Massachusetts vs Rhode Island gas prices
Regular gas is $0.03 a gallon cheaper in Rhode Island — $0.48 on a 15-gallon fill-up. The two share a border, so that gap is worth knowing before you cross it.
Rhode Island| Grade | MA | RI | Diff. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.12 | $4.09 | $0.03RI | Rhode Island |
| Midgrade | $4.75 | $4.81 | $0.06MA | Massachusetts |
| Premium | $5.15 | $5.22 | $0.07MA | Massachusetts |
| Diesel | $5.48 | $5.40 | $0.08RI | Rhode Island |
Where the $0.03 gap actually comes from
None of it is tax. This is the case people assume never happens: Massachusetts is dearer at the pump while taxing a gallon $0.11 less than Rhode Island. The whole gap is the cost of the fuel itself — refinery proximity, pipeline access and state blend rules — and the tax difference is quietly shrinking it.
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 $0.03 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 Massachusetts or Rhode Island?
Regular gas is cheaper in Rhode Island, at $4.09 a gallon against $4.12 in Massachusetts — a gap of $0.03, or 0.8%. On a 15-gallon fill-up that is $0.48. Figures are AAA daily state averages for 2026-08-02.
Why is gas more expensive in Massachusetts?
Not because of tax — Massachusetts actually levies $0.11 a gallon less than Rhode Island. The whole $0.03 gap, and more, is the cost of the fuel itself: refinery proximity, pipeline access and state fuel-blend rules. Tax policy is narrowing this gap rather than causing it.
Is diesel cheaper in Massachusetts or Rhode Island?
Diesel is cheaper in Rhode Island at $5.40 a gallon, against $5.48 in Massachusetts — $0.08 a gallon apart.
Is it worth crossing from Massachusetts into Rhode Island to fill up?
If you are already near the line, yes: a 15-gallon fill saves about $0.48. Driving out of your way for it rarely pays — at $4.12 a gallon and 25 mpg, a 1-mile round trip would eat the whole saving in fuel alone, before your time.