- U.S. drivers spend an average of $2,356 a year on regular gasoline for a light vehicle.
- Wyoming drivers top the list at $3,161 annually, compared with $1,554 in Washington, D.C.
- Driving distance, not pump prices, is the main reason fuel costs differ from the national average in 36 states.
Where drivers pay more
While families prepare to gas up for the holidays, they must consider not only fuel costs but also their state and where they are traveling as inflation and a war continues to impact the pump. A new analysis finds that where a driver lives can change annual gasoline spending by more than $1,600.
The average licensed U.S. driver spends $2,356 annually on regular gas for a light vehicle. According to the online platform Bumper, Wyoming drivers pay $3,161 a year, while Washington, D.C., drivers pay $1,554 — a $1,607 difference for the same vehicle and fuel economy.
Bumper used Federal Highway Administration mileage and licensed-driver data along with a snapshot of AAA regular-gas prices. It found that in 36 states, annual fuel costs fall above or below the national average mainly because residents drive more or fewer miles; gas prices drove the difference in only 15 states.
The priciest states
Wyoming leads the list at $3,161 in annual gas costs per driver, followed by Alabama at $2,972 and Mississippi at $2,964. New Mexico, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, California, Montana and Idaho round out the 10 most expensive states.
The pattern shows that distance often matters more than price alone. High-mileage states can produce large annual bills even when fuel is relatively affordable, while states such as California face costs driven substantially by prices running 20% to 40% above the national average.
Before the holiday trip
Drivers buying a used car — particularly across state lines — should check a state’s ranking rather than relying on the national average. A buyer relocating from Washington, D.C., to Wyoming should plan for roughly $1,600 more in yearly fuel costs, largely because of longer driving distances.
Shoppers should also separate mileage costs from price costs. A fuel-efficient vehicle can help in both cases, but it will not fully offset unusually high regional pump prices.
About Bumper
Bumper.com’s mission is to make car ownership, buying and selling more affordable through low-cost vehicle history reports. Its membership includes access to reported accidents, recalls, estimated market value and online or mobile tools. They also provide data from official public records, government sources and trusted industry partners, where available.
The bigger question
With prices still above year-ago levels and crude costs keeping relief limited, when will holiday travelers see pump prices fall enough to make a real difference in household budgets?
The stats
- The average licensed U.S. driver spends an estimated $2,356 a year, or $196 a month, on regular gasoline for a light vehicle. Source: bumper
- The national average price used in the analysis was $4.528 per gallon for regular gasoline, based on AAA prices collected Sept. 28, 2026 — not today’s prices. Source: bumper
- Wyoming had the highest estimated annual gasoline spending at $3,161 per driver, 34.2% above the national average. Source: bumper
- Washington, D.C., had the lowest estimated annual gasoline spending at $1,554 per driver, a $1,607 difference from Wyoming for the same vehicle and fuel economy. Source: bumper
- Alabama and Mississippi ranked second and third in estimated annual gasoline spending, at $2,972 and $2,964 per driver, respectively, largely because residents drive more miles. Source: bumper
Additional resources
Here are additional U.S. federal programs or national organizations that may help with gasoline or related driving expenses.
Medicaid — Depending on your state, assistance may include gas vouchers or mileage reimbursement.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — The VA Beneficiary Travel Program reimburses eligible veterans and certain caregivers for mileage and other expenses when traveling to approved health care appointments.
The Salvation Army — Some local Salvation Army offices provide gas cards or emergency transportation assistance, including help getting to work or medical appointments.
Patient Advocate Foundation — Patient Advocate Foundation offers financial aid funds that may help eligible patients with treatment-related transportation and other essential expenses. These are grants rather than a general gas-card program.
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities - provides formula funding to states and designated recipients to meet the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities.
