Gasoline is a key household expense, and understanding its cost is crucial for budgeting. In 2025, drivers face a mix of rising fuel efficiency and still-volatile pump prices. New Jersey, a densely populated state with relatively high incomes, tends to spend less on gas (as a share of budget) than many states. Experts predict overall fuel costs will ease slightly in 2025 compared to recent years. This article examines price forecasts and driving patterns in New Jersey, highlighting roughly how much an average driver might spend on gasoline each month.
Gasoline Price Trends in 2025
Experts forecast moderately lower fuel prices in 2025. GasBuddy projects the national average gasoline price will be about $3.22 per gallon (down from $3.33 in 2024). In New Jersey, prices are expected to be in the range of $3.06–$3.44 per gallon. Seasonal swings still occur: for example, GasBuddy expects a spring peak (April) around $3.53/gal and a winter low (December) around $2.89/gal.
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National outlook: Americans will spend ~$410.8 billion on gasoline in 2025, about 8% less than in 2024.
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NJ price range: $3.06–$3.44/gal forecasted.
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Seasonal peak/valley: High in April (~$3.53) and low in December (~$2.89).
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Current benchmark: AAA reports NJ at about $3.04/gal and US at $3.08 (mid-Nov 2025).
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Market risks: Geopolitical or policy issues could still cause spikes.
These figures suggest New Jersey drivers will generally pay in line with the national average. NJ prices often run slightly above average due to state taxes and demand patterns.
New Jersey Monthly Consumption and Expenses
New Jersey motorists generally drive less per month than the U.S. average. Data show an average NJ driver covers about 696 miles per month, compared to around 816 nationally. If a car averages ~25 MPG, that’s about 28 gallons per month. At roughly $3.00/gal, this equates to about $85 per month on gasoline.
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Mileage: ~696 mi/month in NJ.
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Fuel usage: 696 mi ÷ 25 MPG ≈ 28 gallons.
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Cost estimate: 28 gal × ~$3.04/gal ≈ $85/month.
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Income share: This is only about 1.57% of median monthly income.
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Per-capita use: NJ is 13th in total petroleum use but 8th-lowest per person.
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Multiple cars: Households with additional vehicles will pay roughly that much per car.
Consequently, a typical New Jersey driver spends under $100 per month on fuel. Shorter commutes and efficient vehicles help keep bills low. Over a year, that’s on the order of $1,000 per vehicle (often lower than in many states).
Consumer Trends and Fuel Alternatives
Several trends are reducing gasoline dependence in New Jersey. First, telecommuting and hybrid work schedules have become common, cutting back daily driving. Many commuters now only go into the office a few days a week, significantly trimming monthly mileage.
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Telework: Fewer commute days mean lower mileage.
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Fuel efficiency: New cars are more fuel-efficient, stretching each gallon further.
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Electric Vehicles (EVs): EV adoption is rising rapidly. In 2024, about 13.6% of new NJ vehicle sales were electric, with EVs reaching ~3% of all cars on the road. Battery EVs now dominate those sales.
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EV Targets: New Jersey aims for 330,000 total EVs by the end of 2025, requiring roughly 105,000 new EV registrations in 2025.
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Rideshare & transit: Many NJ commuters use trains, buses or ride-sharing, further cutting fuel use.
As a result, gasoline demand is easing. The surge in EV registrations (up ~42% year-over-year) and more efficient vehicles means many households fill up less often. Over time, these changes should reduce average fuel expenses per household.
Comparison of Monthly Gasoline Costs
To put these figures in context, the table below compares New Jersey’s estimated average monthly fuel cost to the national average and to two other states. We assume about 25 MPG fuel economy. Price data are from AAA and government sources.
| Location | Avg. Gas Price ($/gal) | Avg. Monthly Mileage | Est. Fuel Cost/Month ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 3.04 | 696 | ~85 |
| USA (average) | 3.08 | 816 | ~100 |
| California | 4.56 | 682 | ~124 |
| Texas | 2.72 | 986 | ~107 |
This comparison shows that New Jersey’s monthly gasoline bill is relatively modest. Although NJ’s local price (~$3.04) is higher than in cheaper states like Texas, NJ’s shorter driving distances keep its cost lower. By contrast, California’s high price (~$4.56) leads to much higher monthly costs even for similar mileage. Actual spending will vary with personal driving habits and vehicle fuel economy. For context, the USA row uses national average price and mileage as benchmarks.
Understanding Your Monthly Fuel Budget
In summary, New Jersey motorists can expect relatively modest monthly gasoline expenses in 2025. Based on current trends, an average driver might spend on the order of $80–$100 per month on fuel. This reflects both NJ’s shorter driving distances and ongoing improvements in vehicle fuel economy. Importantly, NJ households spend a very low share of income on gasoline (around 1.6%), thanks to high incomes and efficient travel patterns. Emerging factors such as growing electric vehicle use and hybrid work schedules will likely further temper fuel demand. In the national context, Americans are projected to spend about $410.8 billion on gasoline in 2025 (roughly 8% less than in 2024). Unless major supply shocks occur, fuel costs in 2025 should remain near current levels. Drivers should still monitor news — extreme events or policy changes could cause temporary price spikes. Overall, this outlook can help New Jersey families benchmark their fuel spending. By comparing actual bills to these averages and choosing efficient vehicles or commutes, households can better manage their gasoline budgets (actual spending will vary with personal driving habits and vehicle choices).
