MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Washington gas prices 45% higher than national average, Seattle 53% above

Oct 21, 2025, 2:00 PM | Updated: 4:31 pm

Washington gas prices...

Gas prices over $4.00 per gallon are displayed at a Shell station. (Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)

(Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)

Washington residents pay nearly 45% more per gallon of gas than the rest of the country, as WA continues to rank among the top three worst states to fill up your tank.

As of Oct. 21, Washington’s average price per gallon is $4.402, which is $1.355 higher than the national average, according to AAA.

For the greater Seattle area, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $4.662, a whopping 53% more expensive than the national average.

“Ridiculous. Unaffordable. It’s hard to live here now. I’m born and raised here, 50 years. And it’s to a point where it’s hard to live,” an anonymous driver told KIRO Newsradio.

Washington counties’ gas prices

Average gas prices in Washington have declined slightly from yesterday’s total, but increased by more than 40 cents per gallon since last year.

AAA provided an updated database listing the best and worst counties in Washington to fill up your tank.

The most expensive counties to buy a gallon of gas in Washington are:

  • San Juan, $5.479
  • Wahkiakum, $4.948
  • King, $4.742
  • Pacific, $4.692
  • Jefferson, $4.664

Each county’s average gas price included regular, mid-grade, premium, and diesel.

In September, Washington stood alone as the state with the most expensive gas price average, surpassing California and Hawaii. Washington now ranks third behind California ($4.624) and Hawaii ($4.478).

“Hopefully, they do something soon here in Seattle with the gas prices,” driver Richard Mayo told KIRO Newsradio. “It’s not that high in New York. You can go to Detroit and Chicago, the gas prices ain’t nowhere near it. It’s almost $6.”

Lowest WA county gas prices

The best counties to buy a gallon of gas in Washington:

  • Asotin, $3.732
  • Spokane, $3.956
  • Stevens, $3.959
  • Ferry, $4.015
  • Douglas, $4.035

The highest statewide average cost per gallon of gas in Washington history was $5.56 on June 16, 2022, according to AAA.

The statistics provided are updated daily by AAA and are subject to change.

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

MyNorthwest News

pierce transit (1)...

Nate Connors

Chill out during this week’s heat wave courtesy of Pierce Transit

It's become a regular service to Pierce County residents during the excessive heat bursts we often get throughout our summer season.

12 minutes ago

Gifford Pinchot National Forest (1)...

Julia Dallas

Gifford Pinchot National Forest issues emergency closures for wildfire

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has issued an emergency closure order for the High Lava Fire.

54 minutes ago

washington...

James Lynch

Crime drops across every major category in Washington, but officials warn the full picture is more complicated

Crime declined across every major category in Washington in 2025, with sharp drops in murders, violent crime, and property crime.

2 hours ago

seattle homelessness...

Frank Lenzi

Seattle, King County plan to reclaim nearly $160M in homelessness contracts from KCRHA

The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) will survive despite calls from some Seattle and King County leaders to dissolve it.

2 hours ago

King County Metro...

KIRO 7 News Staff

King County Metro to add 9 new bus routes and 3,000 additional weekly bus trips to schedule

King County Metro is adding nine new bus routes and more than 3,000 additional weekly bus trips to its schedule.

2 hours ago

Blue Angels Seattle cancel...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘It was the right thing to do’: Seafair meteorologist defends decision to cancel the Blue Angels’ Saturday show

Seafair's Blue Angels show canceled due to high winds. Meteorologist explains the decision behind prioritizing safety in Seattle.

3 hours ago

Washington gas prices 45% higher than national average, Seattle 53% above