Cost of Living
Gas Price Gouging
Highest Gas Prices. Highest Gas Tax. $830/yr Extra.
$4.53
CA Gas Price
2024 average
$2.86
Texas Price
2024 average
70.9¢
CA Gas Tax
#1 in nation
$830
Extra Cost/Year
vs TX driver
California has the highest gas prices and highest gas tax in the continental US. In 2024, Californians paid $4.53/gallon vs $2.86 in Texas—a $1.66 premium on every gallon. SB1 (2017) raised the gas tax 12¢ and added automatic annual CPI increases. The state gas tax has risen 155% since 2016 (27.8¢ to 70.9¢). Add cap-and-trade and LCFS fees, and CA drivers pay over $800/year more than Texans.
Source: EIA & Tax Foundation