Alabama vs Tennessee gas prices
Regular gas is $0.06 a gallon cheaper in Tennessee — $0.95 on a 15-gallon fill-up. The two share a border, so that gap is worth knowing before you cross it.
Alabama
Tennessee| Grade | AL | TN | Diff. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $3.74 | $3.68 | $0.06TN | Tennessee |
| Midgrade | $4.21 | $4.13 | $0.08TN | Tennessee |
| Premium | $4.61 | $4.53 | $0.08TN | Tennessee |
| Diesel | $5.15 | $5.05 | $0.10TN | Tennessee |
Where the $0.06 gap actually comes from
63% of it is tax. Alabama charges $0.04 more per gallon in federal and state taxes than Tennessee. The remaining $0.02 is a real difference in what the fuel, refining and distribution cost — refinery proximity, pipeline access and state fuel-blend rules.
Fuel, refining, distribution and marginFederal and state taxes Local county and city fuel taxes are not included, and Alabama permit them. Pre-tax figures are estimates — see the note below.
What the gap is worth
Based on today’s $0.06 per-gallon difference, which moves week to week. Use the fuel cost calculator for your own mileage and vehicle.
Prices by metro area
State averages hide a lot. These are the cheapest metros AAA reports on each side.
Other comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is gas cheaper in Alabama or Tennessee?
Regular gas is cheaper in Tennessee, at $3.68 a gallon against $3.74 in Alabama — a gap of $0.06, or 1.7%. On a 15-gallon fill-up that is $0.95. Figures are AAA daily state averages for 2026-08-02.
Why is gas more expensive in Alabama?
63% of the $0.06 gap is tax rather than the cost of the fuel. Alabama levies $0.04 more per gallon in federal and state taxes; the remaining $0.02 is a genuine difference in what the fuel, refining and distribution cost.
Is diesel cheaper in Alabama or Tennessee?
Diesel is cheaper in Tennessee at $5.05 a gallon, against $5.15 in Alabama — $0.10 a gallon apart.
Is it worth crossing from Alabama into Tennessee to fill up?
If you are already near the line, yes: a 15-gallon fill saves about $0.95. Driving out of your way for it rarely pays — at $3.74 a gallon and 25 mpg, a 3-mile round trip would eat the whole saving in fuel alone, before your time.