Washington’s gas prices are the highest in U.S. What’s the cost per gallon?
Washington on Sept. 15 counted the highest average gas price in the country at $4.658 per gallon, according to AAA.
That’s $1.481 more than the U.S. average of $3.177 per gallon.
California came in a close second with a cost of $4.653 per gallon, while Hawaii came next at $4.478.
On the other hand, Mississippi had the cheapest prices at $2.702, followed by Oklahoma at $2.761 and Louisiana at $2.770.
Washington’s dubious distinction comes two months after the state’s gas-tax hike took effect, a controversial increase that lawmakers passed to help fill a sizable transportation-budget shortfall fueled by inflation and the shift to electric and fuel-efficient cars.
Prices vary some within the state. As of Sept. 15, the average price of gas per gallon in Thurston County was $4.65, while it was $4.725 in Pierce, $4.871 in King, $4.61 in Whatcom, $4.397 in Franklin and $4.469 in Benton counties.
Washington’s highest average cost per gallon occurred June 16, 2022, when the price hit $5.56, per AAA.
In a Sept. 8 blog post, gas price-tracking website GasBuddy wrote that the national gas average had also increased 3.1 cents from a month ago but was 6.1 cents cheaper than the prior year.
The West Coast was predicted to see continued higher prices in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona because of seasonal refinery maintenance and a Southern California refinery’s shutdown, leading to tight supply, according to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
“However, with the transition back to winter gasoline just a week away for most areas, those increases may be short-lived, with potential relief arriving toward the end of the month,” De Haan said. “Additionally, OPEC+ announced an increase in oil production starting in October, which could help keep oil prices lower for longer.”
This story was originally published September 16, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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