Delaware vs Pennsylvania gas prices
Regular gas is $0.06 a gallon cheaper in Delaware — $0.86 on a 15-gallon fill-up. The two share a border, so that gap is worth knowing before you cross it.
Delaware
Pennsylvania| Grade | DE | PA | Diff. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.16 | $4.21 | $0.06DE | Delaware |
| Midgrade | $4.72 | $4.67 | $0.05PA | Pennsylvania |
| Premium | $5.02 | $5.05 | $0.03DE | Delaware |
| Diesel | $5.38 | $5.59 | $0.21DE | Delaware |
Where the $0.06 gap actually comes from
All of it is tax, and then some. The fuel itself is dearer in Delaware before tax — by $0.29 a gallon — yet it is still $0.06 cheaper at the pump, because Pennsylvania levies $0.35 more per gallon. Policy is doing all of the work here and overcoming a product disadvantage on the way.
Fuel, refining, distribution and marginFederal and state taxes 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 Delaware or Pennsylvania?
Regular gas is cheaper in Delaware, at $4.16 a gallon against $4.21 in Pennsylvania — a gap of $0.06, or 1.4%. On a 15-gallon fill-up that is $0.86. Figures are AAA daily state averages for 2026-08-02.
Why is gas more expensive in Pennsylvania?
Entirely because of tax. Delaware actually pays more for the fuel itself — $0.29 a gallon more before tax — but Pennsylvania levies $0.35 more per gallon, which more than reverses the advantage.
Is diesel cheaper in Delaware or Pennsylvania?
Diesel is cheaper in Delaware at $5.38 a gallon, against $5.59 in Pennsylvania — $0.21 a gallon apart.
Is it worth crossing from Pennsylvania into Delaware to fill up?
If you are already near the line, yes: a 15-gallon fill saves about $0.86. Driving out of your way for it rarely pays — at $4.21 a gallon and 25 mpg, a 3-mile round trip would eat the whole saving in fuel alone, before your time.