California gas prices this week
California gas prices are the highest in the continental U.S.: regular averaged $5.562 a gallon in the week of November 9, 2026, released by the EIA on November 10, 2026.[1]
| Area | Price | vs. U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| California | $5.562 | +$1.57 |
| Los Angeles | $5.559 | +$1.56 |
| San Francisco | $5.447 | +$1.45 |
| West Coast less California | $4.584 | +$0.59 |
| U.S. | $3.995 | – |
At this week's price, filling a 15-gallon tank costs $83.43 in California versus $59.93 at the U.S. average. Over 12,000 miles a year in a 28 mpg car that difference is about $672. Price any trip with the gas cost calculator, which can use the California average.
What is in a gallon of California gas
The California Energy Commission breaks the retail price into its parts each month. In August 2026, the average retail price was $5.46 a gallon:[4]
| Component | $ per gallon | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Crude oil | $2.28 | 42% |
| Refining margin | $1.05 | 19% |
| Distribution and retail margin | $0.68 | 12% |
| Cap-and-Trade | $0.26 | 5% |
| Low Carbon Fuel Standard | $0.23 | 4% |
| Federal excise tax | $0.18 | 3% |
| California excise tax | $0.63 | 12% |
| State and local sales tax | $0.12 | 2% |
| Underground storage tank fee | $0.02 | 0% |
California's gasoline excise tax rose to 63.4 cents a gallon on July 1, 2026, and is adjusted each July for inflation; diesel is 48.2 cents.[5] Add the federal 18.4 cents and sales tax, and taxes alone are about $0.95 a gallon. The Cap-and-Trade and Low Carbon Fuel Standard programs add another $0.49.[4]
Why gas is so expensive in California
Higher taxes explain only part of the gap. The EIA points to California's special cleaner-burning gasoline blend, which few refineries outside the state make, and to the state's distance from other refining centers, so local refinery outages push prices up quickly.[6] The refining margin in the CEC breakdown, $1.05 a gallon, is where those supply effects show up.[4]
- California
- U.S.
Monthly averages come from the EIA's California and U.S. retail price series.[2][3]
Driving costs beyond fuelCalifornia also has one of the higher vehicle registration bills, because the vehicle license fee follows the car's value. See the California vehicle registration fee calculator, or the U.S. picture on average cost of gas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of gas in California right now?
$5.562 a gallon for regular in the week of November 9, 2026 (EIA).
How much is the California gas tax?
The state excise tax is 63.4 cents a gallon from July 1, 2026, plus 18.4 cents federal and about 12 cents of sales tax.
Why is gas more expensive in California than other states?
Higher taxes, climate-program costs, a special summer and winter fuel blend made by few refineries, and the state's isolation from other refining centers.
Sources
- Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update (weekly retail prices)
- California Regular All Formulations Retail Gasoline Prices (monthly)
- U.S. Regular All Formulations Retail Gasoline Prices (monthly)
- Estimated Gasoline Price Breakdown and Margins
- Sales Tax Rates for Fuels (motor vehicle fuel excise tax)
- Gasoline explained: regional gasoline price differences