The Surprising Reason Wyoming Drivers Are Spending the Most on Gas

Whether or not you drive to work each day, it's hard to ignore the blaring headlines about the rising cost of gas prices.

While the average cost of a gallon of regular gas has been more than $4 for several weeks now, the amount the average American is spending on gas isn't just a matter of what they're paying at the pump. As Visual Capitalist reports, the truth about how much drivers are shelling out requires a look at other factors, including typical driving distances.

"The key pattern: distance drives cost," writes Dorothy Neufeld. "In lower-density states, longer commutes push monthly spending far above the national average, while dense Northeast states benefit from shorter trips and significantly lower fuel bills."

Which means that some drivers are spending twice as much per month on gas as others. And where that's happening just might surprise you.

Which States Have the Most Expensive Gas Per Gallon Right Now?

If one were to only look at the per gallon cost of gas in each state, the priciest places may seem rather obvious. Based on gas prices as of April 15, 2026, California leads the Nifty Fifty with a whopping total of $5.88 per gallon. Hawaii follows with $5.65, then Washington ($5.39), Oregon ($5.00), Nevada ($4.96), Arizona ($4.66), and Alaska ($4.64). Making it clear that the western half of the U.S. is where prices are highest.

Which States Have the Least Expensive Gas Per Gallon Right Now?

Middle America is where you'll find the lowest gas prices, with Oklahoma boasting the cheapest costs at $3.44 per gallon. Kansas is next at $3.51, followed by North Dakota ($3.62), Nebraska ($3.63), Arkansas, and Iowa (both $3.65).

While Wyoming's per gallon costs are also on the lower side at $3.89, this is where the real math comes into play.

Where Are Americans Spending the Most on Gas Right Now?

Despite having a relatively low per gallon cost, Wyoming drivers tend to have longer commutes, which means their daily gas intake is higher, landing the Cowboy State in the top spot for most money spent on gas per month, with an average of $279 per driver.

"Wyoming drivers log over 1,830 miles per month-more than 50 percent above the U.S. average-making distance the primary driver of their higher fuel costs," writes Neufeld.

"In contrast," she continued, "New York drivers spend $132 per month, the least nationwide. Given its high density, drivers average 817 miles per month on the road, the lowest overall. A cluster of Northeast states follow, including Rhode Island ($135), and Delaware ($140), all with low mileage rates."

Which doesn't mean that Californians have it easy at the moment. With the typical driver logging 11,780 miles per year, that nearly $6 per gallon at the pump adds up to about $225 per month, landing the Golden State in sixth place for where Americans are spending the most.

After Wyoming, the top five states are rounded out by Indiana ($244 per month), Mississippi ($243 per month), New Mexico ($236 per month), and Missouri ($228 per month).

Those prices are likely here to stay. Last week, President Donald Trump announced that gas prices aren't likely to fall significantly before November.

You can view the full map and list here.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 11:34 AM.