Gas tax by state 2026

State gas taxes, all 50 states and D.C.

Highlighted states link to weekly EIA gas prices and price history. Figures are total state taxes and fees on gasoline, effective July 1, 2026; some states and localities also apply sales or local taxes not included here.

How gas taxes work in the U.S.

Every gallon of gasoline sold in the United States carries two layers of tax. The federal excise tax of 18.4¢ per gallon (24.4¢ for diesel) goes to the Highway Trust Fund and has not changed since 1993. On top of that, each state sets its own tax. Most states charge a fixed number of cents per gallon, but a growing number index the tax to inflation or fuel prices, so it changes automatically every year.

The figures in the table combine the state excise tax with other state charges on gasoline, such as environmental or storage-tank fees and, in a few states, taxes calculated as a percentage of the price. That is why some states show values with decimals that move from year to year.

Why the differences are so large

• California, Illinois and Indiana combine high per-gallon taxes with sales taxes or annual adjustments. California also has extra program costs and requires a special cleaner-burning blend, so its pump prices are the highest in the continental U.S.
• Washington and Pennsylvania fund large road networks largely through fuel taxes.
• Alaska, Hawaii, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma have the lowest state gas taxes. Texas has kept its 20¢ rate unchanged since 1991.

What it means for your fill-up

On a 15-gallon fill-up, state and federal taxes range from about $4.10 in Alaska to about $13.81 in California. If you live near a state line, the neighbor with the lower tax is often cheaper – but prices also depend on refining costs and local competition, so compare actual prices before driving out of your way. Our guide Is it worth driving farther for cheaper gas? shows how to do the math.

Weekly prices for the states and cities that EIA tracks are on the gas prices by state page. Plan a trip across several states with the road trip gas calculator.

FAQ

Which state has the highest gas tax?

California has the highest state gas tax at 73.64¢ per gallon (rates effective July 1, 2026). Including the 18.4¢ federal tax, drivers pay about 92.0¢ per gallon in fuel taxes.

Which state has the lowest gas tax?

Alaska has the lowest at 8.95¢ per gallon, followed by Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii.

What is the federal gas tax?

The federal excise tax is 18.4¢ per gallon of gasoline and 24.4¢ per gallon of diesel. It has not changed since 1993.

What is the average state gas tax?

The average state gasoline tax is about 33.76¢ per gallon (rates effective July 1, 2026), or about 52.2¢ including the federal tax.

Do these figures include sales tax?

They include state excise taxes and other state fees on gasoline as compiled from EIA data. Some states and localities also apply general sales taxes or local fuel taxes that are not shown here.