prices to stay high for only a short period. The benefits of switching thus depend, in part, on how long high gas prices will last. The longer you expect gas prices to remain high, the more it makes sense to consider investing in a more fuel-efficient vehicle. The same point applies to electric cars.
On the note of electric cars, while you can avoid high gas prices by investing in one, you must pay for electricity. Energy prices often move together, so electricity prices may also increase when gas prices increase. In addition, there are other costs associated with owning an electric vehicle that can offset the benefits of switching from a gas-powered car, such as higher insurance costs. For these reasons, do your homework before switching to an electric vehicle.
Are there specific budgeting techniques or financial tools that can help individuals amid unpredictable gas prices?
My advice would be to track how your spending on gas has fluctuated historically with changes in gas prices. From there, you can calculate your average weekly or monthly expenditure on gas. Whenever you spend less on gas than average, put the difference in a money market mutual fund or some other interest-bearing account. Then, use that money to help pay for gas whenever gas prices rise.
How should individuals adjust their travel or commuting habits to manage the financial impact of higher gas prices?
The answer depends on how long higher gas prices continue. Changing your travel or commuting habits is probably not worth it if you expect higher prices to last a few weeks. On the other hand, if you expect gas prices to remain elevated for the foreseeable future, looking at ways to change your behavior may make sense. For example, consider moving closer to your job or finding a job closer to your home. Or, look for jobs that permit you to work from home, either part-time or full-time.
Methodology
LendingTree researchers analyzed AAA data on average regular gas prices in states and metros. Prices are as of Dec. 17, 2024, and are compared to those on Dec. 17, 2023.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data was used to calculate average historical prices of regular gas per gallon.
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