Safeload Coverage
Planning a move in 2025? One crucial factor to consider is the current gas prices. Understanding how gas prices can increase or decrease your moving budget is essential when calculating your moving expenses. Whether you have a short-distance or long-distance move, you’ll always have to account for gas expenses.
This Moving Help® article provides vital information about gas prices in 2024 and gas prices in 2023, and what you can expect from gas prices in 2025 to help you plan your move effectively.
TL; DR: Yes, gas prices in 2024 were lower than gas prices in 2023. Experts are predicting gas prices in 2025 should be lower than 2024, but external factors could determine whether prices rise or fall when you move.
Factors That Help or Hurt Gas Prices
Gasoline prices fluctuate because of various factors, such as:
- Influencing production
- Distribution
- Location(s)
- Demand costs
Knowing these factors can help you manage your moving budget better.
Crude oil prices are a primary determinant of gas prices. As a significant component in gasoline production, any changes in crude oil prices directly increase or decrease gas costs at the pump. When crude oil prices rise, gas prices usually follow suit because of increased production costs.
Taxes and government regulations also can help or hurt gas prices. Different states impose varying taxes on gasoline, leading to regional price differences. Additionally, government regulations, such as environmental standards and fuel quality requirements, can influence production and distribution costs.
Seasonal fluctuations and demand also play a role. During summer, gas prices often rise because of increased travel, vacations, and adventures in your vehicles. Meanwhile, the winter season usually sees lower prices because of reduced demand.
Understanding these factors can help you plan your move more effectively and manage your budget wisely.
Gas Prices in 2024: An In-Depth Look
Gas prices in the United States are always a concern, especially for those planning a move. Gas prices in 2024 were expected to fluctuate because of the following reasons:
- Global oil prices
- Supply and demand
- Geopolitical tensions
Despite these factors, gas prices in 2024 were less expensive than gas prices in 2023. Gasoline prices averaged about $0.20 cents less in 2024 compared to in 2023, according to eia.gov.
Lower global crude oil prices and narrow refinery margins also contributed to gasoline prices being lower, the EIA reported.
Reserves and inventory also were able to recover more quickly because of weaker demand during the summer in the United States, according to the EIA. Other than April and May, most of the summer months were significantly lower for summer gas prices.
Gas Prices By Region: A 2024 Comparison
Gas prices vary significantly across regions, affecting the cost of living. Let’s explore regions with the highest and lowest gas prices and the factors contributing to these variations.
States like California, Hawaii, Alaska, and Washington typically have the highest gas prices because of higher taxes, environmental regulations, and limited refinery access. Conversely, states like Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Louisiana typically have lower gas prices because of abundant oil reserves and numerous refineries.
Proximity to refineries, transportation costs, state and local taxes, and environmental regulations all contribute to regional gas price differences. Higher gas prices impact transportation costs, affecting daily expenses such as commuting and shopping.
Why Gas Prices in 2025 Matter to You
Gas prices are a significant factor in moving expenses. Whether you use your car, rent a U-Haul truck rental, a cargo van, or opt for a cargo trailer, fuel costs will impact your budget.
Saving money at the pump can significantly reduce your moving expenses. Planning ahead and estimating gas costs can help you budget effectively and avoid surprises. Consider regional and seasonal gas price variations when planning your move.
Gas Prices in 2025
People who are planning to move in 2025 can expect gas prices in 2025 to fall a little bit more and be lower than gasoline prices in 2024.
Two factors as to why lower prices can be pointed at the booming domestic oil production and inflation easing.
This is helpful for a consumer’s wallet when they have to factor rent, monthly mortgage payments, or food when moving.
With that said, regional and seasonal gas prices can change course unexpectedly.
Potential tariffs and deporting unauthorized immigrants by the incoming Trump administration could cause gas prices to rise in 2025, according to economists. Whether these administration plans cause gas prices to increase will ultimately remain to be seen until they’re actually implemented.
Additionally, factors such as:
- Government policies;
- Technological advancements;
- Global events;
will influence future gasoline prices.
When planning your move, consider the potential impact of gas prices on your budget. Staying informed about market trends can help you make better decisions about when and where to fill up your moving truck.
4 Tips to Save Money on Gas
Moving can quickly increase your gas expenses. In most cases, you’re likely to use a U-Haul truck rental to help you move. Even if you use a cargo van or your own vehicle to help you move, you’ll still have to account for gas costs. Here are four tips to help you save on gas during your move:
1. Maintain Your Vehicle for Better Fuel Efficiency
Keeping up with regular maintenance is crucial for any vehicle, and this is especially true for any vehicle you drive to help you move. If you’re using your own vehicle to help you move, you should regularly check and change air filters, spark plugs, and oil, you can prevent potential issues and keep your personal vehicle running smoothly.
Clean air filters and fresh spark plugs are important for efficient combustion and improved fuel efficiency. Regularly changing the oil helps remove dirt and contaminants that can help or hurt an engine’s performance. Maintaining proper tire pressure improves gas mileage, safety, and stability while driving.
2. Adopt Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits
When driving the U-Haul truck rental or your own vehicle, avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Maintain a steady speed and use cruise control when possible in your own vehicle. In fact, we suggest when driving a U-Haul truck rental, you drive at a slower speed than usual. That way, you leave enough room between you and the car in front of you. This also will help you avoid making harsh or sudden breaks.
Minimize idling and plan routes to avoid heavy traffic during moving day. This will help you save on your gas consumption.
3. Utilize Gas Rewards Programs and Apps
Save money on your U-Haul truck rental by taking advantage of rewards programs offered by gas stations. Not only can you save on the cost of fuel, but you may also be eligible for discounts and cashback. By using apps to find the cheapest gas prices near your location, you can further maximize your savings.
With the rising cost of fuel, every penny counts, so be sure to explore these options to keep your moving expenses in check. Don’t miss out on potential savings — start researching gas station rewards programs and downloading gas price apps today.
4. Avoid a U-Haul Fuel Charge
You’ll need to refill your U-Haul truck rental before returning it to the U-Haul location, so you might as well find a place that offers a cheaper price for gas.
Plus, you’ll avoid a fuel charge from U-Haul because the truck rental will be at or above the fuel gauge reading when you get the truck rental.
By following these tips, you can reduce your gas expenses during your move, freeing up funds for other essential relocation costs.
Gas Prices in 2025 Plan to Be Lower
Gas prices have improved since 2023, with another decrease expected in 2025. Prices may rise during peak summer because of increased travel demand. Monitoring gas prices and planning ahead can help you save on moving expenses.
By optimizing gas use, you’ll save money and contribute to a more sustainable environment. Gas prices in 2024 dropped compared to gas prices in 2023, and you can most likely expect gas prices in 2025 to decrease as well for your upcoming move.
Consider efficient moving strategies to reduce the number of trips and gas needed for your move. One way to do this is to hire a Service Provider team from Moving Help. Find local Moving Helpers in your area today.
