Maryland vs Pennsylvania gas prices
Regular gas is $0.06 a gallon cheaper in Maryland — $0.92 on a 15-gallon fill-up. The two share a border, so that gap is worth knowing before you cross it.
Maryland
Pennsylvania| Grade | MD | PA | Diff. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.15 | $4.21 | $0.06MD | Maryland |
| Midgrade | $4.76 | $4.67 | $0.09PA | Pennsylvania |
| Premium | $5.07 | $5.05 | $0.02PA | Pennsylvania |
| Diesel | $5.43 | $5.59 | $0.15MD | Maryland |
Where the $0.06 gap actually comes from
All of it is tax, and then some. The fuel itself is dearer in Maryland before tax — by $0.05 a gallon — yet it is still $0.06 cheaper at the pump, because Pennsylvania levies $0.11 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 Maryland or Pennsylvania?
Regular gas is cheaper in Maryland, at $4.15 a gallon against $4.21 in Pennsylvania — a gap of $0.06, or 1.5%. On a 15-gallon fill-up that is $0.92. Figures are AAA daily state averages for 2026-08-02.
Why is gas more expensive in Pennsylvania?
Entirely because of tax. Maryland actually pays more for the fuel itself — $0.05 a gallon more before tax — but Pennsylvania levies $0.11 more per gallon, which more than reverses the advantage.
Is diesel cheaper in Maryland or Pennsylvania?
Diesel is cheaper in Maryland at $5.43 a gallon, against $5.59 in Pennsylvania — $0.15 a gallon apart.
Is it worth crossing from Pennsylvania into Maryland to fill up?
If you are already near the line, yes: a 15-gallon fill saves about $0.92. 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.