Summer Travel and Fuel Costs: A Regional Breakdown
Gas prices have reached some of their highest levels in years as the summer travel season begins. AAA data highlights a significant regional divide in fuel costs. The national average for gas has climbed into the mid-$4 range. However, states along the West Coast are experiencing even higher prices, surpassing $6 per gallon.
Regional Price Differences
Meanwhile, many drivers in the South and Midwest show some of the lowest averages, although these regions have also seen substantial increases since late February. The gap between the states paying the most and least for gas is broader than it has been in recent summers. AAA figures reveal which areas are most impacted by rising fuel costs.
States with Highest Gas Prices
As summer travel grows, gas prices remain uneven across the country. West Coast states continue to top the list for the highest average regular gas prices.
- California: $6.094
- Washington: $5.752
- Hawaii: $5.655
- Oregon: $5.290
- Alaska: $5.255
- Nevada: $5.243
- Arizona: $4.767
- Illinois: $4.903
- New York: $4.584
- Connecticut: $4.604
These states face higher fuel costs due to environmental regulations, refineries, and limited access to cheaper fuels.
Comparing Travel Costs: This Year vs. Last Year
The increase in gas prices has made long-distance travel more expensive than it was a year ago. Today’s national average is $4.46 per gallon compared to $3.17 at the same time last year. For a typical car traveling 1,000 miles with an average of 25 miles per gallon, this year’s trip costs around $178. Last year, it would have been about $127, marking a difference of over $50 for a single long-distance journey.
Families planning multiple road trips this summer face greater costs. A household with two cars traveling a few thousand miles could spend considerably more. Analysts suggest prices may stay high for months, especially with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affecting global oil supply. Even if prices stabilize, long-distance travel costs are already higher, prompting many Americans to adjust their plans.
Changing Travel Patterns
Higher gas prices are affecting American travel habits. AAA reported a record number of people traveling during Memorial Day, but many choose shorter trips or closer destinations. With prices up more than a dollar from last year, travelers are scaling back itineraries, reducing stops, or opting for long weekends over week-long vacations.
According to surveys from GasBuddy and other platforms, rising prices lead some to forgo vacations entirely. While 56 percent of respondents plan to travel this summer, many delay trips, cut nonessential travel, or choose affordable lodging and activities to offset fuel costs. The demand remains high, yet financial pressures cause travelers to reconsider the distance and frequency of their travels.
States Most Benefiting from Road Trips
States with strong tourism economies benefit most from road trips, especially those rich in national parks and outdoor attractions. California, Florida, and Texas are top choices for road-trippers, capturing a significant portion of domestic travel spending. California alone accounts for over 16 percent of all road-trip destinations, known for its parks, coastal routes, and attractions.
States with famous landmarks also receive large economic boosts from road-trip tourism. Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota rank among the most visited due to destinations like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, and Mount Rushmore. These states rely on travelers driving rather than flying to reach remote parks and scenic routes. Despite rising gas prices, these regions continue attracting millions each summer, making road-trip tourism vital for their economies.