Relief at the pump greets vacationers nationwide as the national average slips to $3.16, yet drivers in California and Hawaii continue to fork out more than $4.45 a gallon.
Families mapping a July getaway finally have some breathing room. AAA data show the average price dipped to $3.14 at the start of the month and has hovered near $3.17 since, the lowest summertime figure since 2021. That drop means a typical 600‑mile round trip now costs roughly $30 less than last year.
National gas price averages show relief for families planning long road trips
Thinking about packing the car and hitting the highway? You are not alone. Vacation demand usually pushes prices higher, but an abundant oil supply and steady refinery output have kept 2025’s pump costs in check. Consequently, commuters and road‑trippers alike are enjoying an unexpected mid‑season discount. But how much could a detour across state lines save you? For millions on the Pacific coast, quite a lot. As of July 16:
| State | Regular | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| California | $4.514 | $5.190 |
| Hawaii | $4.476 | $5.261 |
| Washington | $4.395 | $5.022 |
Drivers in these states are paying roughly $1.30 above the national mark. A family filling a 15‑gallon tank twice a week in Los Angeles still shells out an extra $155 per month compared with friends in Mississippi.
Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee offer the cheapest gas for budget travelers
Looking to stretch vacation dollars? Consider routing through the lower Mississippi Valley or the southern Plains, where prices start with a “2”:
- Mississippi – $2.716 (regular)
- Oklahoma – $2.746
- Tennessee – $2.781
- Texas – $2.787
- Louisiana – $2.795
Even after taxes, these states undercut the national average by about 40 cents, turning a full‑tank fill‑up into a mini‑windfall for long‑distance drivers.
Why have gasoline costs cooled despite peak summer driving demand in 2025
Analysts credit robust domestic crude production, mild refinery outages, and a stronger‑than‑expected dollar for tempering wholesale costs. In fact, U.S. stockpiles sit near a three‑year high, giving retailers leeway to cut margins and still profit. Nevertheless, global tensions or hurricane‑season disruptions could send prices jumping again, so experts advise locking in fuel savings now.
Summer 2025 is shaping up as the most pump‑friendly vacation season in four years. Check local averages before you set out, plan refueling stops in cheaper states where possible, and keep an eye on AAA’s tracker for sudden swings.