Key takeaways
- The average U.S. gas price on Sept. 12, 2024, was $3.24 per gallon — down 15.5% from $3.84 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 California ($4.76 per gallon), Hawaii ($4.64) and Washington ($4.15).
- Mississippi has the lowest average gas price ($2.76 per gallon), ahead of Tennessee ($2.79) and Texas and South Carolina (both at $2.80).
- Average gas prices decreased the least between Sept. 12, 2023, and Sept. 12, 2024, in Hawaii (3.3%), Michigan (8.8%) and the District of Columbia (10.5%).
- Average gas prices decreased the most between Sept. 12, 2023, and Sept. 12, 2024, in Oklahoma (25.1%), Minnesota (23.3%) and Iowa (22.6%).
- By metro, average gas prices decreased the least in Hawaii metros: Lihue (0.4%), Hilo (0.8%) and Wailuku and Kahului (both at 2.4%).
- By metro, average gas prices decreased the most in Des Moines, Iowa (27.1%), Tulsa, Okla. (26.6%), and Peoria and West Valley, Ariz. (both at 26.5%).
Average monthly gas prices are down $1.54 per gallon from their peak in June 2022, according to the newest LendingTree analysis.
Meanwhile, average daily gas prices are down 15.5% year over year as of Sept. 12. Prices dropped in every state, ranging from 3.3% in Hawaii to 25.1% in Oklahoma.
We examined the biggest fluctuations in gas prices between Sept. 12, 2023, and Sept. 12, 2024. In addition to highlighting which states and metros saw the biggest decreases, we’ll explain how you can use credit card rewards to earn cash back at the pump.
On Sept. 12, 2024, the average U.S. gas price was $3.24 per gallon. That’s a relief for U.S. drivers, as it’s down 15.5% from $3.84 on Sept. 12, 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 $3.39 per gallon in August.
Average gas prices over the past 12 months
| Month | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|
| September 2023 | $3.84 |
| October 2023 | $3.61 |
| November 2023 | $3.32 |
| 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 |
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 |
Average gas prices are highest in California, lowest in Mississippi
As of Sept. 12, 2024, the highest average gas price is in California ($4.76 per gallon). That’s followed by Hawaii ($4.64) and Washington ($4.15).
States with the highest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $4.76 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $4.64 |
| 3 | Washington | $4.15 |
| 4 | Nevada | $4.00 |
| 5 | Oregon | $3.76 |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Sept. 12, 2024.
Conversely, Mississippi has the lowest average gas price, at $2.76 per gallon. That’s ahead of Tennessee ($2.79) and Texas and South Carolina (both at $2.80).
States with the lowest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | $2.76 |
| 2 | Tennessee | $2.79 |
| 3 | Texas | $2.80 |
| 3 | South Carolina | $2.80 |
| 5 | Alabama | $2.82 |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Sept. 12, 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 | California | $4.76 | 46.9% |
| 2 | Hawaii | $4.64 | 43.2% |
| 3 | Washington | $4.15 | 28.1% |
| 4 | Nevada | $4.00 | 23.5% |
| 5 | Oregon | $3.76 | 16.0% |
| 6 | Alaska | $3.72 | 14.8% |
| 7 | Utah | $3.65 | 12.7% |
| 8 | Idaho | $3.59 | 10.8% |
| 9 | Illinois | $3.49 | 7.7% |
| 10 | District of Columbia | $3.48 | 7.4% |
| 11 | Colorado | $3.47 | 7.1% |
| 12 | Arizona | $3.42 | 5.6% |
| 13 | New York | $3.39 | 4.6% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $3.38 | 4.3% |
| 14 | Montana | $3.38 | 4.3% |
| 16 | Wyoming | $3.32 | 2.5% |
| 17 | Michigan | $3.30 | 1.9% |
| 17 | Vermont | $3.30 | 1.9% |
| 19 | Maine | $3.26 | 0.6% |
| 20 | Connecticut | $3.24 | 0.0% |
| 21 | Massachusetts | $3.23 | -0.3% |
| 22 | North Dakota | $3.18 | -1.9% |
| 23 | Florida | $3.17 | -2.2% |
| 23 | New Hampshire | $3.17 | -2.2% |
| 25 | Indiana | $3.16 | -2.5% |
| 26 | New Mexico | $3.15 | -2.8% |
| 26 | South Dakota | $3.15 | -2.8% |
| 28 | West Virginia | $3.13 | -3.4% |
| 28 | New Jersey | $3.13 | -3.4% |
| 30 | Maryland | $3.12 | -3.7% |
| 31 | Rhode Island | $3.11 | -4.0% |
| 31 | Nebraska | $3.11 | -4.0% |
| 33 | Virginia | $3.09 | -4.6% |
| 34 | Minnesota | $3.07 | -5.2% |
| 35 | Iowa | $3.04 | -6.2% |
| 36 | Wisconsin | $3.03 | -6.5% |
| 37 | Delaware | $3.02 | -6.8% |
| 38 | Georgia | $3.01 | -7.1% |
| 39 | Ohio | $2.99 | -7.7% |
| 40 | North Carolina | $2.97 | -8.3% |
| 41 | Kansas | $2.96 | -8.6% |
| 42 | Missouri | $2.93 | -9.6% |
| 43 | Kentucky | $2.88 | -11.1% |
| 43 | Arkansas | $2.88 | -11.1% |
| 45 | Louisiana | $2.86 | -11.7% |
| 46 | Oklahoma | $2.84 | -12.3% |
| 47 | Alabama | $2.82 | -13.0% |
| 48 | South Carolina | $2.80 | -13.6% |
| 48 | Texas | $2.80 | -13.6% |
| 50 | Tennessee | $2.79 | -13.9% |
| 51 | Mississippi | $2.76 | -14.8% |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of Sept. 12, 2024.
It’s also worth noting which states saw the biggest year-over-year changes. In this look, every state saw a decrease. Average gas prices decreased the least in Hawaii between Sept. 12, 2023, and Sept. 12, 2024 — 3.3% from $4.80 to $4.64.
That’s followed by Michigan, where prices decreased 8.8% from $3.62 to $3.30, and the District of Columbia, where prices decreased 10.5% from $3.89 to $3.48.
States with the smallest decreases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average gas price, Sept. 12, 2024 | Average gas price, Sept. 12, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $4.64 | $4.80 | -3.3% | -$0.16 |
| 2 | Michigan | $3.30 | $3.62 | -8.8% | -$0.32 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $3.48 | $3.89 | -10.5% | -$0.41 |
| 4 | Florida | $3.17 | $3.59 | -11.7% | -$0.42 |
| 5 | Illinois | $3.49 | $3.98 | -12.3% | -$0.49 |
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, Oklahoma’s average gas prices decreased the most between Sept. 12, 2023, and Sept. 12, 2024. Here, gas prices fell 25.1% from $3.79 to $2.84. That’s followed by Minnesota, where prices fell 23.3% from $4.00 to $3.07, and Iowa, where prices fell 22.6% from $3.93 to $3.04.
States with the biggest decreases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Average gas price, Sept. 12, 2024 | Average gas price, Sept. 12, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | $2.84 | $3.79 | -25.1% | -$0.95 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $3.07 | $4.00 | -23.3% | -$0.93 |
| 3 | Iowa | $3.04 | $3.93 | -22.6% | -$0.89 |
| 4 | Arizona | $3.42 | $4.39 | -22.1% | -$0.97 |
| 4 | North Dakota | $3.18 | $4.03 | -21.1% | -$0.85 |
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, Sept. 12, 2024 | Average gas price, Sept. 12, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $4.64 | $4.80 | -3.3% | -$0.16 |
| 2 | Michigan | $3.30 | $3.62 | -8.8% | -$0.32 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $3.48 | $3.89 | -10.5% | -$0.41 |
| 4 | Florida | $3.17 | $3.59 | -11.7% | -$0.42 |
| 5 | Illinois | $3.49 | $3.98 | -12.3% | -$0.49 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | $3.38 | $3.86 | -12.4% | -$0.48 |
| 7 | California | $4.76 | $5.46 | -12.8% | -$0.70 |
| 8 | New York | $3.39 | $3.90 | -13.1% | -$0.51 |
| 9 | West Virginia | $3.13 | $3.61 | -13.3% | -$0.48 |
| 9 | Colorado | $3.47 | $4.00 | -13.3% | -$0.53 |
| 11 | Virginia | $3.09 | $3.57 | -13.4% | -$0.48 |
| 11 | Vermont | $3.30 | $3.81 | -13.4% | -$0.51 |
| 13 | Idaho | $3.59 | $4.16 | -13.7% | -$0.57 |
| 14 | Massachusetts | $3.23 | $3.75 | -13.9% | -$0.52 |
| 15 | New Hampshire | $3.17 | $3.70 | -14.3% | -$0.53 |
| 15 | Utah | $3.65 | $4.26 | -14.3% | -$0.61 |
| 17 | Indiana | $3.16 | $3.69 | -14.4% | -$0.53 |
| 18 | Maryland | $3.12 | $3.65 | -14.5% | -$0.53 |
| 18 | Nevada | $4.00 | $4.68 | -14.5% | -$0.68 |
| 20 | Ohio | $2.99 | $3.50 | -14.6% | -$0.51 |
| 21 | Maine | $3.26 | $3.82 | -14.7% | -$0.56 |
| 22 | Louisiana | $2.86 | $3.36 | -14.9% | -$0.50 |
| 22 | New Jersey | $3.13 | $3.68 | -14.9% | -$0.55 |
| 24 | Connecticut | $3.24 | $3.81 | -15.0% | -$0.57 |
| 25 | North Carolina | $2.97 | $3.50 | -15.1% | -$0.53 |
| 26 | Mississippi | $2.76 | $3.27 | -15.6% | -$0.51 |
| 27 | Georgia | $3.01 | $3.57 | -15.7% | -$0.56 |
| 28 | Delaware | $3.02 | $3.59 | -15.9% | -$0.57 |
| 29 | Wisconsin | $3.03 | $3.62 | -16.3% | -$0.59 |
| 30 | Wyoming | $3.32 | $3.97 | -16.4% | -$0.65 |
| 31 | Alabama | $2.82 | $3.39 | -16.8% | -$0.57 |
| 32 | Kentucky | $2.88 | $3.47 | -17.0% | -$0.59 |
| 33 | Rhode Island | $3.11 | $3.75 | -17.1% | -$0.64 |
| 34 | Arkansas | $2.88 | $3.48 | -17.2% | -$0.60 |
| 34 | Texas | $2.80 | $3.38 | -17.2% | -$0.58 |
| 36 | South Carolina | $2.80 | $3.41 | -17.9% | -$0.61 |
| 37 | Washington | $4.15 | $5.06 | -18.0% | -$0.91 |
| 38 | Tennessee | $2.79 | $3.41 | -18.2% | -$0.62 |
| 39 | New Mexico | $3.15 | $3.88 | -18.8% | -$0.73 |
| 40 | Montana | $3.38 | $4.18 | -19.1% | -$0.80 |
| 40 | Alaska | $3.72 | $4.60 | -19.1% | -$0.88 |
| 42 | Nebraska | $3.11 | $3.86 | -19.4% | -$0.75 |
| 43 | South Dakota | $3.15 | $3.93 | -19.8% | -$0.78 |
| 43 | Kansas | $2.96 | $3.69 | -19.8% | -$0.73 |
| 45 | Missouri | $2.93 | $3.66 | -19.9% | -$0.73 |
| 46 | Oregon | $3.76 | $4.72 | -20.3% | -$0.96 |
| 47 | North Dakota | $3.18 | $4.03 | -21.1% | -$0.85 |
| 48 | Arizona | $3.42 | $4.39 | -22.1% | -$0.97 |
| 49 | Iowa | $3.04 | $3.93 | -22.6% | -$0.89 |
| 50 | Minnesota | $3.07 | $4.00 | -23.3% | -$0.93 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $2.84 | $3.79 | -25.1% | -$0.95 |
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.
Biggest metro decreases in Iowa, Oklahoma, Arizona
Metros (as designated by AAA) in Hawaii, Michigan and California saw the smallest decreases year over year in gas prices, dominating the list.
Lihue, Hawaii, saw the smallest decrease, with prices dropping 0.4% from $5.30 to $5.28. It’s followed by other Hawaii metros — Hilo, where gas prices dipped by 0.8% from $4.88 to $4.84, and Wailuku and Kahului, where prices decreased by 2.4% from $4.82 to $4.70.
Metros with the smallest decreases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Average gas price, Sept. 12, 2024 | Average gas price, Sept. 12, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lihue (Kauai), HI | $5.28 | $5.30 | -0.4% | -$0.02 |
| 2 | Hilo, HI | $4.84 | $4.88 | -0.8% | -$0.04 |
| 3 | Wailuku, HI | $4.70 | $4.82 | -2.4% | -$0.12 |
| 3 | Kahului, HI | $4.70 | $4.82 | -2.4% | -$0.12 |
| 5 | Honolulu, HI | $4.51 | $4.68 | -3.7% | -$0.17 |
| 6 | Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, MI | $3.32 | $3.53 | -6.0% | -$0.21 |
| 7 | Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland, MI | $3.31 | $3.52 | -6.1% | -$0.21 |
| 8 | Flint, MI | $3.28 | $3.50 | -6.4% | -$0.22 |
| 8 | Napa, CA | $5.20 | $5.55 | -6.4% | -$0.35 |
| 10 | Santa Rosa, CA | $5.17 | $5.53 | -6.5% | -$0.36 |
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, the metro with the largest drop in gas prices is in Iowa. Average gas prices decreased the most in Des Moines, where they fell 27.1% from $4.00 to $2.92. That’s followed by Tulsa, Okla., where prices dropped 26.6% from $3.79 to $2.79, and two Arizona metros, Peoria and West Valley, where prices dropped 26.5% from $4.64 and $4.61 to $3.41 and $3.39.
Metros with the biggest decreases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Average gas price, Sept. 12, 2024 | Average gas price, Sept. 12, 2023 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Moines, IA | $2.92 | $4.00 | -27.1% | -$1.08 |
| 2 | Tulsa, OK | $2.79 | $3.79 | -26.6% | -$1.00 |
| 3 | Peoria, AZ | $3.41 | $4.64 | -26.5% | -$1.23 |
| 3 | West Valley, AZ | $3.39 | $4.61 | -26.5% | -$1.22 |
| 5 | Glendale, AZ | $3.40 | $4.61 | -26.4% | -$1.21 |
| 6 | Amarillo, TX | $2.73 | $3.69 | -26.2% | -$0.96 |
| 7 | Joplin, MO | $2.83 | $3.82 | -25.9% | -$0.99 |
| 8 | Phoenix, AZ | $3.43 | $4.62 | -25.8% | -$1.19 |
| 9 | Springfield, MO | $2.86 | $3.85 | -25.7% | -$0.99 |
| 10 | Sioux Falls, SD | $2.93 | $3.93 | -25.5% | -$1.00 |
| 10 | Oklahoma City, OK | $2.85 | $3.83 | -25.5% | -$0.98 |
| 10 | Lubbock, TX | $2.66 | $3.57 | -25.5% | -$0.91 |
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
Although gas prices have fallen across the U.S., drivers should remember that these prices will likely stay relatively high. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts gas to be $3.30 per gallon in 2024 and 2025.
However, LendingTree chief credit analyst Matt Schulz says that isn’t necessarily the end of the world for drivers, as there are a few things they can do to save on gas at the pump.
His first tip? Shop around.
“Obviously, it doesn’t make sense to drive across town to save 3 cents a gallon, but gas prices can vary quite a bit even in a small area,” he says. “Driving an extra few blocks for a lower price on gas can add up over a year, depending on how often you fill up.”
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.”
LendingTree researchers analyzed AAA data on average regular gas prices in states and metros. Prices are as of Sept. 12, 2024, and are compared to those on Sept. 12, 2023.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data was used to calculate average historical prices of regular gas per gallon.
