Texas Joins Wisconsin, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Iowa, and Others to Boost Domestic Travel Across US With Significant Drop in Gas Prices: All You Need to Know

Published on December 27, 2025

With Gas Prices Dropping Across States Like Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, and Iowa, Domestic Travel Is Surging. Lower Fuel Costs Make Road Trips More Affordable, Driving Tourism and Boosting Local Economies. With gas prices dropping to as low as $2.34 per gallon in Oklahoma and $2.44 per gallon in Arkansas, road trips have become more budget-friendly, enticing travelers to explore new destinations across the U.S. These states are capitalizing on the affordable fuel, driving not only tourism but also contributing to local economies. From Texas’ steady oil production to Wisconsin’s strong supply chains, lower gas prices are making travel more accessible, encouraging long drives, and increasing spending in these key regions. This article delves into how the drop in fuel costs is benefiting states and tourism sectors nationwide.

Understanding the Price War and Its Impact

A “price war” in the gas industry refers to a situation where gas stations within a certain region engage in aggressive price cuts to attract more customers, leading to a significant drop in fuel costs. These price reductions are usually fueled by fierce competition among local stations, particularly major players like Buc-ee’s, QuikTrip, and Maverik. In states like Colorado and Missouri, price wars have led to prices dipping below $2.00 per gallon, with certain stations offering gas for as low as $1.69. This rare “holiday gift” pricing is a welcome relief for drivers, particularly those hitting the road for the holidays, making these regions some of the most affordable places to refuel in the country right now.

Texas: Consistently Low Prices Fueling Road Trip Culture

At an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon, Texas continues to offer consistently low fuel prices, largely due to its strong oil production. This makes Texas a go-to destination for both in-state and out-of-state road travelers. The state’s vast size and diverse attractions, from the beaches of Galveston to the deserts of Big Bend National Park, draw tourists year-round. With lower fuel costs, travelers are more likely to visit multiple Texas cities, experience local culture, and engage in long road trips, leading to a surge in tourism across the Lone Star State.

Wisconsin: Affordable Gas Prices Encouraging Road Travel

With gas prices at $2.51 per gallon, Wisconsin is offering affordable refueling options that encourage both locals and out-of-state visitors to hit the road. The state’s strong regional supply chains ensure that these low prices remain stable, making it easier for travelers to explore all that Wisconsin has to offer. Known for its beautiful lakes, charming small towns, and vibrant cities like Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin provides a variety of attractions for road travelers. Whether it’s enjoying the scenic beauty of Door County, experiencing the unique culture of Madison, or attending the famous Summerfest in Milwaukee, affordable gas prices make Wisconsin an appealing destination for domestic tourists looking to explore the Midwest without breaking the bank.

Iowa: Low Gas Prices Benefiting Local Travelers

Iowa’s average gas price of $2.47 per gallon is slightly higher than Arkansas but still far below the national average. The state’s low prices help both local residents and out-of-state visitors enjoy budget-friendly road trips. Iowa offers travelers access to attractions such as the Iowa State Fair, scenic byways, and the Field of Dreams movie site. The affordability of gas encourages both in-state residents and out-of-state visitors to explore the state, supporting local tourism and helping boost Iowa’s economy through increased domestic travel.

Louisiana: Affordable Fuel Boosting Tourism and Local Travel

With gas prices at $2.51 per gallon, Louisiana is offering affordable fuel options that benefit both locals and tourists. Known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and excellent cuisine, Louisiana draws visitors from all over the U.S. to cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette. The state’s low gas prices encourage tourists to drive to these destinations, supporting local businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Louisiana’s unique blend of cultural experiences and affordable fuel makes it a top choice for domestic travelers, particularly those looking to experience its world-renowned festivals and cuisine.

Kansas: Competitive Gas Pricing Spurring Exploration

Kansas, with an average gas price of $2.51, benefits from competitive pricing similar to its Gulf Coast neighbors. These low prices encourage road travelers to explore the heartland, including the Flint Hills, Monument Rocks, and the expansive prairies that Kansas is known for. Additionally, the state’s affordability makes it an attractive stop for those embarking on cross-country trips. With its wide-open spaces, historic landmarks, and vibrant local communities, Kansas is seeing an uptick in domestic visitors eager to experience a unique slice of Americana at an affordable price.

Georgia: Recent Price Drops Make Road Trips Affordable

Georgia’s recent gas price drop to $2.76, down 10–20 cents, is helping boost domestic travel across the state. With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and popular attractions like Savannah’s historic district, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia is an increasingly affordable destination for road travelers. The recent dip in gas prices means that visitors are more likely to take longer road trips to explore the state’s attractions, fueling tourism in both rural and urban areas. Lower travel costs encourage visitors from neighboring states and beyond to experience Georgia’s southern charm without worrying about high fuel prices.

Arkansas: Affordable Fuel Driving Road Trips

With an average gas price of $2.44 per gallon in December 2025, Arkansas offers one of the most affordable refueling options in the U.S. The state’s low prices, bolstered by strong supply chains, make it an appealing destination for road travelers looking to save on fuel costs. Visitors from surrounding regions can explore Arkansas’ natural beauty, including the Ozarks, Hot Springs National Park, and the vibrant city of Little Rock, without breaking the bank. The state’s affordability encourages road trips across its scenic highways, contributing to a boost in domestic tourism.

States with Notable Recent Drops

While many states are benefitting from competitive pricing, Georgia and Illinois have experienced notable drops in their gas prices over the last couple of weeks. Georgia’s average has fallen to $2.76, while Illinois has seen a 20-cent drop, bringing the average to $2.98. In Hawaii, despite still having the highest gas prices in the nation, prices have dropped to $4.43 — the lowest level for the state in 2025. These decreases, although not as drastic as those seen in price war states, reflect broader trends of price adjustments that are benefiting consumers across the U.S. and offering some relief during the holiday travel season.

With gas prices dropping across states like Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, and Iowa, domestic travel is surging. Lower fuel costs make road trips more affordable, driving tourism and boosting local economies.

Conclusion

Texas joins Wisconsin, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Iowa, and others in contributing to the boost in domestic travel across the U.S. with the significant drop in gas prices. This reduction in fuel costs has made road trips more affordable, encouraging travelers to explore a variety of destinations within these states and beyond. As these states continue to offer lower gas prices, tourism and local economies are seeing positive impacts, further driving growth in domestic travel. With accessible travel options, these states are becoming key hubs for road trips, benefiting both visitors and local communities.