Travelers are set to hit the roads in record numbers this weekend to celebrate Memorial Day, though many are wary about filling up their tanks.
Though summer increases are typical as demand for gas increases, the war in Iran continues to drive costs up, reaching the highest point since 2022, according to AAA.
As such, it’s worth a look at how prices compared this time last year and where Illinois travelers can find the best bang for their buck.
What’s the national average price of gas?
The national average reached a four-year high of roughly $4.52 for a regular gallon of gas Monday morning.
How much was the national average last year?
The national average was $3.18 at the same time last year, marking an increase of about $1.34 between 2025 and 2026.
What’s the average cost of gas in Illinois?
The average cost of gas in Illinois is slightly higher, at about $5.05 for a regular gallon.
What was the average cost of gas in Illinois a year ago?
At this time last year, the average cost of gas in Illinois was almost two dollars cheaper, at $3.38.
Where is the cheapest county in Illinois to get gas? The most expensive?
As of Monday morning, the cheapest Illinois county to fill up in is Jasper County, where the average price of gas is $4.55.
Unsurprisingly, the most expensive is Cook County, where the average cost is about $5.30.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: How are Illinois gas prices ahead of Memorial Day weekend? A 2025 comparison
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
