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Pump the Brakes: These 10 States Charge the Highest Gas Taxes in the Country

How much is your state charging you to fill up?

By Jenny Cohen , Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Sept. 1, 2026

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Gas taxes can eat into your wallet, depending on where you live and how much of each gallon goes to taxes.

Car owners need to make money moves if they're worried about how much a gallon of gas can cost with the added tax. You may need to find other areas of your budget to save money or adjust your driving plans so your tank is full.

Check out the top 10 states that have the highest gas taxes in the country to see if you need to worry about your car budget.

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Oregon

Tax rate per gallon: 40 cents

Oregon is among the most expensive states for gas due to its high gas tax.

But you may want to review your tax bill if you live in the state. A gallon of gas is taxed, but Oregon is one of only five states without a state sales tax, which could help you save money.

Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.

North Carolina

Tax rate per gallon: 41 cents

You may want to fill up before you reach North Carolina to save money and avoid its gas tax.

States like Tennessee, South Carolina, and Virginia have lower gas taxes than North Carolina.

New Jersey

Tax rate per gallon: 49.1 cents

New Jersey has unique laws that make a gallon of gas more expensive than in other states.

In addition to the high tax rate, the Garden State is one of two states in the U.S. where you can't pump your own gas (the other is Oregon), as all stations are completely full-service stations.

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Maryland

Tax rate per gallon: 46 cents

Maryland's gas tax fluctuates based on the inflation rate due to laws passed by the state's legislature.

So, while the current tax rate may be high, it actually went down slightly compared to the tax rate a year earlier.

Michigan

Tax rate per gallon: 51 cents

Michigan recently changed how it taxes fuel. Instead of placing a state fuel tax and state sales tax on top of the federal fuel tax, it's done away with the sales tax. In exchange, the state raised the state fuel tax.

Indiana

Tax rate per gallon: 36 cents

Indiana may be known for Indianapolis Motor Speedway where cars drive fast, but you might be slowing down when you factor in the taxes on a gallon of gas in the state.

The good news is that the cost for a gallon of gas in Indiana is still less than the national average, with drivers paying around $2.80 per gallon in the Hoosier State.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Washington

Tax rate per gallon: 55.4 cents

Washington's tax rate is one reason it's so expensive to fill up your tank if you live in the Pacific Northwest.

A gallon of gas in Washington costs around $4. That makes Washington the third-most expensive state for a gallon of gas, according to AAA.

Pennsylvania

Tax rate per gallon: 57.6 cents

Pennsylvania is a big state, so it could be difficult to fill up your tank before crossing it to avoid the almost 60 cents in gas taxes.

You also may have to pay additional money for the state's Pennsylvania Turnpike, which includes parts of several major interstates from the west to the east of the state.

Illinois

Tax rate per gallon: 48.3 cents

Prepare yourself financially as Illinois can be an expensive state when it comes to taxes while you're on the road.

The state has the second-highest tax on gas in the country and charges a sales tax that further drives up the fees. The sales tax isn't minimal, either. Illinois has one of the highest state sales taxes in the country, making stopping for snacks or meals an expensive proposition.

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California

Tax rate per gallon: 61.2 cents

California's tax rate contributes to high gas prices, making it the most expensive state to buy a gallon of gas.

The average price for a gallon of gas is about $4.37 in California, which is only one of two states in the U.S. (Hawaii is the other one) that currently has an average cost of above four dollars a gallon, according to AAA.

Bottom line

It can be hard to live in a state with a high tax rate on gas when you're on a tight budget, but there are other ways you can save money as a car owner.

It's a good idea to create an estimated budget before you shop and factor in costs such as gas as well as repair and maintenance. And if you currently own a vehicle, think about shopping around to save money on car insurance.

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