New Mexico vs Texas gas prices
Regular gas is $0.40 a gallon cheaper in Texas — $5.95 on a 15-gallon fill-up. The two share a border, so that gap is worth knowing before you cross it.
New Mexico| Grade | NM | TX | Diff. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.00 | $3.60 | $0.40TX | Texas |
| Midgrade | $4.41 | $4.08 | $0.33TX | Texas |
| Premium | $4.74 | $4.45 | $0.28TX | Texas |
| Diesel | $5.22 | $5.03 | $0.19TX | Texas |
Where the $0.40 gap actually comes from
None of it is tax. This is the case people assume never happens: New Mexico is dearer at the pump while taxing a gallon $0.01 less than Texas. 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 $0.40 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 New Mexico or Texas?
Regular gas is cheaper in Texas, at $3.60 a gallon against $4.00 in New Mexico — a gap of $0.40, or 11.0%. On a 15-gallon fill-up that is $5.95. Figures are AAA daily state averages for 2026-08-02.
Why is gas more expensive in New Mexico?
Not because of tax — New Mexico actually levies $0.01 a gallon less than Texas. The whole $0.40 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 New Mexico or Texas?
Diesel is cheaper in Texas at $5.03 a gallon, against $5.22 in New Mexico — $0.19 a gallon apart.
Is it worth crossing from New Mexico into Texas to fill up?
If you are already near the line, yes: a 15-gallon fill saves about $5.95. Driving out of your way for it rarely pays — at $4.00 a gallon and 25 mpg, a 19-mile round trip would eat the whole saving in fuel alone, before your time.