Gas Prices by State and EV Charging Access: August 2026

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Gas prices vary widely by state and can change quickly from month to month. Choose Energy tracks average gasoline prices and public electric vehicle (EV) charging access across the U.S. to show how driving conditions compare by state.

This August 2026 report uses data from AAA, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other government sources. As of August 5, drivers in the U.S. paid an average of $4.08 per gallon for regular gasoline, according to AAA. That was 28 cents higher than the $3.80 national average recorded on July 6, representing a monthly increase of 7.5%.

Drivers in California paid the highest average gasoline price on August 5 at $5.64 per gallon. That was 26 cents higher than the $5.38 average recorded on July 6 and 38.2% above the national average. Drivers in Indiana paid the lowest average price at $3.57 per gallon, which was 52 cents higher than the July 6 average and 12.5% below the national average.

Gasoline prices increased across most of the country between July 6 and August 5. The national average rose 7.5%, from $3.80 to $4.08 per gallon. Indiana experienced the largest monthly increase, with its average gasoline price rising 17.1% from $3.05 to $3.57 per gallon. Alaska and Hawaii were the only states where prices declined, each recording a slight decrease of 0.1%.

The table below compares average regular gasoline prices in all 50 states on July 6 and August 5, 2026. It shows each state’s monthly price change, how far its August 5 average was above or below the U.S. average of $4.08 per gallon, and its gasoline price rank, with 1 representing the lowest price and 50 representing the highest.

Gasoline price rankings are based on unrounded AAA data. Displayed prices are rounded to the nearest cent.

Fuel savings from switching to an electric vehicle depend on the vehicle you choose, how much you drive and the cost of gasoline and electricity in your area. The Department of Energy’s Vehicle Cost Calculator lets drivers compare estimated fuel and ownership costs for gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs and other vehicle types.

The calculator considers factors such as vehicle efficiency, annual mileage, city and highway driving and fuel or electricity costs. Because these inputs vary by driver and location, the results should be treated as estimates rather than guaranteed savings.

For a more accurate comparison, select an EV and a similar gasoline-powered vehicle, then enter your typical driving habits and local fuel prices. The calculator will estimate annual fuel costs and other ownership expenses for each option.

Access to public charging can affect how practical it is to own an electric vehicle. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, there are 87,040 public EV charging stations across the U.S. California has the most of any state, with 21,028 stations.

However, the total number of stations does not account for differences in state population. Comparing the number of residents per charging station provides another way to measure public charging access. Vermont ranks first by this measure, with one station for every 1,128 residents. California has one station for every 1,853 residents and ranks third.

The table below compares each state’s number of public EV charging stations, population and residents per station. Rankings are based on residents per charging station, with 1 representing the best access.