Kentucky vs Virginia gas prices
Regular gas is $0.23 a gallon cheaper in Kentucky — $3.48 on a 15-gallon fill-up. The two share a border, so that gap is worth knowing before you cross it.
Kentucky
Virginia| Grade | KY | VA | Diff. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $3.70 | $3.93 | $0.23KY | Kentucky |
| Midgrade | $4.24 | $4.41 | $0.17KY | Kentucky |
| Premium | $4.68 | $4.81 | $0.13KY | Kentucky |
| Diesel | $4.96 | $5.32 | $0.37KY | Kentucky |
Where the $0.23 gap actually comes from
9% of it is tax. Virginia charges $0.02 more per gallon in federal and state taxes than Kentucky. The remaining $0.21 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 Virginia permit them. Pre-tax figures are estimates — see the note below.
What the gap is worth
Based on today’s $0.23 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 Kentucky or Virginia?
Regular gas is cheaper in Kentucky, at $3.70 a gallon against $3.93 in Virginia — a gap of $0.23, or 6.3%. On a 15-gallon fill-up that is $3.48. Figures are AAA daily state averages for 2026-08-02.
Why is gas more expensive in Virginia?
9% of the $0.23 gap is tax rather than the cost of the fuel. Virginia levies $0.02 more per gallon in federal and state taxes; the remaining $0.21 is a genuine difference in what the fuel, refining and distribution cost.
Is diesel cheaper in Kentucky or Virginia?
Diesel is cheaper in Kentucky at $4.96 a gallon, against $5.32 in Virginia — $0.37 a gallon apart.
Is it worth crossing from Virginia into Kentucky to fill up?
If you are already near the line, yes: a 15-gallon fill saves about $3.48. Driving out of your way for it rarely pays — at $3.93 a gallon and 25 mpg, a 11-mile round trip would eat the whole saving in fuel alone, before your time.