10 States With the Highest Gas Taxes

10. West Virginia gas tax

Gas tax total: $0.37 per gallon of gasoline

Excise tax on gas in West Virginia is only $0.205 per gallon, but the state tacks on an additional $0.167 in extra taxes and fees, bringing the total to $0.37. On the bright side, West Virginia doesn't tax diesel fuel any higher than gasoline. So, if you need diesel fuel, you can expect to pay the regular gas tax of $0.37.

West Virginia isn't a large state, so you might make it across state lines before you need to fill up. If you're headed to Kentucky or Virginia, you'll pay lower gas taxes, but gas taxes in northern bordering states are even higher.

9. Ohio gas tax

Gas tax total: $0.385 per gallon of gasoline

Gas taxes climb closer to $0.40 in Ohio. State excise tax is $0.385. Gasohol taxes are the same. But, if you want diesel fuel, be prepared to pay more. Taxes jump all the way to $0.47 on diesel.

Unfortunately, most of the states that border Ohio also have some of the highest gas taxes in the country, but you're in luck if Michigan is your next stop. You'll find gas taxes nearly $0.10 lower when you fill up in the Great Lakes State.

8. Oregon gas tax

Gas tax total: $0.40 per gallon of gasoline

Oregon taxes gasoline slightly higher than West Virginia does. At a tax rate of $0.40 per gallon, filling up in Oregon is less than ideal. On the bright side, the state doesn't tax diesel fuel at a higher rate like many other states do. So, if you need diesel, you can expect to pay the same rate of $0.40.

If you do need to get gas in Oregon, you can avoid paying tax on any snacks you purchase afterward. Oregon is a state with no sales tax.

7. North Carolina gas tax

Gas tax total: 40.4 cents per gallon of gasoline

Excise tax on gasoline in North Carolina is $0.405. The state adds a modest $0.003 in additional taxes and fees, resulting in a total tax of 40.4 cents on each gallon of gas you purchase. Drivers with diesel-powered vehicles catch a small break by paying the same tax rate of $0.404.

It doesn't matter which direction you're driving. You will find lower gas taxes in all of North Carolina's bordering states, including South Carolina and Tennessee.

6. New Jersey gas tax

Gas tax total: $0.423 per gallon of gasoline

Thanks to a New Jersey gas tax increase that went into effect October 1, drivers in the state now pay $0.423 in taxes per gallon of gasoline, which is nearly $0.01 more than they were paying before the tax hike.

If you're driving south, filling up in Delaware is a great idea since it's one of the states with the lowest gas taxes. You'll even find a gas tax break if you're headed to New York.

5. Illinois gas tax

Gas tax total: $0.454 per gallon of gasoline

Illinois has a high state gas tax of $0.454. Diesel fuel is worse at  $0.529.

And stocking up on snacks for the road probably isn't the greatest idea in Illinois, either. The state has one of the highest sales tax rates in the county.

4. Maryland gas tax

Gas tax total: $0.47 per gallon of gasoline

The gas tax in Maryland  jumped from  $0.427 to $0.47 per gallon this year, according to the Tax Foundation.

Diesel taxes are more expensive, too Filling your tank with diesel will cost you $0.4775 in taxes when you pump in the state of Maryland.

3. Washington gas tax

Gas tax total: $0.494 per gallon of gasoline

Gas tax in Washington hits nearly $0.50. At a whopping $0.494, it has the third highest gas tax in the U.S. Drivers with diesel-fueled trucks might rejoice at paying the same $0.494 per gallon, but in reality, no drivers win when filling their tanks in the Evergreen State.

Sales tax is also high in Washington, so grabbing fast food will cost you even more. However, you can enjoy no sales tax if you stop at the grocery store since groceries are tax-exempt in Washington.

2. Pennsylvania gas tax

Gas tax total: $0.576 per gallon of gasoline

Gas tax in Pennsylvania rises above $0.60. At $0.611 per gallon, the state earns the #1 spot on this list. There's no relief for diesel truck drivers, either. Tax on diesel fuel is $0.785.

Pennsylvania is a big state, so you might need to get gas before you cross state lines. Neighboring states like New York, New Jersey, and Maryland have fairly high gas taxes, too, but at least they are less expensive than Pennsylvania's.

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1. California gas tax

Gas tax total: $0.596 per gallon of gasoline

California's excise tax on gasoline is $0.596 thanks to a July gas tax increase. Given the high gas taxes, it's no surprise that California has more EV drivers than any other state. 

California has one of the highest statewide sales tax rates, too. So, it's nearly impossible to avoid paying high taxes when visiting the state, whether or not you drive an electric vehicle.