States With the Highest Gas Tax

2026

Top 10 US states with the highest combined state gas tax (excise + sales + UST + storage fees) in 2026, ranked highest first. California leads at over 70 cents/gallon.

Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Ranked by total state-level cents per gallon (highest first)

Total state gas tax = state excise + state sales tax (where applied to fuel) + UST and storage fees + carbon/clean-air fees + any other per-gallon charges. Federal 18.4¢ excise is excluded (uniform across all states). Sourced from American Petroleum Institute Q1 2026 50-state report.

  1. 1

    California

    California — ~74¢/gallon total. State excise 60¢ (2026 SB 1 indexation) + cap-and-trade ~24¢ + LCFS ~14¢ + state sales tax. Highest in the country by a wide margin.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  2. 2

    Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania — ~62¢/gallon. Oil franchise tax plus per-gallon excise — uses a tax on the wholesale price model that produces the second-highest pump tax nationally.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  3. 3

    Illinois

    Illinois — ~61¢/gallon. State excise 47¢ (indexed annually under 2019 Capital Bill), plus 6.25% state sales tax on fuel and Cook County / Chicago add-ons that push Chicago pump tax over $1.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  4. 4

    Washington

    Washington — ~58¢/gallon. State excise 49.4¢ (Climate Commitment Act adds carbon-allowance pass-through), no state sales tax on fuel.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  5. 5

    Indiana

    Indiana — ~56¢/gallon. State gas-use tax adjusted monthly based on average wholesale price + 35¢ excise; among the most volatile total taxes in the country.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  6. 6

    Maryland

    Maryland — ~54¢/gallon. State excise indexed to CPI annually under 2013 Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act. Crosses 50¢ for the first time in 2025.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  7. 7

    Oregon

    Oregon — ~53¢/gallon. State excise 40¢ + Oregon-specific OreGo Road Usage Charge pilot (3.6¢/mi alternative for certain EV/efficient vehicles).

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  8. 8

    Michigan

    Michigan — ~52¢/gallon. State excise 30¢ + 6% sales tax on fuel + UST fee. 2024 Citizens Research Council report ranked it 8th highest nationally.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  9. 9

    New Jersey

    New Jersey — ~50¢/gallon. State excise indexed under 2016 TTF Act to maintain $2B annual transportation funding — automatically adjusts each October based on consumption.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  10. 10

    Connecticut

    Connecticut — ~49¢/gallon. 25¢ excise + Petroleum Gross Receipts Tax of 8.81% on wholesale price + UST.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →

Methodology note: This listicle is curated based on Q1 2026 data verified against each state's Department of Revenue + Tax Foundation 50-state reports. Rankings reflect tax structure and are not investment advice. Cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, and personal preferences should also factor into relocation decisions.