California Is No Longer the Most Expensive State for Gas

The last time US gas prices averaged below $2.00 for an entire month was during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Today, average prices are well above $3.00—and rising. While costs vary by state and county, one state stands out as more expensive than the rest.

Surprisingly, it’s not California. As of September 17, 2025, Washington state has the highest average gas prices in the nation, according to AAA, at $4.657 per gallon. California follows closely at $4.656 per gallon.

Washington’s average is $1.457 above the national average of $3.200. Within the state, San Juan County tops the list at $4.979 per gallon, while King County—home to Seattle and several major cities—is third with an average of $4.881.

Currently, there’s only one county in Washington state with average fuel prices of under $4.00; Asotin County in southeast Washington has an average fuel price of $3.982 per gallon.

Meanwhile, these are the five priciest counties in Washington state:

1. San Juan County: $5.419
2. Pacific: $4.979
3. King: $4.881
4. Columbia: $4.873
5. Jefferson: $4.876

California and Washington aren’t the only states with gas prices over $4.00 per gallon. Oregon is also above that mark, averaging $4.279 per gallon. Hawaii averages $4.475 per gallon. Nearby states—including Nevada ($3.925), Arizona ($3.580), Idaho ($3.536), and Utah ($3.396)—remain below the $4.00 threshold for now.

As of September 17, 2025, these are the five states with the highest average gas prices:

1. Washington: $4.657
2. California: $4.656
3. Hawaii: $4.475
4. Oregon: $4.279
5. Nevada: $3.925