Gas Prices in Denver Today
Denver drivers are paying around $3.44 per gallon for regular unleaded as of mid-March 2026 — slightly below the national average, which is a reasonable deal for a Rocky Mountain metro. Colorado sits in an interesting geographic position for fuel supply: far from the Gulf Coast refineries that keep Texas prices low, but with decent pipeline access and a relatively modest state tax burden that prevents prices from climbing into Pacific Northwest territory.
Why Denver Has Moderate Gas Prices
Colorado's gas tax is 22 cents per gallon — among the lower rates in the country, well below California (67 cents), Washington (49 cents), or Illinois (39 cents). That tax advantage keeps Colorado's price floor relatively low even when crude prices spike.
Supply-wise, Denver receives fuel primarily via the Suncor refinery in Commerce City — just northeast of downtown — which is one of the largest refineries between the Gulf Coast and the West Coast. Having a major refinery essentially in the backyard keeps transportation costs low and provides a buffer against national supply disruptions that hit more remote markets harder.
Where to Find the Cheapest Gas in Denver
The Denver metro has good price competition, particularly along suburban corridors. Prices in the northern suburbs and near major warehouse retail tend to be most competitive.
Search by ZIP code:
- Commerce City / Thornton — 80022, 80229 — closest to the Suncor refinery, among the lowest in the metro
- Aurora / Centennial — 80012, 80015 — southeast suburban corridor with competitive pricing
- Lakewood / Wheat Ridge — 80214, 80033 — west side suburban pricing
- Westminster / Broomfield — 80031, 80021 — north suburbs, competitive Costco/Sam's Club options
- Avoid: LoDo, Capitol Hill, Cherry Creek — urban station density is low and prices are higher
The Altitude Factor
Colorado's high altitude (Denver sits at 5,280 feet) means vehicles get slightly fewer miles per gallon than they would at sea level — typically 3–7% lower fuel economy depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. The thinner air reduces engine efficiency, particularly for older carbureted vehicles. Modern fuel-injected vehicles compensate better, but you'll still notice a slight MPG drop moving from sea level to Denver if you track your fuel economy closely.
For the average commuter, this altitude penalty costs roughly $5–10 per month at current prices — not huge, but worth knowing if you're moving to Denver from a coastal city and wondering why your fuel costs didn't drop as much as you expected.
Costco in Commerce City
The Costco in Commerce City is frequently cited by Denver-area drivers as the cheapest reliable gas option in the metro. It sits close to the Suncor refinery and in a high-volume commercial area that keeps competition sharp. Consistently 20–35 cents below the Denver average.
Mountain Driving and Fuel Strategy
If you're driving up to the mountains — I-70 toward Vail, Breckenridge, or Aspen — fill up before you leave Denver. Gas stations along I-70 in the mountain corridors carry a significant convenience premium, often 40–60 cents above Denver prices. Park City and Summit County stations are particularly expensive. A full tank leaving Denver will typically get you to the mountains and back on a single fill-up for most passenger vehicles. A phone mount makes hands-free navigation on mountain roads much safer than holding your phone to find the next cheap station.
Given Colorado's altitude penalty on fuel economy, the basics matter more here than in most cities. Keeping your tires properly inflated can recover 3% of the fuel efficiency you lose to thinner air — an affordable tire pressure gauge in your glove box is worth it. And since mountain driving is harder on your engine than highway cruising, running a fuel system cleaner periodically helps keep injectors clean for better MPG on those long climbs.
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