As Americans transition from Halloween celebrations into November, drivers are experiencing welcome relief at the pump with the national average gas price reaching $3.04 per gallon as of November 2, 2025—continuing a steady downward trend that began in mid-October. This represents a four-cent decrease from the $3.07 average one week ago and an eleven-cent drop from the $3.15 average one month ago, providing encouraging news for the millions of Americans planning Thanksgiving road trips and November travel. The gas price decline reflects multiple favorable factors including reduced demand during the post-summer fall travel season, the ongoing use of cheaper winter-blend gasoline, and relatively stable crude oil prices hovering below recent peaks. With prices remaining relatively stable since October 31 ($3.03) through November 2 ($3.04), analysts predict continued decreases heading into the busy Thanksgiving travel period, potentially making this holiday season one of the most affordable for road travelers in recent years.
National Gas Price Trends: Week-Over-Week Analysis
October 31 – November 2 Price Stability
The national gas price has demonstrated remarkable stability during the Halloween-to-November transition period:
October 31, 2025: $3.03 per gallon November 1, 2025: $3.03 per gallon November 2, 2025: $3.04 per gallon
This minimal one-cent uptick over three days suggests the market has reached equilibrium, with supply and demand factors balancing effectively. For travelers asking are gas prices going down, the answer remains cautiously positive as the month progresses.
Monthly Comparison: October to November
Examining the broader monthly trend reveals consistent downward pressure on fuel prices:
One week ago (October 24): $3.07 per gallon – a 4-cent advantage for current prices One month ago (early October): $3.15 per gallon – an 11-cent savings for drivers today
This 11-cent monthly decline translates to approximately $1.65 savings per 15-gallon tank fill-up, providing meaningful relief for regular commuters and those planning extended Thanksgiving road trips.
Most Expensive Gas Markets: November 2025
Top 10 States with Highest Gas Prices
California continues dominating as the nation’s most expensive state for gasoline, with drivers paying premium prices significantly above the national average:
- California – $4.57 per gallon
- Hawaii – $4.48 per gallon
- Washington – $4.30 per gallon
- Oregon – $3.91 per gallon
- Alaska – $3.82 per gallon
- Nevada – $3.79 per gallon
- Idaho – $3.37 per gallon
- Arizona – $3.32 per gallon
- Utah – $3.23 per gallon
- Illinois – $3.22 per gallon
California gas prices remain $1.53 above the national average, driven by the state’s unique fuel blend requirements, higher environmental standards, taxes, and limited refinery capacity. For West Coast travelers, these elevated prices significantly impact trip costs, making fuel budgeting essential for road trip planning.
Least Expensive Gas Markets: November 2025
States Offering Lowest Fuel Prices
While comprehensive data for the least expensive markets wasn’t provided in the November 2 update, historical patterns and recent trends suggest the familiar southern and midwestern states continue offering the best values:
Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, and Kansas typically comprise the cheapest gas states, with prices generally ranging from $2.50 to $2.75 per gallon—well below the national average.
These low gas price states benefit from proximity to refineries, lower state fuel taxes, and less stringent fuel blend requirements, creating competitive advantages for consumers.
Factors Influencing November Gas Prices
Winter-Blend Gasoline Transition
One primary factor in falling gas prices involves refineries’ seasonal switch to winter-blend gasoline, which is cheaper to produce than summer formulations. Winter-blend fuel requires less stringent vapor pressure specifications, reducing production costs that translate to lower pump prices.
This transition typically begins in mid-September and concludes by November, with the cost savings becoming fully apparent as fall progresses.
Reduced Travel Demand
Fall travel demand traditionally decreases following summer vacation season, with fewer Americans taking road trips between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. This reduced demand creates downward pressure on prices as refineries and retailers adjust to lower consumption patterns.
AAA Travel data consistently shows that autumn represents one of the slowest periods for recreational driving, contributing to the seasonal gas price decline travelers currently observe.
Crude Oil Price Stability
Crude oil prices—the primary determinant of gasoline costs—have remained relatively moderate throughout late 2025, hovering in the mid-$60s per barrel range. This stability prevents the sharp price spikes that characterized previous years when geopolitical tensions or supply disruptions drove oil prices above $80-90 per barrel.
For those asking why are gas prices dropping, the combination of adequate supply, moderate demand, and geopolitical stability creates the current favorable pricing environment.
Thanksgiving Travel Outlook
Price Predictions for Holiday Period
Analysts predict gas prices may continue declining into Thanksgiving week (November 24-30), potentially reaching or dipping below $3.00 per gallon in some regions. This would represent the most affordable Thanksgiving gas prices since 2021, when the national average was approximately $3.40 during the holiday week.
AAA Travel forecasts suggest that over 55 million Americans may travel during Thanksgiving 2025, with the majority choosing road trips as their preferred transportation method. Lower fuel costs make driving increasingly attractive compared to airfare, potentially encouraging even higher road travel volumes.
Cost Savings for Holiday Travelers
For families planning Thanksgiving road trips, current prices offer substantial savings compared to recent years:
500-mile round trip: Approximately $75-80 at current $3.04 average (assuming 25 MPG vehicle) 1,000-mile round trip: Approximately $150-160 at current prices
Compared to Thanksgiving 2024 when prices averaged around $3.25, families save roughly $15-20 on 500-mile trips and $30-40 on 1,000-mile journeys—meaningful reductions that can be redirected toward accommodations, dining, or activities.
Regional Price Variations and Planning Tips
Understanding Geographic Price Differences
The $1.54 spread between the most expensive state (California at $4.57) and typical least expensive states (around $2.60-2.70) illustrates dramatic regional variations in US gas prices. These differences stem from:
State fuel taxes: Ranging from 8.95 cents per gallon in Alaska to over 60 cents in California Fuel blend requirements: Special formulations mandated in certain states Distribution costs: Transportation expenses from refineries to retail stations Local market competition: Number of gas stations and retailers in specific areas
Money-Saving Strategies for Travelers
For those planning November road trips or Thanksgiving travel, several strategies maximize fuel savings:
Route planning: Consider traveling through lower-price states when possible Gas price apps: Use GasBuddy, Waze, or similar apps to find cheapest stations along routes Fuel rewards programs: Grocery store and credit card programs offering per-gallon discounts Off-peak fill-ups: Prices sometimes increase before weekends and holidays Vehicle maintenance: Proper tire pressure and tune-ups improve fuel efficiency
Electric Vehicle Charging Costs
While gasoline prices dominate headlines, EV drivers continue enjoying cost advantages, with the national average per kilowatt hour at public EV charging stations remaining steady at approximately 36-38 cents. This translates to roughly $0.03-0.04 per mile for most electric vehicles—significantly less than the $0.12-0.15 per mile typical for gasoline vehicles at current prices.
For those comparing EV vs gas costs, the charging cost advantage persists across all regions, though the gap narrows when gasoline prices fall to current levels.
Looking Ahead: December and Holiday Season
Post-Thanksgiving Price Expectations
Historically, gas prices continue declining through early December before stabilizing as winter weather and holiday shopping traffic create modest demand increases. The Christmas travel season (December 20-January 2) typically sees slight price increases of 5-10 cents per gallon, though prices generally remain below summer peaks.
Winter weather impacts on refining and distribution can create temporary regional price spikes, particularly in northern states experiencing severe storms that disrupt supply chains.
2026 Outlook
While long-term predictions remain uncertain, current market fundamentals suggest 2026 gas prices could remain moderate if:
Global oil production maintains current supply levels Economic conditions don’t dramatically increase fuel demand Geopolitical stability continues in major oil-producing regions Refinery capacity meets domestic and export demand
However, unexpected events—hurricanes affecting Gulf Coast refineries, international conflicts impacting oil supply, or significant economic shifts—could quickly alter price trajectories.
November Gas Prices in Historical Context
The current $3.04 national average represents a favorable position historically:
Lower than 2022: When averages exceeded $4.00 during summer and remained above $3.50 much of the year Lower than 2023: When averages hovered around $3.40-3.60 for much of the year Lower than 2024: When early November averaged approximately $3.15-3.25
For Americans who remember sub-$3.00 gasoline being common before pandemic-era disruptions, current prices represent progress toward historical norms, though they remain elevated compared to the sub-$2.50 averages of 2020.
Making the Most of November Gas Savings
The November 2025 gas price decline to $3.04 creates opportunities for Americans to enjoy more affordable travel, whether for Thanksgiving visits with family, fall foliage tours, or simply daily commuting with reduced fuel expenses. The stable pricing from Halloween through early November suggests the market has found equilibrium that may persist through the holiday season.
For budget-conscious travelers, current conditions represent some of the most favorable road trip economics in years, making November an opportune time for extended drives, family visits, or exploring destinations previously considered too expensive due to fuel costs.
At The Inspiring Insight, we believe informed consumers make better decisions, whether planning road trips, managing household budgets, or understanding economic trends affecting daily life. Gas price monitoring provides valuable insights into broader economic conditions while helping travelers plan more affordable journeys. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving travel, tracking weekly gas price changes, or simply trying to budget household transportation costs, understanding market trends and regional variations helps optimize spending. For more economic updates, travel cost analysis, and consumer finance guidance that keeps you informed about factors affecting your wallet, explore our complete collection of resources designed to help you navigate changing markets and make smarter financial decisions.
