These are the 10 states where gas taxes are eating the most into your road-trip budget

Gas taxes are quietly reshaping road trips

Drivers are feeling it at the pump again, and this time it is not just oil prices. State gas taxes are taking a bigger bite out of road-trip budgets across the country. In some places, more than half a dollar of every gallon goes straight to state taxes.

As summer travel ramps up, families mapping out cross-country drives are paying closer attention. A tank of gas in one state can cost several dollars more than in the next. Here are the 10 states where gas taxes hit hardest.

Oregon

Oregon charges about 40 cents per gallon in state gas taxes. That puts it among the higher-tax states in the country. Drivers crossing the Pacific Northwest will notice the difference at the pump.

The trade-off is that Oregon does not have a statewide sales tax. While that helps shoppers in other areas, fuel still comes with a noticeable tax load. Road-trippers should plan fuel stops carefully along I-5 and Highway 101.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s gas tax sits at roughly 41 cents per gallon. That makes it one of the higher rates in the Southeast. A full tank here costs more than in nearby states like South Carolina or Tennessee.

For drivers heading toward the Outer Banks or Charlotte, timing matters. Filling up just before crossing state lines can save a few dollars. On long drives, those small savings add up quickly.

New Jersey

New Jersey drivers pay about 49 cents per gallon in state gas taxes. That places the Garden State firmly in the high-tax category. Gas here often costs more than in neighboring Pennsylvania.

It is also one of the only states where drivers cannot pump their own gas. Every station is full service, which makes fueling convenient but still costly. Visitors passing through the Northeast should factor that into their travel budget.

Maryland

Maryland’s gas tax comes in at around 46 cents per gallon. The rate adjusts with inflation, so it can shift slightly from year to year. That means drivers may see gradual increases over time.

For commuters around Baltimore or travelers near Washington, D.C., those cents matter. A higher per-gallon tax raises the total cost of frequent fill-ups. It is another example of how state policies shape pump prices.

Michigan

Michigan charges about 51 cents per gallon in gas taxes. The state recently restructured how it taxes fuel, raising the per-gallon rate. Drivers noticed the change almost immediately.

In a state known for car culture and long highway stretches, that rate carries weight. Trips around the Great Lakes require steady fueling. Even moderate road travel can feel more expensive over time.

Indiana

Indiana’s gas tax stands near 36 cents per gallon. While lower than some coastal states, it still ranks among the higher rates nationally. Drivers traveling through Indianapolis often pay more than expected.

The overall price of gas may sit near the national average, but taxes are part of that total. For families driving cross-country, Indiana is not the cheapest place to fill up. Smart routing can make a difference.

Washington

Washington state charges about 55.4 cents per gallon in gas taxes. That is one of the highest rates in the country. It is a key reason fuel prices trend high in Seattle and beyond.

Combine that with already elevated West Coast gas prices, and costs climb quickly. Drivers exploring Olympic National Park or Mount Rainier should budget extra. The Pacific Northwest’s beauty comes with pricier pump stops.

Fun fact: Alaska has among the lowest state gas taxes at around 9 cents per gallon.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s gas tax is roughly 57.6 cents per gallon. That places it among the most expensive states for fuel taxes. Crossing the state from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia requires careful planning.

Long highway stretches and toll roads add to overall travel costs. A full tank here can feel noticeably higher than in neighboring Ohio. Road-trippers moving east or west should prepare for the difference.

Fun fact: The national average for state gas taxes is about 33.5 cents per gallon.

Illinois

Illinois drivers pay about 48.3 cents per gallon in gas taxes. The state also applies sales tax to gasoline, which increases the total cost further. That combination pushes Illinois near the top nationally.

Travelers passing through Chicago or along Interstate 55 often feel the impact. Even quick refueling stops can cost more than expected. Budget-minded drivers may choose to fuel up before entering the state.

Fun fact: Federal gas tax (about 18 cents per gallon) hasn’t been raised in over 30 years.

California

California leads the nation with about 61.2 cents per gallon in state gas taxes. That rate is the highest in the country. It plays a major role in the state’s elevated fuel prices.

With average prices often above four dollars per gallon, drivers feel it fast. Whether cruising the Pacific Coast Highway or commuting in Los Angeles, costs stack up quickly. Careful planning is essential for West Coast road trips.

How to protect your road-trip budget

High gas taxes do not mean you have to cancel your trip. Filling up in lower-tax states before crossing borders can help control costs. Even small differences per gallon make an impact over hundreds of miles.

Keeping tires properly inflated and driving at steady speeds also improves fuel efficiency. Planning routes with fewer unnecessary detours saves both gas and time. Smart preparation keeps road trips affordable.

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Planning smarter road trips

Road trips are some of America’s best memories, but fuel costs shouldn’t spoil the fun. Knowing which states have the highest gas taxes helps you build a smarter budget. Fill up strategically and watch for deals on fuel or routes with lower costs.

With a little planning and the right tools, you can enjoy the journey without breaking the bank at the pump. Safe travels, and happy driving!

Want a clearer shortlist of places where safety ranks high right now? Check out the 15 top America’s safest cities to call home in 2025–2026.

Are high gas taxes changing how you plan your road trips? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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