Rajan Wilcox
How much people spend on car fuel per month varies depending on a range of factors, including the type of car, the number of miles driven, and the price of fuel. For example, drivers in the UK have reported spending anywhere from £10 to £150 per month on fuel, with some spending as little as possible by commuting via bicycle or on foot. In the US, the average monthly cost of gasoline per household was $2,449 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This number can vary based on regional pricing, global events, and policy changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average monthly gas expenses in the US | $2,449 |
| Average monthly income spent on gas in the US | 2.57% |
| Average miles traveled per person, per month in the US | 711 miles |
| Average miles traveled per person, per month in Wyoming | 1,227 miles |
| Average miles traveled per person, per month in Alabama | 1,096 miles |
| Average miles traveled per person, per month in Mississippi | 1,073 miles |
| Average miles traveled per person, per month in Washington, D.C. | 335 miles |
| Average miles traveled per person, per month in New York | 400 miles |
| Average cost of gasoline per gallon in the US in November 2024 | $3.065 |
| Number of public charging stations in California | 18,428 |
| Number of public charging stations in Vermont | 1 for every 1,352 residents |
| Number of public charging stations in California per capita | 1 for every 2,114 residents |
| Cost of charging a 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance AWD EV in Texas annually | $469 |
| Cost of fuel per month in the UK | £30-£150 |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicles (EVs) vs traditional gas-powered vehicles
The cost of car fuel per month depends on several factors, including the vehicle type, fuel prices, and driving habits. While the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects gas prices to stabilise for 2024, the total fuel costs for each household still depend on local prices and the number of miles driven. For example, drivers in Wyoming travelled an average of 2,148.2 miles per month in 2021, while those in Connecticut averaged 926.9 miles per month.
When comparing electric vehicles (EVs) to traditional gas-powered vehicles, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, EVs are powered solely by electric motors and batteries and do not have an internal combustion engine, resulting in no tailpipe emissions. This makes them environmentally friendly, especially in densely populated areas. Additionally, EVs offer instant torque and strong acceleration, enhancing the driving experience, especially in city traffic or on curvy roads.
In terms of fuel costs, EVs offer significant savings compared to gas-powered vehicles. A 2018 study found that the average cost to fuel an electric car was $485 per year, compared to $1,117 for a gas-powered car. This advantage is due to the higher efficiency of EVs, which are 2.6 to 4.8 times more efficient at travelling a mile than gas-powered cars. However, it's important to note that charging an EV at home will increase electricity bills, and public charging stations tend to be more expensive.
Maintenance costs are another factor to consider. EVs have lower maintenance costs than gas-powered vehicles because they do not require spark plug replacements or oil changes. Additionally, EVs have regenerative braking, which saves on brake pad replacements. However, EVs typically have a higher purchase price, which can be a deciding factor for budget-conscious buyers. While state and federal incentives can offset this initial expense, it's worth noting that EVs depreciate quicker than gas-powered cars, affecting their long-term cost-effectiveness.
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Cost-saving options for drivers
The amount people spend on car fuel per month varies based on factors such as regional pricing, global events, policy changes, and driving habits. For instance, the average monthly gas expense for an average American household was $2,449 in 2023. However, the average annual miles driven by licensed drivers in Connecticut were almost half of that in Wyoming in 2021.
- Maintain your vehicle: Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your fuel economy. Underinflated tires can lower your gas mileage and cause you to lose money. Also, removing roof racks, baskets, or roof-mounted storage systems can improve fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag.
- Change your driving habits: Driving within the speed limit can improve fuel economy. On highways, keeping your speed below 75 mph is recommended as wind resistance can eat into your fuel economy. Reducing your speed to 65 mph on the highway can increase fuel economy by 15-20%. Additionally, reducing your rate of acceleration can help save fuel.
- Choose the right vehicle: Opt for a vehicle with a higher MPG (miles per gallon) rating to spend less on gasoline. Consider a hybrid or a used electric car. Vehicles with manual transmission tend to have better fuel efficiency than those with automatic transmission.
- Use rewards programs and gas apps: Gas rewards credit cards and gas apps can help you save money on gas by offering discounts, cash backs, and reward points. Some cards offer introductory bonuses for signing up, while others provide discounts per gallon of fuel purchased.
- Strategize your fuel purchase: The price of gas can vary based on where and when you fill up. Use apps and rewards programs to find the best prices. Additionally, higher-octane gas is not necessary for most cars, so stick to regular-grade gasoline unless your car manufacturer specifically requires premium.
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Gas prices and local variations
The amount of money people spend on car fuel per month varies depending on several factors, including driving habits, regional price differences, and fuel-saving measures.
Driving Habits and Mileage
The number of miles driven can significantly impact monthly fuel expenses. For example, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) data from 2021 reveals a notable difference in average annual mileage between Wyoming and Connecticut drivers. Wyoming drivers travelled an average of 25,778.6 miles per year (2,148.2 miles per month), while Connecticut drivers averaged 11,122.3 miles per year (926.9 miles per month). Such variations in driving habits contribute to differences in fuel costs across regions.
Regional Price Differences
Gasoline prices can vary significantly across states and regions in the US. Several factors contribute to these price differences:
- Distance from Supply: Transportation costs play a role, as retail gasoline prices tend to be higher in locations farther away from supply sources such as refineries, ports, and pipelines.
- Supply Disruptions: Events that impact gasoline production or transportation can affect regional prices. For example, pipeline disruptions, refinery maintenance, or shutdowns due to hurricanes may lead to increased prices.
- Competition and Operating Costs: Retail competition, traffic patterns, rent, and operating costs can also influence gasoline prices at the local level.
- State and Local Taxes: Differences in taxation across states and regions contribute to price variations.
- Environmental Regulations: Some areas, like California, require the use of reformulated gasoline with additives to reduce air pollutants. This unique blend contributes to higher and more variable gasoline prices in the state.
Fuel-Saving Measures
To optimize fuel efficiency and reduce costs, drivers can employ various strategies:
- Minimize idling, as it wastes fuel. Automatic stop-and-start systems or hybrid vehicles can help reduce idling fuel consumption.
- Remove roof racks or roof-mounted storage systems, as they increase aerodynamic drag, leading to higher fuel consumption.
- Use resources like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices by zip code or when planning road trips.
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Average monthly gas costs by state
The cost of driving varies across the US, depending on local gas prices and the type of vehicle. As of March 2025, the average US gas price was $3.08 per gallon, down from $3.47 a year before. The average monthly gas cost across the 50 US states is $177.85, based on 2022 gas prices and each state's average monthly mileage.
California has consistently had the highest gas prices in the US, with $4.96 per gallon of regular gas in August 2023, and $4.65 per gallon in 2024. In April 2025, California had the highest gas prices in the US at $4.92 per gallon, followed by Hawaii ($4.52) and Washington ($4.30).
On the other hand, Mississippi has had the lowest gas prices, with an average of $2.75 per gallon in August 2023, and $2.64 per gallon in 2024. In April 2025, Mississippi still had the cheapest gas, at $2.74 per gallon, followed by Tennessee and Oklahoma, both at $2.81.
While switching to an electric vehicle can save you money in the long run, it is important to note that the cost of charging an electric car depends on where you charge it. Charging at home is generally cheaper than using a Level 3 fast-charging station.
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Fuel-saving tips
The amount people spend on car fuel per month varies based on factors such as regional pricing, global events, and policy changes and driving habits. For instance, the average annual expense on gasoline for an American household was $2,449 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the average monthly mileage differed significantly between states. While Wyoming's 430,472 licensed drivers travelled a monthly average of 2,148.2 miles per driver, Connecticut's 2,606,396 licensed drivers travelled a monthly average of 926.9 miles per driver in the same year.
- Minimize idling: The Department of Energy estimates that idling a vehicle burns between 0.2 and 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour, depending on the engine type, size, and idle speed. Just 10 minutes of idling each day can waste 1 to 2.5 gallons of fuel every month. Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in winter. If your car will be stopped for over 60 seconds, turn off the engine. Many newer cars have automatic engine stop-start systems that do this.
- Remove roof racks: On the highway, even an empty roof rack can reduce fuel economy, and a loaded rack will have a more significant effect. Uninstalling roof racks can improve fuel efficiency.
- Adjust your driving speed: When driving in town, adjust your speed to "time" the traffic lights. This reduces repeated braking and acceleration, which consume additional fuel. When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and let your car coast to a slower speed. Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle, allowing the automatic transmission to upshift into higher gears sooner, reducing engine rpm and saving fuel.
- Use cruise control: When driving on highways, use cruise control to maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads, as it may cause a loss of vehicle control.
- Maintain proper tire pressure: Underinflated tires have higher rolling resistance, increasing fuel consumption. Tires lose about 1 psi a month, and if all your tires are underinflated by 10 psi, it can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%.
- Minimize wind resistance: Driving with the windows down at speeds over 80 km/h causes a lot of wind resistance, increasing fuel consumption. In such cases, it is more fuel-efficient to use the air conditioning.
- Maintain a steady speed: Driving at a steady speed of 50–90 km/h on the highway is best for optimal fuel economy. Avoid revving your accelerator to high RPMs, as your engine uses less fuel when revolving at a lower RPM.
- Avoid hard braking and acceleration: Hard braking and acceleration increase fuel consumption. Instead, try to slow down as you approach a red light or the foot of a hill, and accelerate as you get closer. Stop-start traffic burns more fuel, so plan your commute to avoid peak traffic if possible.
- Regular car servicing: Regular car servicing helps maintain your engine's fuel efficiency. Engine oil, such as Mobil™, can help reduce friction in the engine, combat sludge, and improve fuel economy.
- Choose the right fuel: Unless premium fuel is recommended or required by your car's manufacturer, it provides no added benefit.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount spent on car fuel per month varies depending on several factors, such as local gas prices, the type of vehicle, and the number of miles driven. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the total costs of fuel per household depend on local prices and odometer readings.
The cost of car fuel per month can be influenced by regional pricing, global events, and policy changes. For example, the implementation of "gas tax holidays" in certain states can affect fuel costs. Additionally, the type of vehicle and its fuel efficiency play a role, with electric vehicles (EVs) often offering fuel savings.
Driving habits can significantly impact monthly fuel expenses. For instance, idling a vehicle burns between 0.2 and 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour, and removing roof racks can improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, the number of miles driven varies across states, with Wyoming residents driving an average of 2,148.2 miles per month, while Connecticut drivers average 926.9 miles.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2023 data, the average US consumer unit spends $2,449 on gasoline annually. This equates to about $204 per month. However, this varies across states, with Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina residents spending a higher percentage of their income on gas due to higher mileage and lower monthly incomes.
Individuals can manage their monthly fuel expenses by tracking monthly mileage and adopting fuel-saving practices, such as minimizing idling and removing roof racks. Additionally, utilizing budgeting apps and reward programs offered by gas companies can help save money on fuel costs.
