Gas Tax by State 2026
State gasoline taxes range from 8.95¢/gal in Alaska to 59.6¢/gal in California. We rank the state excise for all 50 states + D.C. and show what a typical driver pays per year. The federal 18.4¢/gal applies everywhere on top. Toggle annual mileage to update the cost figures.
Updated June 2026 · Editorial standards
Lowest gas tax
8.95¢
Alaska
Highest gas tax
59.6¢
California
Average state rate
31.1¢
all 50 + D.C.
Cost/yr in CA
$319
15,000 mi @ 28 MPG
State gas-tax rankings
Lowest 10 and highest 10 states by state gasoline excise (cents per gallon).
Lowest 10 — cheapest gas tax
Highest 10 — priciest gas tax
Gas-tax rate heatmap
Green = cheapest gas tax, red = priciest. Tap or hover a tile — the rate and annual cost appear below the map.
Tap or hover any state tile to see its figures here.
Full state comparison
Click any column header to sort. Annual cost assumes 15,000 miles at 28 MPG. Click “Calculate” for that state.
| Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | AKAlaska | 8.95¢ | $48 | Calculate → |
| #2 | HIHawaii | 16¢ | $86 | Calculate → |
| #3 | MOMissouri | 17¢ | $91 | Calculate → |
| #4 | NMNew Mexico | 17¢ | $91 | Calculate → |
| #5 | AZArizona | 18¢ | $96 | Calculate → |
| #6 | MSMississippi | 18.79¢ | $101 | Calculate → |
| #7 | OKOklahoma | 19¢ | $102 | Calculate → |
| #8 | LALouisiana | 20¢ | $107 | Calculate → |
| #9 | TXTexas | 20¢ | $107 | Calculate → |
| #10 | COColorado | 22¢ | $118 | Calculate → |
Methodology
State gas tax is each state's gasoline excise in cents per gallon (2025–2026 schedules; American Petroleum Institute / Tax Foundation). Some states add small environmental or inspection fees and some index the rate to inflation or wholesale prices, so figures shift year to year.
Annual cost = annual gallons × state rate, where annual gallons = miles ÷ 28 MPG (the US average). Toggle mileage above to recompute. It reflects the state tax only.
The federal gas tax of 18.4¢/gallon applies in every state on top and has not changed since 1993. Local/county gas taxes (notable in Hawaii, Illinois and Florida) are not included, so the real pump tax in some areas is higher than shown.
Coverage: all 50 states + D.C., ranked by state excise (ascending — cheapest is best). Use the per-state calculator linked in each row for your exact annual gas tax based on your mileage and MPG.
Frequently asked questions
Which state has the lowest gas tax?
Alaska has the lowest state gas tax at 8.95¢ per gallon — it has stayed flat for decades and relies on other revenue. The federal 18.4¢/gal still applies on top everywhere.
Which state has the highest gas tax?
California has the highest state gas tax at 59.6¢ per gallon. Other high-tax states include Illinois, Pennsylvania and Washington. Several index their rate to inflation, so it rises most years.
How much gas tax do I pay per year?
At 15,000 miles a year and 28 MPG you burn about 536 gallons. In Alaska that's ~$48 in state gas tax; in California it's ~$319. Add the federal 18.4¢/gal (~$99/yr) on top.
What is the federal gas tax?
The federal gasoline excise tax is 18.4¢ per gallon and has not changed since 1993. It applies on top of every state's gas tax and funds the Highway Trust Fund.
Why do gas taxes vary so much between states?
States set their own excise to fund roads and transit, and they choose different mechanisms: some fix the rate for decades (Alaska, Texas), others index it to inflation or wholesale prices (Utah, North Carolina), and a few stack sales tax or local taxes on top (Illinois, Hawaii). The result is a 50¢+ spread per gallon.
Calculate your gas tax
Enter your state, annual mileage and MPG for your exact yearly gas tax — state plus federal.
Open the gas tax calculator →Disclaimer: KalkWise content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Rates reflect 2025–2026 state schedules and may change; local gas taxes are not included. Verify with the relevant state authority.