How to Save Money on Gas: The Best and Worst Days to Fill Up (2026 Guide)

Refueling your car is a necessary expense, but according to a new analysis from GasBuddy, when you choose to fill up can significantly impact your wallet.

By simply changing the day you visit the gas station, you could save a noticeable amount of money every month.

Here is a breakdown of the best strategies for finding the cheapest gas in 2026.
 

The Golden Rule: Buy on Sundays

For the majority of Americans, Sunday is the cheapest day to buy gas.

The report found that gas prices usually follow a predictable cycle: prices tend to rise slowly during the work week and drop over the weekend.

By waiting until Sunday to refuel, you are hitting the market at its lowest point before the work-week climb begins.
 

How Much Can You Save?

The savings depend on where you live and what you drive, but they add up quickly:
 

1. Per Gallon: You can save anywhere from 9 cents to 45 cents per gallon just by picking the right day.
2. Small/Average Cars (14-gallon tank): You could save about $6.30 per fill-up.
3. Large Trucks/SUVs (22-gallon tank): You could save nearly $10 per fill-up.

For frequent drivers, these weekly savings can translate into hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
 

The Best and Worst Days by State

While Sunday is the winner in 41 states, some regions follow different patterns. Here is the breakdown:

The Best Days to Fill Up:
 

1. Sunday: The cheapest day for 41 states.
2. Monday: The best day for Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, and Ohio.
3. Saturday: The best day for Kansas, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
4. Tuesday: The best day for Montana.

The Worst Days to Fill Up:
 

1. Wednesday: This is the most expensive day in 23 states.
2. Tuesday: This is the second-most expensive day, leading the pack in 17 states.
3. Saturday: Surprisingly, this is the most expensive day for Alaska, Hawaii, and Montana.

 

Current Gas Price Trends

Nationally, the average price for regular gas is currently around $2.92 per gallon. This is about 30 cents lower than it was two years ago, providing some relief for consumers.

Prices vary wildly by location:

Cheapest: Oklahoma currently has the lowest average at $2.22.
Most Expensive: California remains the highest in the contiguous U.S. at $4.57.
 

Quick Tips for More Savings

To keep your fuel costs as low as possible, experts recommend these three habits:
 

• Avoid Midweek Stops: Try to stay away from gas stations on Wednesdays and Thursdays when prices are usually at their peak.
• Be Patient: If you see a sudden, sharp price increase at your local station, try to wait five to seven days before filling up; prices often settle back down after the initial spike.
• Plan Ahead: Set a reminder to fill your tank on the weekend so you aren't forced to buy expensive gas on a Wednesday morning because your "low fuel" light came on.

By paying attention to the calendar, you can turn a routine chore into an easy way to protect your household budget.
 

Tips for Avoiding High Car Payments

 

• Buy a less expensive car or save for a bigger down payment.
• Hold onto your car longer. The average trade-in car is now 7.6 years old, meaning people are keeping their cars longer before buying new ones. This can help you build up savings for your next car.
• Limit overall debt: Financial experts say you should try to keep all your debts—including car loans, mortgage, and credit cards—to less than 36% of your gross income. This helps you avoid stretching your budget too thin.

Buying a car is a big decision, and with prices and interest rates high, it’s important to budget carefully.

Consider all your options and look for ways to save, whether it’s picking a cheaper car, putting down more money upfront, or waiting to buy until conditions improve.

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