For those residing in larger cities within blue states, it turns out the best gas prices might just be a short drive away across state lines.
This week, as the national average climbs to $4.52 per gallon, many drivers are crossing into states with lower gas taxes in search of cheaper fuel.
Often, this means shifting from high-tax, Democratic states to ones with lower taxes that are run by Republicans or have mixed party governments.
Take California, for instance. Not only does it hold the record for the highest gas prices nationwide at $6.16 a gallon, but also boasts the steepest gas tax at 61 cents per gallon.
Additionally, residents face emissions fees and climate program costs that add another 34 to 44 cents per gallon.
In San Bernardino County, prices are around $6.12, yet many drivers are making the trek to nearby Mojave, Arizona, where they can fill up for just $4.83. The significant price gap primarily stems from Arizona’s much lower tax rate of only 18 cents per gallon.
Blue states aren’t standing still either; they’re proactive in raising gas taxes. For example, California’s sales tax on fuel has nearly doubled from 30 cents a decade ago to its current level.
Similarly, in Illinois, the tax has surged from 19 cents per gallon in 2016 to 48 cents now.
While New York’s excise tax has remained stable, other associated taxes have risen considerably, leading to price discrepancies, especially between Chicago and neighboring Indiana, where fuel prices are often above $5 in the Windy City.
In Illinois, the fuel tax stands at about 47 cents a gallon, added on top of a high sales tax. However, just a few miles away in Lake County, Indiana, drivers can find prices as low as $4.72 per gallon.
As prices continue to soar, some Americans, including those in Chicago, are eager to explore cheaper options in Indiana.
“I filled up in Indiana for $3.94 a gallon, which beats the $5.29 at my local station,” shared Patrick de Haan from GasBuddy. “I saved $15 just by not waiting until I got back home.”
Ohioans are also seeking better fuel prices in Indiana, while Kentucky offers even lower rates at $0.26 per gallon, providing yet another alternative.
According to AAA, gasoline prices can vary significantly—Hamilton County, Ohio, shows an average of $4.75, while nearby Harrison County in Kentucky is much lower at $4.17.
Interestingly, residents don’t need to venture far from blue states to find better deals. For instance, in Manhattan, drivers deal with prices as high as $4.96 per gallon.
The situation in New York City compounds this issue, with various taxes raising costs, but just across the river in New Jersey’s Hudson County, average prices dip to $4.52, bolstered by a fuel tax of just $0.11 per gallon—less than half of New York’s.
Connecticut presents a similar scenario, as drivers in Hartford County face $4.59 per gallon while just a short distance away in Hampden County, Massachusetts, prices drop to $4.34. Fuel tax in Connecticut is notably higher at 52 cents, with Massachusetts’ rate at 24 cents.
Robert Morassi, a resident of Hampden, shared his strategy: “I never refuel when I’m out. I just wait until I’m home because it’s cheaper.”
As summer travel looms, these differences in gas prices might make a significant impact.
“The rule of thumb is that if you save at least a cent per gallon for every mile you drive out of your way, it’s worth it,” De Haan adds.
He mentions that their service, which helps drivers locate the closest affordable station, sees around 12 million users monthly—this figure has doubled recently as people search for better deals amidst current global events.
“If you’re traveling this summer, I recommend comparing prices to find the best deals because it can really add up,” he concluded.
