RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - If there’s one thing Tennessee is crushing lately, it’s being kind of cheap on gas—well, until we’re not. Earlier this week, AAA proudly reported that the Volunteer State ranked as the 7th least expensive gas market in the nation. Cue the applause… but hold it, because by Thursday, we’d already slid down to 8th place. And all this drama over a measly half-cent increase? Talk about a cliffhanger.
On Monday, regular unleaded sat pretty at an average of $2.69 per gallon statewide. By Thursday, it had climbed to $2.74—a price hike so microscopic it barely buys a stick of gum, but enough to bump Tennessee down the cheap gas podium. Still, compared to Hawaii’s scenic $4.57-per-gallon prices, we should probably count our blessings, right?
Locally, Rutherford County’s average is hanging at $2.77 per gallon for regular unleaded. That’s tied with Bedford County to the south. Meanwhile, in nearby Williamson County—where gas stations apparently think their fuel is sprinkled with gold dust—regular unleaded costs an average of $3.08. Maybe it’s all that Franklin charm driving up the price? Whatever the reason, Williamson County has held onto the high for years, when compared to the 94 other counties in the state. To the east in Woodbury, prices inch up to $2.78, because, apparently, pennies matter.
Road Trip to Paris, TN: Worth It? - For those serious about saving a buck, there’s always Paris. No, not the one with croissants and berets—the one in West Tennessee with a 60-foot Eiffel Tower and gas averaging $2.53 per gallon. Sure, you’ll burn half a tank driving 150 miles to Henry County, but at least you’ll get a great photo of the family next to Tennessee’s version of the towering ornament. By the way, the Eifel Tower in Paris, TN is exactly 1,003 feet shorter than its Parisian counterpart. Très chic, y’all.
On a side note, the tower in West Tennessee is a lot newer and was made by engineering students from Christian Brothers University in 1990. The real deal France was constructed between 1887 and 1889 (start to finish).
Premium Pain at the Pump - For the bougie drivers among us who demand premium fuel, Tennessee is 12th on the list of cheapest states, with an average price of $3.55 per gallon. Oklahoma’s premium is a mere $3.19, making it the place to be if your car has expensive taste. Meanwhile, diesel drivers in Tennessee can rest easy knowing we’ve just clung to a spot in the top 10 cheapest states at $3.30 per gallon. Diesel enthusiasts in Oklahoma? They’re laughing all the way to the pump at just $3 per gallon.
Hawaii’s Wallet-Busting Fuel Fiasco - In case you’re feeling grumpy about a five-cent uptick, spare a thought for Hawaii. Regular unleaded there is a jaw-dropping $4.57 per gallon, while premium hits $5.05. Diesel? A laughable $5.29 per gallon. Maybe the Aloha State should rename itself the "Goodbye to Your Wallet" State. Of course, everything really is more expensive in Hawaii! Hawaii is ranked nationally as the 3rd most expensive state to call home and is tied with number 2 Massachusetts. California holds the overall honor of being the priciest state to live in.
At the end of the day, Tennessee’s prices might not be the absolute cheapest, but they’re not the worst. And hey, if saving a few cents per gallon has you dreaming of a Paris road trip, just remember—you might spend more on snacks and selfies at the Eiffel Tower knockoff than you’ll save at the pump.
