Discover the 9 Towns With the Cheapest Gas in Kansas

Nicknamed the Sunflower State, Kansas is located right in the center of the United States. Whether you’re heading to California or New York, the chances you’ll pass through Kansas are high! Kansas is known for its beautiful plains, but the state is made of much, much more. There are rolling hills and stunning forests, as well as some epic urban hubs.

The population of Kansas is just under 3 million, making it the 37th most populated state in America. While it trails behind in population, it is a leader in agriculture, growing the most sorghum in the country. Kansas is also a leader in wheat production, growing 24% of the winter wheat produced in the US.

While many dismiss Kansas as a flat state without too much going on, it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Kansas has some incredible cities and parks worth visiting. The easiest way to make your way around the state of Kansas is by car!

Thankfully, gas prices in Kansas are pretty reasonable! As of October 2023, the United States average for gas prices was around $3.64 per gallon. In Kansas, the average gas price per gallon was $3.47! On average, you’ll be saving about twenty cents per gallon, which can really add up when you’re taking an automotive adventure!

However, keep in mind that there are some pockets of Kansas with exceptional prices. The cheapest city on this list offers gas for almost a buck cheaper than the national average! Use this list to guide your tour around the Sunflower State. You and your wallet will be thankful!

1. Wichita

Wichita, Kansas is the largest city in the state, with a population of just under 400,000 residents. Despite its large size, the city is offering small gas prices! A gallon of gas goes for $2.75 in Wichita, making it almost a buck cheaper than the national average. Compared to the state average of $3.47, you’ll be saving around seventy-five cents. And, thankfully, there’s some fun stuff to do while you’re in town!

Whether you’re interested in flora or fauna, Wichita has some great attractions for you. The Sedgwick County Zoo is in town, offering the opportunity to explore animals from all over the world within the comfort of Kansas. Botanica the Witchita Gardens, is also in town, giving you the chance to stroll through some of the amazing plants that find their homes in Kansas. I suspect you’ll spot a sunflower or two while you enjoy the gardens!

2. El Dorado

With a population of 12,810 residents, El Dorado is a small town with great savings. El Dorado is located slightly northeast of Wichita, neighboring the stunning El Dorado Lake. As you roll into town, you can fill up a tank for $2.77 per gallon. You’ll be getting great savings as you move towards some of the most beautiful parts of Kansas.

For history buffs heading to Kansas to get a glimpse of the 20th-century history in the state, check out the Kansas Oil Museum located in El Dorado. Kansas played an important role in the oil industry during the 1900s, and this museum will walk you through the entire history in a fun, interesting way. Take a guided tour or wander the museum on your own, taking in the amazing history of the area.

3. Horton

The tiny town of Horton, Kansas is located northwest of Kansas City on the east side of the state. While the town doesn’t have too much going on, it does offer some pretty phenomenal gas prices. You can snag a gallon of gas for $3.04 here, saving you over forty cents against the state average. Horton is a convenient city to swing through for a fill-up if you’re headed to Missouri or Nebraska, given its great location in the northeast corner of the state. While the town is small, it’s mighty, with some great places to get out of the car and stretch your legs.

Horton, Kansas is home to Mission Lake Park. This stunning park is a perfect, quiet getaway surrounded by beautiful, still water. If you’re camping around the state, consider hooking up here and taking in the nature that Kansas has to offer. Golf, hike, play volleyball, and swim while you’re visiting the park.

4. Columbus

On the opposite side of the state is Columbus, Kansas. Columbus is located in the southeast corner of the state, nearing the borders of Oklahoma and Missouri. It’s a small city with a population of under 3,000, but its gas savings are worth the trip. Pay $3.08 per gallon as you fill up on your way in or out of Kansas. If you’re coming from or going to any of the nearby states, you’ll definitely want to grab a tank in Columbus.

Columbus is home to grocery stores and fast food, making it a great place to hop out of the car and grab a bite to eat. However, if you’re traveling with little ones or a four-legged friend, you might want to take a longer stretch break. Check out Eddington Park, located in the northwest corner of the city. The green grass and playground will be an awesome opportunity to stretch as you continue your exploration around the state.

5. Kansas City

Of course, Kansas City, Kansas had to make the list of places to visit while you explore the Sunflower State. Did you know that this metropolitan hub has some awesome gas prices, too? You can fill up a tank for just $3.08 per gallon in Kansas City, Kansas. Kansas City is located on the eastern border of Kansas, split between Missouri and the Sunflower State. If you’re filling up a tank, stick on the Kansas side. Prices in Kansas City, Missouri are nearly forty cents more expensive than in Kansas City, Kansas!

While the majority of Kansas City is in Missouri, there are still some great things to do in Kansas. If you’re into racing, head to the Kansas Speedway and catch a race! NASCAR events are held there, so splurge on a ticket and enjoy the show! Wyandotte County Lake Park is also located in Kansas City, Kansas, so if you need to stretch out and go for a hike or fishing excursion, you’ll want to beeline here after filling your tank!

6. Independence

Located just west of Columbus, Kansas is Independence. Independence is another small town with big gas savings. This border town isn’t far from Oklahoma, making for a convenient spot to stop if you’re heading in or out of the state. Gallons of gas are $3.09 in Independence, offering significant savings on both the state and national averages. If you’re in the southeast part of the state, certainly swing through Independence.

Despite having a population of under 9,000, Independence has some pretty cool things to do. One of the best places to visit while you’re in town is the Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo. The park was founded in the early 20th century, with the zoo coming a decade afterward. Now, the attraction is home to history and nature! There’s a carousel, gardens, and animal exhibits that allow you to enjoy the gorgeous Kansas weather surrounded by history.

7. Powhattan

Transitioning back to the northeast corner of the state, we find the itsy-bitsy city of Powhattan. Powhattan is an official city, but its population is under 70 individuals! The city is northwest of Kansas City, nearing the Nebraska border. If you’re heading north, or coming into Kansas from Nebraska, stroll through Powhattan for some good gas prices. Gallons of gas in Powhattan go for $3.09, offering significant savings.

There’s really not much within the city boundaries of Powhattan. They have a fire station (and a gas station, of course). However, the city neighbors the Kickapoo Reservation. There are three tribes of Kickapoos located around the United States. The other two tribes are in Texas and Oklahoma. The Kickapoo Reservation was established in 1832, and is an important cultural area of Kansas.

8. Holton

Holton, Kansas is another great spot to fill up some gas while you explore the Sunflower State. While the gallons are a bit more expensive here, Holton is close to some very cool natural sights and historical exhibits. Gallons are $3.18 in Holton, which still makes them nearly thirty cents cheaper than the state average. You’ll be saving fifty cents on the national average, too! The city is also located in the northeast corner of the state, however, it is a bit more central. If you’re heading to inland Kansas, Holton is a totally convenient stop.

Holton is known for its abolitionist history. Not only does it have a rich story, but it also has some beautiful sights to see. Banner Creek Reservoir is nearby, offering a great opportunity to sink your toes into the sand and take a deep breath. This swimming reservoir allows boating, fishing, and camping, as well, and offers a perfect opportunity for summer fun. Grab a tank of gas and head to the beach! Who knew Kansas had such great swimming?

9. Baxter Springs

Finally, the city of Baxter Springs makes the list as the ninth-cheapest gas in Kansas. With gallons going for $3.19 apiece, Baxter Springs still offers some great savings when considering the state and national gas price averages. The city is nestled in the southeast corner of Kansas, directly bordering Oklahoma. Whether you’re headed in or out of Kansas, swing through Baxter Springs to take advantage of the gas prices and natural beauty in town.

Baxter Springs is home to a few cool places to visit, including the Spring River Dam. Baxter Springs surrounds the river, and the dam is an exciting place to watch the water rush. Baxter Springs Campground is right next to it, providing an easy and fun place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Kansas is an incredible state worth exploring. It has a lot more to offer than just flatland. Find the exciting reservoirs, rushing rivers, and bustling cities that make their home in Kansas. It’s an awesome place to explore due to reasonable gas prices, too. On a road trip, gas can really add up! If you stick to this list, you’re sure to grab some savings while having a wonderful adventure.