California has the highest gas prices in the US and this is why
Published on Oct 11, 2025 at 10:10 AM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Oct 07, 2025 at 3:48 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
California has the highest gas prices in the entire US – and this is the reason why.
Across 50 states, there’s bound to be some variation when it comes to how much you’re paying at the pump.
While states like Texas and Oklahoma enjoy cheap gas on the go, Californians are shelling out a lot more on average to fill their cars.
Why is the Golden State blighted by such high prices? There are a few factors to consider.
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Why California has the highest gas prices in the US
At the time this article was being written, gas prices in California were $4.657 per gallon, according to the AAA.
By way of comparison, the national average is $3.133, and the second priciest state is Washington with $4.158 per gallon.
Oregon rounds out the top three at $4.135 per gallon – meaning all three West Coast states come out on top.
On the opposite end of the scale are states like Texas ($2.748), Louisiana ($2.723), and Mississippi ($2.677).
What makes California so pricey?
Well, it has the highest tax on pump gas in the country – and that’s not even including taxes on a local level, trade carbon policies, and additional costs.
The federal gas tax is around 18 cents, but each state has its own on top of that – California’s is $0.612 per gallon, as reported by SlashGear.
That leaves California drivers with a hefty price to pay at the pump.
The lack of pipelines going to California also makes transporting gas into the state costly.
Taking a wider look at the Golden State
California has long been considered a leader when it comes to environmentalism, hence why the state leads the way in hydrogen filling stations.
This eco-consciousness is reflected in policies that are designed to encourage the adoption of greener technology.
And with California ranking 45th in gasoline consumption per head, it appears to be working.
As the first state to have more EV chargers than gas pumps, it’s clear which way the state is heading.
However, don’t be fooled – it’s not even the cheapest state to charge your EV in.
No, that distinction goes to Idaho, where it’s approximately 3.96¢ per mile.
By comparison, it costs 10.59¢ per mile in California.
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