How Much Money The Average American Spends On Gas Every Month

For many Americans, driving is the only means to commute to work or accomplish daily activities and errands. With how much driving Americans do each month, gas has become a significant expense in many households, with constant and costly refills at the pump. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, the average American spent 3.2% of their total income on gas, which amounted to $204 a month, or $2,449 a year. This figure was actually down about $350 when compared to 2022, when gas prices rose to a national record high of $5.03 a gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

According to Motley Fool Money, which analyzed data from the Department of Transportation, U.S. Census Bureau, and AAA, gas expenditures across the country coincided with the amount of miles per driver in the state. For example, in 2025, Wyoming residents drove 1,498 miles a month on average, and spent the most on gas at $206 a month, or 3.31% of their income. In contrast, New York residents residents spent $99 a month, or 1.41% of their income, on gas and drove an average of 735 miles a month. In fact, New Yorkers spent the least on gas, despite having similar gas prices as Wyoming, according to AAA.

Saving at the pump is a priority for many, and drivers can make meaningful dents in their gas expenditures through frugal tips and smart driving habits. One of the easiest ways is to use a cash-back or gas rewards credit card when paying at the pump. According to NerdWallet, some of the best cards offer between 1% and 6% cash back on gas purchases, and may even provide digital coupons for additional savings. Timing your fill-up can also make a difference, with Tuesday being the cheapest day of the week to buy gas. Additionally, Costco's cheap gas prices average between $0.05 and $0.25 less per gallon than at other stations, according to Kiplinger.

Smart driving habits can also stretch your gas budget. Avoiding certain gas-guzzling driving mistakes such as aggressive acceleration, uneven speeds, and idling can improve your mileage — resulting in less frequent fill-ups at the gas station. Even smaller steps, like keeping your tires properly inflated, and planning more efficient routes, can lead to spending less on gas. By combining pump savings with smarter habits, you can make every gallon go further and avoid unnecessary strain on your budget.