Tennessee vs Virginia gas prices
Regular gas is $0.25 a gallon cheaper in Tennessee — $3.78 on a 15-gallon fill-up. The two share a border, so that gap is worth knowing before you cross it.
Tennessee
Virginia| Grade | TN | VA | Diff. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $3.68 | $3.93 | $0.25TN | Tennessee |
| Midgrade | $4.13 | $4.41 | $0.29TN | Tennessee |
| Premium | $4.53 | $4.81 | $0.27TN | Tennessee |
| Diesel | $5.05 | $5.32 | $0.27TN | Tennessee |
Where the $0.25 gap actually comes from
16% of it is tax. Virginia charges $0.04 more per gallon in federal and state taxes than Tennessee. 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 $0.25 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 Tennessee or Virginia?
Regular gas is cheaper in Tennessee, at $3.68 a gallon against $3.93 in Virginia — a gap of $0.25, or 6.9%. On a 15-gallon fill-up that is $3.78. Figures are AAA daily state averages for 2026-08-02.
Why is gas more expensive in Virginia?
16% of the $0.25 gap is tax rather than the cost of the fuel. Virginia levies $0.04 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 Tennessee or Virginia?
Diesel is cheaper in Tennessee at $5.05 a gallon, against $5.32 in Virginia — $0.27 a gallon apart.
Is it worth crossing from Virginia into Tennessee to fill up?
If you are already near the line, yes: a 15-gallon fill saves about $3.78. Driving out of your way for it rarely pays — at $3.93 a gallon and 25 mpg, a 12-mile round trip would eat the whole saving in fuel alone, before your time.