How Much Does the Average American Spend on Gas Each Year?

AAA makes estimates of the average distance Americans travel in vehicles each year. The amount spent on gas depends on how they are traveling---passenger car, SUV, pickup truck or other vehicle. It is also a result of the fluctuating price of gasoline.

AAA travel estimates

The AAA estimates that the average American travels 12,000 miles a year.

Mileage estimates

The average vehicle in 2009 gets between 20 and 25 miles per gallon.

Gas usage

Take 22.5 miles per gallon as an average, and divide 12,000 miles by 22.5, for a total of 533 gallons used a year.

Gas costs

At $2.50 a gallon, the average American spends $1,333 on gasoline each year. At $2.75 a gallon, he spends $1467, and at $3 a gallon he spends about $1,600.

Caution

The AAA notes that the amount of travel by Americans falls when the price of gasoline nears $4, which would lower the 12,000-mile average.

References

• AAA
• Yahoo! Answers