MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Tennessee is currently winning just enough of the gas-price war to brag at the cookout, but not enough to buy everyone burgers. According to AAA, the Auto Club, the Volunteer State is ranked No. 12 among the top 20 states where regular unleaded averages $2.50 or less, with Tennessee’s statewide average landing at $2.49 per gallon. In other words, we’re doing fine. Not “brand-new bass boat” fine, but “I’ll top off today” fine.
Of course, “fine” depends on what you drive and how fancy your fuel preferences are. If you’re rolling in what you consider an entry-level vehicle that’s semi-high end and your engine politely requests mid-grade, Tennessee’s average is $2.95 per gallon, ranking the state No. 17 among the top 20 for mid-grade prices. Premium drivers, meanwhile, can continue funding society one gallon at a time: premium averages $3.38 per gallon, with Tennessee also sitting at No. 17 on that list. And diesel motorists—who always look like they’re either hauling something important or about to—will find Tennessee clinging to the top 20 at No. 20, with diesel averaging $3.26 per gallon.
Closer to home, Rutherford County is sitting in the great American middle: not a steal, not a scandal. Regular unleaded in Rutherford County averages $2.49 per gallon, matching the statewide average. And in a development that feels significant mainly because it’s rare, gas prices in Shelbyville appear to be tied with the Murfreesboro/Smyrna area for the first time in about three months—meaning you can stop pretending you’re “just passing through” Shelbyville for the deals.
To the north, Williamson County continues to uphold its tradition of premium living with premium pricing. Regular unleaded there averages $3.02 per gallon, making it the highest in Tennessee—a streak that has reportedly lasted more than 24 months. Over in Nashville, prices are running about 11 cents higher than Rutherford County, with regular averaging $2.60 per gallon.
Meanwhile, the cheapest regular unleaded in the state is in Cocke County, where the average is $2.29 per gallon—roughly 20 cents cheaper than “the Boro.” Cocke County’s proximity to the Smokies, rafting, and national parks may be scenic, but right now its most beautiful landmark is the gas station sign.
The Cost to Fill your Tank in Rutherford County - Right now, filling up an 11.3-gallon Toyota Prius is almost relaxing. At today’s prices, it will set you back about $28, which means you can still afford coffee afterward and maybe even guacamole if you’re feeling bold.
If, however, you drive a crew cab Toyota Tundra with the extended-range tank, buckle up. Filling all 38 gallons will run a soothing $94.62, buying you roughly 400 miles of freedom and the brief illusion that gas prices “aren’t that bad” once the pump finally clicks off. In Williamson County, that same tank of fuel will cost $20-bucks more, coming to a total of $114.76.
Ford F-150 drivers fall somewhere in the middle of emotional distress. Expect to refill the tank for around $65, which is just enough to hurt, but not enough to make you reconsider your life choices. In Brentwood, you can fill the same pickup for $13 more - - adding up to $78.82.
And for the proud owner of a new BMW 3-Series, filling the 15.6-gallon tank will cost about $39—a reminder that while luxury has its perks, the gas pump still doesn’t care what logo is on your hood.
For long-bed Ford F-250 crew cab owners, this is a special moment. With the largest available 48-gallon tank, you have the rare opportunity to stand there long enough to rethink several life decisions. Filling that tank all the way up will ring in at a tidy $156.48—proof that while diesel may go the distance, it does so on your credit card’s terms.
