Gas prices by state and EV charging access: October 2026

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October 2026 average gas prices by state

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

This October 2026 report uses data from AAA, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and other government sources. As of October 2, drivers in the U.S. paid an average of $4.40 per gallon for regular gasoline. That was about 25 cents higher than the $4.15 national average recorded on September 4, representing a monthly increase of 6%.

California had the highest average gasoline price on October 2 at $6.40 per gallon, or 45.6% above the national average. Indiana had the lowest average at $3.79 per gallon, which was 13.8% below the national average.

Gasoline prices increased across most of the country between September 4 and October 2. The national average rose 6.0%, from $4.15 to $4.40 per gallon. Utah experienced the largest monthly increase, with its average gasoline price rising 12.2% from $4.42 to $4.96 per gallon. Colorado was the only state to record a price decline, falling 3.9% from $4.24 to $4.08 per gallon.

The table below compares average regular gasoline prices in all 50 states on September 4 and October 2, 2026. It shows each state’s monthly price change, how far its October 2 average was above or below the U.S. average of $4.40 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.

The availability of charging infrastructure can affect how practical it is to own an electric vehicle. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, there are 87,482 public and private EV charging station locations across the 50 states. California has the most of any state, with 21,158 locations.

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 the scale of each state’s charging infrastructure. Vermont ranks first by this measure, with one station for every 1,144 residents. Massachusetts ranks second with one station for every 1,454 residents, while California has one station for every 1,842 residents and ranks third.

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