Residents of California have been grappling with significantly high gas prices for quite a while now.
As of Saturday, the average cost for a gallon of regular gasoline in the state hit $5.483. This marks an increase of nearly 40 cents from the previous week and over 90 cents compared to a month ago, according to the American Automobile Association.
The ongoing conflict in Iran has only worsened the situation, adding to the already burdensome “California Premium” that includes elevated state excise and sales taxes, alongside substantial fees for various climate initiatives.
However, there are ways to save if you’re creative about where you fill up.
Los Angeles Area
Gas prices in Los Angeles aren’t the highest in California, but they can still be shocking in certain spots. Just last weekend, a Chevron station downtown reported prices of $8.21 per gallon, with one driver spending an eye-popping $107 to fill their tank.
If you’re looking for better prices, areas like Burbank, Glendale, or even Orange County could offer some relief.
According to some crowd-sourced platforms, here are a few of the more affordable options in the Los Angeles area:
- $4.29 per gallon at G&M, located at 2501 W. Olive Ave. in Burbank
- $4.59 per gallon at Shell, 7280 Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel
- $4.69 per gallon at Speedway Express, 20055 Vanowen St., Winnetka
San Diego Area
San Diegans actually have easier access to cheaper gas than drivers in many other Californian cities.
The best deals can mostly be found in eastern San Diego County, particularly in La Mesa and El Cajon.
- $4.59 at Speedway & Shell, 7594 University Ave., La Mesa
- $4.69 at Sycuan Market, 4915 Dehesa Rd., El Cajon
- $4.77 at Highway Fuel, 596 N. Mollison Ave., El Cajon
Bay Area
In the Bay Area, the lowest gas prices can be found just outside the borders of San Francisco, primarily in Fremont and Hayward.
It’s worth noting that very few stations here charge less than $5 per gallon. In fact, counties like San Rafael, Napa, and San Francisco boast some of the highest rates, averaging around $5.66.
The three cheapest options in the Bay Area are:
- $4.69 at Arco, 5012 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
- $4.79 at Star Gas, 43411 Grimmer Blvd., Fremont
- $4.79 at 43250 Grimmer Blvd., Fremont
If you’re willing to travel a bit north to Redding, there’s even better news: two stations there reportedly offer gas for just $3.99 a gallon, making it the lowest in the state, according to GasBuddy.
