Kentucky vs West Virginia gas prices
Regular gas is $0.19 a gallon cheaper in Kentucky — $2.82 on a 15-gallon fill-up. The two share a border, so that gap is worth knowing before you cross it.
Kentucky
West Virginia| Grade | KY | WV | Diff. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $3.70 | $3.89 | $0.19KY | Kentucky |
| Midgrade | $4.24 | $4.31 | $0.07KY | Kentucky |
| Premium | $4.68 | $4.76 | $0.08KY | Kentucky |
| Diesel | $4.96 | $5.03 | $0.07KY | Kentucky |
Where the $0.19 gap actually comes from
37% of it is tax. West Virginia charges $0.07 more per gallon in federal and state taxes than Kentucky. The remaining $0.12 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 $0.19 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 West Virginia?
Regular gas is cheaper in Kentucky, at $3.70 a gallon against $3.89 in West Virginia — a gap of $0.19, or 5.1%. On a 15-gallon fill-up that is $2.82. Figures are AAA daily state averages for 2026-08-02.
Why is gas more expensive in West Virginia?
37% of the $0.19 gap is tax rather than the cost of the fuel. West Virginia levies $0.07 more per gallon in federal and state taxes; the remaining $0.12 is a genuine difference in what the fuel, refining and distribution cost.
Is diesel cheaper in Kentucky or West Virginia?
Diesel is cheaper in Kentucky at $4.96 a gallon, against $5.03 in West Virginia — $0.07 a gallon apart.
Is it worth crossing from West Virginia into Kentucky to fill up?
If you are already near the line, yes: a 15-gallon fill saves about $2.82. Driving out of your way for it rarely pays — at $3.89 a gallon and 25 mpg, a 9-mile round trip would eat the whole saving in fuel alone, before your time.