Des Moines, IA
Loading prices
LiveUpdated Jul 5Gas prices near 50317
Des Moines, IA · IA average $3.57/gal
Stations near you
No results found
Try a different ZIP code
Keep exploring
Finding cheap gas in Des Moines (50317)
East Des Moines stretches out along Hubbell Avenue, the diagonal artery that carries much of this side's traffic toward the northeast edge of the city and out past the airport-adjacent industrial areas. It is a long, commercial-leaning ZIP, and Hubbell is where most of the everyday gas stations line up to catch commuters and through-drivers.
Because the east side connects to I-235 and the highways feeding out toward Altoona and Pleasant Hill, a lot of fuel buying here happens on the way somewhere. The stations positioned along those busier connectors and the Hubbell corridor compete hardest, and that competition keeps their posted regular prices reasonable.
For the cheapest fill, the high-volume stations along Hubbell and near the main highway approaches generally beat the smaller pumps set back in the residential blocks. A quick price check across a couple of the busy-corridor options usually pays off, and grocery or warehouse fuel programs along the east-side retail strips can add a few cents off per gallon for cardholders heading out toward Altoona.
Nearby ZIP codes in Des Moines, IA
How to save more on gas in Des Moines
1. Use warehouse clubs
Costco and Sam’s Club typically price 15-25 cents per gallon below nearby stations. Membership pays for itself within a few fill-ups.
2. Fill up early in the week
Stations often raise prices Thursday for weekend demand. Fill up Monday through Wednesday to avoid the lift.
3. Keep tires properly inflated
Properly inflated tires improve fuel economy by up to 3 percent at current prices. Check pressure once a month.
4. Check back tomorrow
Prices can shift 10-20 cents overnight during volatile markets. A quick check before you leave home avoids paying yesterday’s spike.
5. Pay cash at split-pricing stations
Stations with cash and credit split pricing typically save an average of 10 cents per gallon when you pay cash.
Related guides
Deep-dives on US gas-price topics relevant to this area.
Brand
Sam's Club gas prices
Member-only fuel pricing at Sam's Club warehouse-club locations.
Research
Federal gas tax holiday economics
Pass-through math, refiner-margin capture, and why political timing matters.
Research
Why gas prices vary by station
The microeconomics of why same-brand stations across the street price 30 cents apart.
Directory
US gas station brands directory
Reference for 39 major US gas station chains.
About gas prices in Iowa
Iowa is Casey's General Store country, with hundreds of locations across the state that typically run among the cheapest pump prices in the Midwest. The state gas tax is around 30 cents per gallon, plus Iowa's ethanol-friendly market promotes E15 and E85 blends that often run 10 to 30 cents below regular unleaded for compatible vehicles. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport see the most competitive pricing thanks to Casey's, Kum & Go, Hy-Vee Fuel, and Costco competing for membership cards. Rural Iowa cooperative stations (Co-op and FS Energy) are often surprisingly competitive due to direct grain-and-fuel distribution relationships.