NYC gas prices range from $3.64 to over $5.00 per gallon at the same time a $1.36+ spread between cheapest and most expensive stations in the city. Where you fill up in NYC matters more than almost anywhere else in the country.
New York City drivers face some of the most complex gas pricing in the country. The same fuel can cost $3.64 at a Queens station and $5.20 at a Manhattan pump both on the same day. This guide explains exactly why, which boroughs are cheapest, and where to find the best gas prices in New York City right now.
Find Gas Stations in NYC Live Map
Use the map below to find gas stations near your current location in New York City. For real-time price comparison between stations, check GasBuddy’s NYC listings (linked below) — Google Maps prices in NYC update but GasBuddy has more granular station-level data.
Compare NYC Prices on GasBuddy →
AAA New York Gas Prices →
Current NYC Gas Prices May 2026
According to AAA, the New York State average for regular gasoline as of May 2026 is $4.585 per gallon — slightly above the national average of $4.52. Within New York City specifically, prices range dramatically:
| Fuel Type | NYC Low End | NYC High End | NYC Avg. (Est.) | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (87) | $3.64 | $5.20+ | $4.59 | $4.52 |
| Mid-Grade (89) | $4.10 | $5.60+ | $4.99 | $4.85 |
| Premium (93) | $4.40 | $5.90+ | $5.29 | $5.17 |
| Diesel | $4.80 | $6.20+ | $5.60 | $5.64 |
Sources: AAA (May 2026), FOX 5 New York, PumpPrices.org. NYC prices vary widely by borough and neighborhood individual station prices change daily.
Important: New York is a full-service only state by law. Gas station attendants must pump your gas you cannot pump your own fuel anywhere in New York State. This adds a small labor cost that is factored into pump prices.
Gas Prices by NYC Borough Which Area Is Cheapest?
Gas prices vary significantly across New York City’s five boroughs. Here’s what drivers can realistically expect in each area:
🏙️ Manhattan Most Expensive
Manhattan consistently has the highest gas prices in the city typically $0.40–$0.60 above the NYC average. Real estate costs at Manhattan stations are extraordinary ($50,000–$100,000/month in rent is common). Limited competition, congestion pricing, and delivery challenges push prices up. Avoid fueling in Manhattan if at all possible.
🌉 Brooklyn Mid-Range
Brooklyn prices vary widely by neighborhood. South Brooklyn and Bay Ridge tend to have more competitive prices. DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, and Williamsburg command premiums due to affluent demographics and limited stations. Generally $0.10–$0.25 cheaper than Manhattan for the same fuel grade.
✈️ Queens Often Cheapest
Queens has the highest density of competitive gas stations in NYC and typically the lowest prices. Areas like Jamaica, Flushing, and near JFK Airport tend to have the most competitive pricing due to high volume and strong competition. Queens drivers can often find prices $0.20–$0.40 below Manhattan rates.
🌳 The Bronx Competitive
The Bronx generally has competitive gas prices, particularly along major corridors like the Grand Concourse and near interstates. Less tourist premium than Manhattan, lower real estate costs. A solid option for Bronx residents versus crossing into Manhattan.
⛴️ Staten Island Variable
Staten Island prices tend to be more variable near the bridges they can be elevated, but many neighborhood stations offer competitive pricing. The proximity to New Jersey gives some Staten Island drivers a genuine option to cross state lines for cheaper fuel.
The New Jersey option: For NYC drivers within 10 miles of the New Jersey border, filling up in NJ typically saves $0.15–$0.25 per gallon. NJ has lower state gas taxes than New York and no full-service surcharge in most areas. The George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel areas have NJ stations immediately across the border. On a 15-gallon tank, you’ll save $2.25–$3.75 per fill-up — worth the short detour if you’re near the border anyway.
Why Is Gas So Expensive in Manhattan?
Manhattan gas stations face a unique combination of cost pressures that push prices well above the national average:
- Real estate costs: Manhattan gas stations pay $50,000–$100,000 per month in rent or lease costs. That cost is passed directly to drivers at the pump.
- Congestion pricing: NYC’s congestion pricing program adds delivery costs for fuel trucks entering the central business district, which stations pass on to customers.
- Limited competition: There are very few gas stations in Manhattan space constraints mean limited options, which reduces competitive pressure on pricing.
- Full-service labor: New York’s full-service law requires an attendant to pump every gallon sold, adding labor costs that self-service states don’t have.
- New York State gas tax: At 45.99 cents per gallon, New York has one of the highest state gas taxes in the country.
- No major refineries: New York has no significant oil refining capacity. All fuel is delivered by pipeline and truck from New Jersey and Pennsylvania refineries, adding transportation costs.
How to Find the Cheapest Gas in NYC
📱 Use GasBuddy for NYC
GasBuddy’s NYC listings show real-time prices at individual stations across all five boroughs. Sort by price and distance to find the cheapest station on your route. The difference between cheapest and most expensive stations in NYC can be $1.50+/gallon right now.
🚫 Never Fuel in Manhattan
If you drive into Manhattan regularly, make it a policy to fill up before you enter. Manhattan prices are $0.40–$0.80 above the NYC average. Fill up in Queens, Brooklyn, or the Bronx before heading in your tank will last through Manhattan and back.
🌉 Consider New Jersey
If you’re near the GWB, Lincoln Tunnel, or Holland Tunnel, New Jersey stations right across the border consistently offer prices $0.15–$0.25 cheaper than comparable NYC stations. NJ is also full-service by law, so you get the same attendant service at lower cost.
💳 Use BP Earnify + Amazon Prime
BP’s earnify program gives 5 cents off per gallon, and Amazon Prime members get an additional 10 cents off at BP and Amoco stations. BP has strong coverage across NYC’s boroughs. That’s $0.15/gallon in guaranteed savings with no effort beyond joining two free programs.
💵 Always Pay Cash
In NYC, the cash vs. credit price difference is often $0.10–$0.20/gallon larger than in most US cities. At $4.59 average, that’s a meaningful saving. If you have cash, use it. Many NYC stations prominently post separate cash and credit prices.
⏰ Fill Up in Queens on Monday
Combining the cheapest borough (Queens) with the cheapest day of the week (Monday) gives NYC drivers the best possible combination. A Queens station on Monday morning can be $0.50–$0.80 cheaper per gallon than a Manhattan station on a Saturday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gas in NYC
What is the average gas price in New York City right now?
As of May 2026, the AAA New York State average for regular gasoline is $4.585 per gallon slightly above the national average of $4.52. Within New York City, prices range from $3.64 at the cheapest Queens stations to over $5.20 at premium Manhattan locations. The wide spread means where you fill up in NYC matters significantly sometimes more than $1.50 per gallon difference for the same regular grade fuel.
Can I pump my own gas in New York City?
No. New York State law requires all gas stations to provide full-service fueling an attendant must pump your gas. This applies to every gas station in all five boroughs of New York City without exception. You are not permitted to operate the pump yourself. New Jersey has the same full-service law. Most other states are self-service.
Which NYC borough has the cheapest gas?
Queens consistently has the most competitive gas prices in New York City, followed by the Bronx. Manhattan has the most expensive gas by a significant margin due to extreme real estate costs, limited station density, and congestion pricing surcharges. Brooklyn varies by neighborhood South Brooklyn tends to be more affordable than North Brooklyn. Staten Island is variable but generally competitive compared to Manhattan.
Is it cheaper to get gas in New Jersey instead of NYC?
Often yes, by $0.15–$0.25 per gallon. New Jersey has lower state fuel taxes than New York and stations near the border especially around the GWB and Lincoln Tunnel see enough NYC traffic to maintain competitive pricing. On a 15-gallon fill-up, you’d save $2.25–$3.75 per tank. Whether the detour is worth it depends on how close you are to the border and current traffic conditions through the tunnels or bridge.
Why does NYC have so few gas stations?
Manhattan in particular has very few gas stations because land is extraordinarily valuable the economics of operating a gas station make far less sense than a building. As leases expire, many Manhattan gas stations have been redeveloped into apartments or commercial space. The remaining stations can charge premium prices precisely because they face little competition. The outer boroughs have more stations but still far fewer per capita than suburban areas due to land costs and the fact that many NYC residents don’t own cars.