Finding the Cheapest Gas Prices Near You

Understanding Gas Price Tracking Tools and Websites

Several websites and mobile applications track gas prices across the United States in real time. These platforms gather price information from gas stations and display it on maps, allowing you to compare costs in your area. GasBuddy, one of the largest price-tracking platforms, covers over 150,000 gas stations in North America. According to their data, gas prices can vary by as much as 50 cents per gallon between stations located just a few miles apart.

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Google Maps has integrated gas price information into its service. When you search for "gas stations near me," Google displays current prices at nearby locations, sourced from GasBuddy and other data providers. AAA also publishes daily gas price reports, showing state and national averages alongside historical trends. These tools work because gas station owners voluntarily report their prices, and users report prices they observe—creating a crowdsourced database.

Different platforms update at different frequencies. Some refresh prices hourly, while others may show information that is a few hours old. Prices change constantly throughout the day, particularly during peak driving hours. Understanding how these tools work helps you use them effectively rather than assuming they always show the absolute lowest price available at that exact moment.

Practical takeaway: Install one or two price-tracking apps on your phone before you need gas. Familiarize yourself with how each displays information so you can quickly find prices when filling up.

Timing Your Gas Purchase for Lower Prices

Gas prices follow predictable weekly patterns. According to AAA's historical data, prices typically are lowest on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Prices gradually increase Wednesday through Friday as demand picks up. Saturday and Sunday often show the highest prices of the week. This pattern reflects consumer behavior—people fill up before weekends and weekday commutes, increasing demand and allowing stations to raise prices.

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Within each day, prices are generally lower in early morning hours, before 8 a.m. Afternoon and evening hours, particularly from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., typically show higher prices. This correlates with increased traffic and demand. Some gas stations adjust their prices multiple times daily. Independent stations and those not affiliated with major brands often change prices more frequently than large branded chains.

Seasonal fluctuations also affect prices significantly. Summer months (May through September) consistently show higher gas prices than winter months. This occurs because summer fuel blends are more expensive to produce due to environmental regulations designed to reduce emissions in warmer weather. Winter prices typically bottom out in December and January. Spring and fall serve as transition periods with moderate pricing.

Geographically, prices vary widely based on refinery proximity, state taxes, and local demand. California consistently ranks among the highest in the nation due to stricter environmental standards. Texas and the Gulf Coast generally have lower prices due to nearby refineries. Rural areas sometimes show higher prices despite lower demand because distribution costs are greater.

Practical takeaway: Plan to fill up on Monday or Tuesday mornings before 8 a.m. whenever possible. If you cannot fill up during these times, at least avoid peak afternoon and evening hours when prices spike.

Using Membership Programs and Loyalty Cards

Many gas station chains offer loyalty programs that reduce the per-gallon price. Costco and Sam's Club require membership but offer among the lowest gas prices available. Costco members save an average of 10 to 30 cents per gallon compared to traditional gas stations, depending on location and current market conditions. A Costco Gold membership costs $65 annually, and the gas savings alone can offset this cost if you fill up frequently.

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Grocery store loyalty programs often include fuel rewards. Safeway, Kroger, Fred Meyer, and other major chains allow customers to earn points on grocery purchases and redeem them for fuel discounts. The typical program offers one point per dollar spent on groceries, with points redeemable at a rate of 100 points for $1 off per gallon. Large grocery purchases can accumulate points that translate to substantial gas discounts. Some customers report saving 40 to 60 cents per gallon using accumulated grocery points.

Fuel credit cards from companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron provide cash back on gas purchases, typically ranging from 2 to 5 percent. These cards may offer higher rewards rates during specific months or for their branded fuel. However, these cards usually do not offer rewards on other purchases, and rewards percentages vary monthly.

Apps like GetUpside and Fetch Rewards offer cash back for gas purchases at participating stations. GetUpside, available in 40+ states, typically provides 5 to 25 cents per gallon cash back. These rebates accumulate in your account and can be withdrawn to a payment account. The catch is that you must photograph your receipt within a specific timeframe, usually 24 hours.

Practical takeaway: If you regularly purchase groceries at chains that offer fuel rewards, actively accumulate these points. If you fill up frequently, calculate whether Costco or Sam's Club membership would pay for itself through fuel savings alone.

Location Strategies for Finding Cheaper Gas

Gas stations operated by independent owners and smaller regional chains typically undercut prices from major branded stations (Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP). These independents may save 5 to 15 cents per gallon by avoiding brand royalties and premium advertising costs. However, they may have fewer convenient locations. Using price-tracking apps helps identify these independent stations in your area.

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Wholesale clubs represent the most reliable low-price option if you have membership. Costco gas stations do not advertise prices on their signs, intentionally keeping them low to maintain member value without drawing price-sensitive non-members. Sam's Club and Walmart+ membership locations follow similar strategies. These stations occasionally run out of fuel during peak hours because of their low prices and member traffic.

Stations located slightly off major highways often maintain lower prices than those directly on the highway. Travelers in a hurry accept higher prices, while stations targeting local commuters must remain competitive. Similarly, stations in interstate areas with multiple competitors tend to have lower prices than isolated stations.

State borders present interesting opportunities. If you live near a state border, checking prices on both sides may reveal significant savings. For example, Oregon has no self-serve gas in most areas and typically maintains higher prices than neighboring states. Conversely, states with lower fuel taxes and fewer environmental regulations tend to show lower prices. However, factoring in travel distance and time is important—driving 20 miles to save 10 cents per gallon costs more than it saves.

Practical takeaway: When planning regular errands or travel, check gas prices along your route. Fill up at locations with lower prices rather than waiting until your tank is nearly empty, which limits your options.

Understanding Price Fluctuations and Market Factors

Crude oil prices directly impact gas prices at the pump within one to three weeks. When oil prices rise, gas prices follow. When oil prices fall, gas prices eventually decrease as well, though this adjustment sometimes happens more slowly. Oil trades on global markets and responds to supply concerns, geopolitical events, and production decisions. A single major production disruption can affect worldwide supply and prices.

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Refinery capacity and maintenance significantly impact available supply and pricing. When refineries shut down for maintenance, regional supply decreases and prices rise. During summer months, refineries often schedule maintenance during spring, which can contribute to seasonal price increases. Major refinery outages at any time create localized price spikes.

Fuel taxes vary substantially by state and directly increase gas prices. As of 2024, California has the highest fuel tax at over 68 cents per gallon, while states like Mississippi and Alaska have lower taxes. When discussing why gas costs more in one state versus another, fuel taxes account for much of the difference. Federal fuel tax adds 18.4 cents per gallon nationwide.

Seasonal blend changes occur in spring and fall as EPA regulations require different fuel formulations. These transitions can cause temporary price spikes and supply adjustments. Hurricane season in the Gulf Coast, where much of the nation's refining capacity is located, creates supply concerns that often drive prices higher during summer and early fall months.

Practical takeaway: Gas prices will fluctuate for reasons beyond anyone's control. Focus on strategies you can control—timing your purchases, using loyalty programs, and choosing cheaper station locations—rather than trying to time the market perfectly.

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