Gas Prices in Washington DC Today

Washington DC drivers are paying around $3.84 per gallon for regular unleaded as of mid-March 2026, 12 cents above the national average of $3.72. But DC residents who commute to Virginia or Maryland already know the trick: fill up outside the District and save 30–50 cents per gallon without going out of your way.

The DC Premium Is Real

The District imposes a 23.5 cent per gallon excise tax plus an 8% motor fuel tax based on the average wholesale price, a structure that scales up as crude oil prices rise. Limited station density means less price competition, and high commercial real estate costs get baked into every gallon.

The Iran conflict has amplified the pain. Disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz have pushed Brent crude past $110 per barrel, and DC's percentage-based tax means the District captures more revenue as wholesale prices climb, a structural disadvantage for anyone filling up within city limits.

Where to Find the Cheapest Gas in the DC Metro

The farther you get from the National Mall, the less you pay. Virginia suburbs offer the best prices, followed by Maryland, with DC itself at the top.

Search by ZIP code:

• Downtown DC / Dupont Circle, 20001, 20009, 20036, fewest stations, highest prices in the metro, avoid filling up here if possible
• Arlington, VA, 22201, just across the Key Bridge or 14th Street Bridge, consistently 25–35 cents cheaper than DC
• Annandale, VA, 22003, along the Little River Turnpike corridor, high station density and aggressive pricing
• Bethesda, MD, 20814, Wisconsin Avenue corridor, moderate prices, convenient for Northwest DC commuters
• Silver Spring, MD, 20901, Georgia Avenue and Route 29 corridors, competitive pricing with several warehouse club options

Virginia Is the Best Deal

Virginia's gas tax runs lower than both DC and Maryland. The Route 50 corridor through Fairfax County, the Route 1 strip through Alexandria, and Lee Highway through Arlington all feature dense clusters of competing stations. For DC commuters who work in Virginia, filling up near the office saves over $250 a year at a typical 35-cent spread.

Maryland Splits the Difference

Maryland prices land between DC and Virginia. The I-270 corridor through Rockville and the Route 1 corridor through College Park both have strong station competition. Costco locations in Wheaton and Beltsville regularly run 20–30 cents below the Maryland metro average.

How to Save on Gas in the DC Area

• Fill up in Virginia whenever your route allows, the tax savings are automatic
• Costco and BJ's memberships pay for themselves, the Costco in Pentagon City and BJ's in Alexandria are popular with DC residents
• Avoid the stations near Union Station and Capitol Hill, captive-audience pricing for tourists and commuters in a rush
• Check prices on Gas Price Check before you leave, the spread between the cheapest and most expensive station in the DC metro can exceed 80 cents per gallon

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