With the 2026 spring and summer driving season approaching, most of us are anticipating higher gas prices. While California drivers are already feeling the squeeze of $4.50-per-gallon averages, there’s a massive swath of the country where pump prices are still affordable. Whether you’re piloting a traditional ICE vehicle or a fuel-sipping hybrid, knowing where the bargains are can save you a bundle on your next cross-country trek.
We’ve combed through the latest market data and reporting to find the nine states where regular gas is actually affordable right now. From the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast, these states are benefiting from a mix of low local taxes, proximity to major pipelines, and favorable regional market dynamics. If you’re planning a road trip this February or beyond, these are the states where you can fill up for less.
James Ochoa
Montana [$2.75]
The Treasure State is living up to its name for drivers this month, with regular unleaded averaging just $2.75 per gallon. This pricing is a welcome reprieve compared to last year, when Montana drivers were shelling out $3.03 for the same fuel. Currently, Montana sits nearly 20 cents below the national average of $2.94, making it one of the most affordable stops in the Rocky Mountain region.
Gas is inexpensive here primarily due to its proximity to regional refineries and lower-than-average state fuel taxes. However, even in a “cheap” state, location matters. If you’re filling up in Great Falls, you’re seeing some of the best prices in the state at roughly $2.70. Meanwhile, folks in Billings are paying a bit of a premium at $2.77 per gallon.
Kristen Brown
Utah [$2.79]
Utah has seen a significant improvement in gas prices over the last twelve months. Today’s average of $2.79 is a far cry from the $3.09 drivers were paying in February 2025. Like its neighbors, Utah benefits from being part of the Rocky Mountain supply network, which currently enjoys some of the lowest regional prices in the lower 48.
When compared to the national average, Utah drivers are saving about 15 cents per gallon. The state’s pricing is also helped by the fact that it isn’t quite as geographically isolated as parts of the West Coast. For the absolute best deals, head toward Ogden, where prices dip to $2.75. If you’re in Provo or Orem, expect to pay slightly more, with averages hovering around $2.76.
Related: These 4 California gas stations are the cheapest in the state
Colorado [$2.85]
Colorado is another Rocky Mountain win for the budget-conscious driver. While the state average is $2.85 today, it is a significant discount from the national baseline of $2.94 per gallon for regular gas. It’s also a much better deal than what we saw in the peak volatility of the early 2020s, staying well below the $3.00 threshold that often acts as a psychological barrier for commuters.
Colorado keeps prices low because of its robust infrastructure and connections to major interior pipelines in the west and south, specifically Texas. While the “seasonal pivot” is starting to nudge prices upward across the West, Colorado remains a haven for cheap fuel compared to states on the West Coast. The cheapest gas can typically be found in the Denver metro area and surrounding plains, while high-altitude resort towns in the Rockies predictably see the state’s highest prices due to the “trek” required for delivery.
Indiana [$2.75]
Hoosiers are currently enjoying some of the lowest prices in the Midwest, averaging $2.75 per gallon. This is roughly 14 cents cheaper than this time last year. However, don’t get too comfortable; Many reports indicate that prices here jumped 7 cents recently as refineries begin the transition to summer-blend gasoline.
Indiana’s low prices are largely thanks to its position as a major trucking and pipeline corridor. However, the price gap within the state is noticeable, sometimes reaching a full dollar difference between stations. You’ll find the best prices in Indianapolis, where the average is $2.76, while the most expensive stations in the state are currently hitting as high as $3.29.
Mike Copeland via Getty Images
Ohio [$2.89]
Ohio is currently sitting pretty at $2.89, which is about 5 cents below the national average. While it’s not the cheapest on our list, prices have been trending downward, falling roughly 2.7% over the last month. Compared to the $3.10 (or more) averages we saw in recent years, today’s pump price feels like a steal for Buckeye State drivers.
The state’s competitive pricing is driven by its high concentration of gas stations and proximity to Midwest refining hubs. If you’re looking for the best deal, Cincinnati is currently a hotspot for savings, with average prices around $2.71. Conversely, more rural areas in the eastern part of the state often see higher prices due to diminished competition and higher transportation costs.
Related: These are the 5 US cities with the cheapest gas today
West Virginia [$2.83]
West Virginia is an anomaly on the East Coast, managing to keep its regular gas average at $2.83. That is nearly 20 cents cheaper than the $3.02 average recorded one year ago. In a region where prices can easily spike due to supply chain hiccups, the Mountain State is holding firm as a budget-friendly outlier.
The state benefits from its proximity to Appalachian energy production and the major pipelines that thread through the region. However, geography still plays a role in what you pay. In Hampshire County, drivers are seeing higher-than-average prices of around $2.96. For the best deals, you’ll generally want to stick to the major highway corridors where high-volume stations compete more aggressively on price.
Virginia [$2.84]
Virginia drivers are paying an average of $2.84 today, putting them a solid 10 cents below the national average. This is a noticeable improvement from February 2025, when prices were closer to $3.00. While the state saw a slight 4% increase over the last month, it remains one of the most affordable states on the Atlantic seaboard.
Virginia’s secret lies in a combination of relatively moderate state fuel taxes and excellent access to the Colonial Pipeline system. You’ll find the steepest prices in the Northern Virginia (NOVA) suburbs near D.C., where high demand and cost of living push regular prices toward $3.10. For the cheapest fill-ups, head to the Richmond area or the southern border, where prices are closer to the state average.
Rhode Island [$2.87]
It’s rare to see a New England state on a “cheap gas” list, but Rhode Island is currently pulling it off with an average of $2.87. This is at the lower end of the regional average for New England, which currently ranges from $2.84 to $2.90 on any given day. Compared to last year, Rhode Island drivers are saving nearly 25 cents per gallon.
Because the state is so small, gas doesn’t have to travel far once it reaches regional distribution hubs, which helps keep “trek” costs down. While you won’t find massive price swings across the state, the Providence area typically offers the most competitive rates due to station density. The most expensive fuel is usually found on Aquidneck Island.
New Hampshire [$2.83]
New Hampshire is currently the king of cheap gas in New England, with an average of $2.83. That is a 1.4% decrease over the last month, bucking the national trend of rising prices. Compared to the national average, Granite State drivers are saving 11 cents per gallon.
The lack of a state sales tax and competitive local markets keeps prices down here. It’s a favorite stop for drivers from neighboring Massachusetts who cross the border just to fill up. The best prices are usually found along the I-93 corridor in the southern part of the state. If you head north into the White Mountains, expect to pay more as the distance from distribution centers increases.
Disclaimer: All prices cited in this article are based on publicly available user-generated feedback. Gas stations do not provide daily reports on gas prices, and prices can change at any time. Autoblog is not responsible for the accuracy of pricing listed with user-generated reporting.
Related: The 5 cheapest gas stations in Florida, today
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