Gas Prices in Riverside and the Inland Empire Today
Filling up in the Inland Empire has been painful in March 2026. Riverside and San Bernardino counties are both averaging around $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded — tracking closely with the rest of Southern California and well above the national average of $3.91. The combination of California's regulatory costs, refinery constraints, and the ongoing disruption to global oil markets from the Middle East conflict has pushed prices past the $5 mark across the region.
Why the Inland Empire Pays So Much
California's gas prices are structurally higher than the rest of the country, and the Inland Empire is no exception. The state's cap-and-trade program, low-carbon fuel standard, and special summer-blend requirements add roughly 50–70 cents per gallon compared to neighboring states. California's excise tax of 68 cents per gallon is also the highest in the nation.
The Inland Empire doesn't have refineries of its own — fuel is trucked in from coastal refineries near Los Angeles, Long Beach, and the Bay Area. That transportation cost, combined with limited pipeline infrastructure to the region, means the IE typically pays a small premium even compared to LA proper. When refinery maintenance or unplanned shutdowns occur, the Inland Empire often feels the squeeze faster because it sits at the end of the supply chain.
Where to Find Cheaper Gas in Riverside and San Bernardino
Prices vary across the sprawling Inland Empire. Stations near major freeway intersections along the I-10 and I-15 corridors tend to be more competitive due to higher traffic volume.
- Riverside / Moreno Valley — 92503, 92553 — competitive stations along the 215 corridor
- San Bernardino / Colton — 92408, 92324 — lower-rent locations with better pricing
- Ontario / Rancho Cucamonga — 91764, 91730 — high station density near the 10/15 interchange
- Corona — 92879 — suburban stations with warehouse club options
- Fontana — 92335 — industrial corridor with competitive truck stop pricing
- Avoid: Mountain resort areas and stations right off freeway exits in tourist-heavy zones — they can run 30–50 cents above the regional average
- Keeping a tire pressure gauge in your glove box helps maintain proper inflation — underinflated tires waste up to 3% of your fuel.
- Running a fuel system cleaner through your tank once a season keeps injectors clean and your engine running efficiently.
The Costco and Warehouse Strategy
Costco stations in the Inland Empire consistently offer the lowest prices in the region — often 30–50 cents below the street average. The Costco locations in Moreno Valley, Fontana, and Eastvale typically have the shortest lines compared to the notoriously congested LA-area locations. If you have a membership, filling up at an IE Costco during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) is one of the most effective ways to cut your fuel costs.
Arco stations also tend to undercut name-brand competitors by 10–20 cents, though they charge a debit card fee that partially offsets the savings.
Arizona Border Run
Drivers in the eastern Inland Empire near Blythe or the Colorado River have one option that LA-area drivers don't: crossing into Arizona, where gas is typically $1.00–$1.50 cheaper per gallon. It's not practical for daily commuters, but for road trips heading east, waiting to fill up past the state line can save $20–$30 per tank.
nSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no cost to you.