Independent price guide. Not affiliated with any propane supplier. Prices are residential delivery estimates.

Propane Cost Per Gallon

Updated 30 March 2026

The current US national average for residential propane is $2.78 per gallon. Prices range from $2.18 in Texas to $4.15 in Hawaii, with significant seasonal variation. Summer fills can save you 20 to 30% compared to peak winter pricing.

$2.78

National Average

per gallon, residential delivery

$2.18

Lowest (Texas)

near Gulf Coast refineries

$4.15

Highest (Hawaii)

ocean shipping costs

5 Cheapest States

Texas$2.18/gal
Oklahoma$2.22/gal
North Dakota$2.25/gal
Kansas$2.28/gal
South Dakota$2.28/gal

5 Most Expensive States

Hawaii$4.15/gal
California$3.35/gal
Maine$3.35/gal
Massachusetts$3.32/gal
Vermont$3.30/gal

Propane Prices by State

Current residential propane delivery prices for all 50 states. Prices reflect average cost per gallon including delivery fees.

StatePrice/GallonRegion500-Gal Fill
Alabama$2.65South$1060
Alaska$3.15West$1260
Arizona$2.89West$1156
Arkansas$2.52South$1008
California$3.35West$1340
Colorado$2.72West$1088
Connecticut$3.28Northeast$1312
Delaware$2.95Northeast$1180
Florida$2.78South$1112
Georgia$2.62South$1048
Hawaii$4.15West$1660
Idaho$2.68West$1072
Illinois$2.45Midwest$980
Indiana$2.38Midwest$952
Iowa$2.32Midwest$928
Kansas$2.28Midwest$912
Kentucky$2.55South$1020
Louisiana$2.42South$968
Maine$3.35Northeast$1340
Maryland$2.98Northeast$1192
Massachusetts$3.32Northeast$1328
Michigan$2.55Midwest$1020
Minnesota$2.42Midwest$968
Mississippi$2.58South$1032
Missouri$2.35Midwest$940
Montana$2.75West$1100
Nebraska$2.30Midwest$920
Nevada$2.95West$1180
New Hampshire$3.22Northeast$1288
New Jersey$3.12Northeast$1248
New Mexico$2.82West$1128
New York$3.18Northeast$1272
North Carolina$2.68South$1072
North Dakota$2.25Midwest$900
Ohio$2.48Midwest$992
Oklahoma$2.22South$888
Oregon$2.85West$1140
Pennsylvania$2.92Northeast$1168
Rhode Island$3.25Northeast$1300
South Carolina$2.62South$1048
South Dakota$2.28Midwest$912
Tennessee$2.58South$1032
Texas$2.18South$872
Utah$2.72West$1088
Vermont$3.30Northeast$1320
Virginia$2.75South$1100
Washington$2.92West$1168
West Virginia$2.65South$1060
Wisconsin$2.48Midwest$992
Wyoming$2.62West$1048

500-gallon fill cost is based on 80% fill capacity (400 gallons) per standard safety regulations. Actual prices vary by supplier, delivery distance, and volume. Prices as of March 2026.

Propane Cost Estimator

Select your state, tank size, and usage to estimate your annual propane cost and compare to natural gas and electric.

Primary heat source for average-size home

Propane in Ohio

$2.48

per gallon

$207

per month

$2,480

per year

$992

per fill (400 gal)

Using 1,000 gallons per year for whole-home heating, you will need roughly 3 fills of your 500 gallon tank per year.

PROPANE

$2,480

/year

$207/mo

NATURAL GAS

$1,098

/year

$92/mo

$1,382 more than natural gas

ELECTRIC

$4,290

/year

$357/mo

$1,810 cheaper with propane

Natural gas estimate based on national average of $1.20 per therm. Electric estimate based on $0.16 per kWh national average. 1 gallon of propane contains 91,500 BTU. Actual costs vary by local utility rates and appliance efficiency. Heat pump systems can reduce electric heating costs by 50 to 60%.

Seasonal Price Trends

Propane prices follow a predictable seasonal cycle. Buying in summer can save you hundreds per year.

MonthAvg Price/GalDemandNotes
January$3.12PeakHighest heating demand. Prices peak in cold snaps.
February$3.08PeakContinued high demand. Spot shortages possible in Midwest.
March$2.92HighHeating season winding down. Prices begin to ease.
April$2.72ModerateTransition month. Good time to lock in summer fill rates.
May$2.55LowOff-season begins. Best pre-buy contract pricing available.
June$2.45LowSummer low prices. Ideal time to fill tanks.
July$2.42LowLowest prices of the year in most states.
August$2.48LowPrices start to creep up as suppliers prepare for winter.
September$2.58ModeratePre-season pricing. Last chance for summer rates.
October$2.72ModerateEarly heating in northern states drives demand up.
November$2.88HighHeating season begins nationwide. Prices rise steadily.
December$3.05PeakWinter demand fully kicks in. Holiday delivery surcharges.

How to Save on Propane

Buy in Summer

Fill your tank in June or July when prices are at their lowest. A summer fill at $2.42/gallon versus a January fill at $3.12/gallon saves $280 on a 400-gallon fill.

Lock in a Pre-Buy Contract

Many suppliers offer pre-buy contracts in May through August. You pay a fixed price per gallon for the entire heating season, protecting you from winter price spikes.

Own Your Tank

If you own your tank, you can shop multiple suppliers for the best price. Renting locks you into one supplier who may charge above-market rates.

Join a Buying Co-op

Propane buying cooperatives negotiate bulk rates for groups of homeowners. Members often save 10 to 20 cents per gallon compared to individual pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current average propane cost per gallon in the US?
As of March 2026, the national average propane cost is approximately $2.78 per gallon for residential delivery. This price includes delivery fees and varies by state, with the Midwest typically offering the lowest prices ($2.22 to $2.55) and the Northeast being the most expensive ($2.92 to $3.35). Hawaii is the highest at $4.15 per gallon due to shipping costs.
Why is propane more expensive in winter?
Propane prices increase in winter due to higher heating demand. Roughly 80% of residential propane is used for heating, so demand spikes from November through March. Supply chain factors also play a role: cold weather can slow production at refineries and make transportation more difficult. Prices typically peak in January and February, when they can be 30 to 50 cents per gallon higher than summer lows. Pre-buying or locking in a price before winter can save 15 to 25% on your annual propane costs.
How many gallons of propane does a house use per year?
The average US home using propane for heating consumes 750 to 1,200 gallons per year. Homes using propane only for cooking and water heating typically use 200 to 400 gallons annually. A home in a cold climate (Minnesota, Maine, Wisconsin) with propane as the primary heat source may use 1,200 to 1,500 gallons per year, while a home in a mild climate (Georgia, North Carolina) might use 400 to 600 gallons. Total annual cost ranges from $600 to $4,500 depending on usage and location.
Is propane cheaper than natural gas for heating?
Per unit of energy (BTU), natural gas is typically cheaper than propane. Natural gas costs about $1.00 to $1.50 per therm (100,000 BTU), while propane costs $2.50 to $3.50 per gallon (91,500 BTU per gallon). However, propane burns more efficiently than natural gas, and propane appliances often have higher efficiency ratings. In areas without natural gas pipeline access, propane is usually the most cost-effective heating fuel compared to electric resistance heating or heating oil.
What size propane tank do I need for my house?
For a whole-home propane system (heating, cooking, water heater, dryer), a 500-gallon tank is the most common choice. If you only use propane for cooking and a water heater, a 120-gallon tank is sufficient. A 250-gallon tank works for homes using propane for heating in mild climates or as a supplemental heat source. Homes over 3,500 square feet in cold climates may need a 1,000-gallon tank. Larger tanks also let you buy propane at lower prices during the summer.
How much does it cost to fill a 500-gallon propane tank?
At the national average of $2.78 per gallon, filling a 500-gallon tank from empty costs approximately $1,112. However, propane tanks are typically filled to 80% capacity for safety (allowing for gas expansion), so a practical fill is about 400 gallons, costing roughly $1,112. Prices vary significantly by state and season. In Texas, you might pay $872 for a full fill, while in Maine it could cost $1,340. Many suppliers offer volume discounts for fills over 200 gallons.
Does propane go bad or expire?
No, propane does not go bad, expire, or degrade over time. Unlike gasoline or diesel, propane has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly in a sealed tank. This makes it an excellent fuel for backup generators, seasonal homes, and emergency preparedness. The tank itself requires periodic inspection (every 5 to 12 years depending on type), but the propane inside will remain usable indefinitely.
Should I rent or buy my propane tank?
Buying a propane tank costs $400 to $800 for a 250-gallon tank or $1,500 to $2,500 for a 500-gallon tank, but gives you the freedom to shop among suppliers for the best price per gallon. Renting typically costs $50 to $150 per year but locks you into one supplier, who may charge higher per-gallon prices. If you plan to stay in your home for more than 5 to 7 years, buying usually saves money long-term. Renting is better for short-term situations or if you prefer to avoid maintenance responsibility.

Related Resources

EIA Weekly Propane PricesOfficial US Energy Information Administration residential propane price dataEIA Propane ExplainedHow propane is produced, transported, and used across the United StatesNational Propane Gas AssociationIndustry trade association with safety guides and supplier directory