Iowa vs Missouri gas prices
Regular gas is $0.04 a gallon cheaper in Missouri — $0.53 on a 15-gallon fill-up. The two share a border, so that gap is worth knowing before you cross it.
Iowa
Missouri| Grade | IA | MO | Diff. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $3.83 | $3.79 | $0.04MO | Missouri |
| Midgrade | $4.11 | $4.16 | $0.06IA | Iowa |
| Premium | $4.66 | $4.51 | $0.15MO | Missouri |
| Diesel | $4.98 | $4.87 | $0.12MO | Missouri |
Where the $0.04 gap actually comes from
29% of it is tax. Iowa charges $0.01 more per gallon in federal and state taxes than Missouri. The remaining $0.03 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 Pre-tax figures are estimates — see the note below.
What the gap is worth
Based on today’s $0.04 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 Iowa or Missouri?
Regular gas is cheaper in Missouri, at $3.79 a gallon against $3.83 in Iowa — a gap of $0.04, or 0.9%. On a 15-gallon fill-up that is $0.53. Figures are AAA daily state averages for 2026-08-02.
Why is gas more expensive in Iowa?
29% of the $0.04 gap is tax rather than the cost of the fuel. Iowa levies $0.01 more per gallon in federal and state taxes; the remaining $0.03 is a genuine difference in what the fuel, refining and distribution cost.
Is diesel cheaper in Iowa or Missouri?
Diesel is cheaper in Missouri at $4.87 a gallon, against $4.98 in Iowa — $0.12 a gallon apart.
Is it worth crossing from Iowa into Missouri to fill up?
If you are already near the line, yes: a 15-gallon fill saves about $0.53. Driving out of your way for it rarely pays — at $3.83 a gallon and 25 mpg, a 2-mile round trip would eat the whole saving in fuel alone, before your time.