Shocker! Pennsylvania Motorists See Tax Decrease At The Pump

Living on the border of New York State and Pennsylvania has its advantages.

Both states have so many great places to visit. I enjoy spending my weekends and vacations camping in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Residents cross the border from their respective states to take advantage of things their state may not offer or offer something less expensive.

For example, the tax is cheaper in Pennsylvania counties, including Bradford and Susquehanna Counties in the Northeast. In New York State, the state tax is 8% in a majority of counties, including Broome, Tioga Chenango, Tompkins, Cortland, and Delaware Counties.

New York Gas Prices Versus Pennsylvania

I remember when a gallon of gasoline was 15 to 20 cents cheaper in Pennsylvania than in New York State. That changed over the years as the gasoline tax began to rise. All of a sudden, it was cheaper to purchase gas in New York State. Of course by the term 'cheaper', I mean still too expensive.

But, as of January 1, 2024, the tax rate for gasoline went down across the Keystone State. According to WGAL-TV Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the tax on gasoline and diesel fuels was reduced at the beginning of the year.

The report notes that the gas tax now stands at 57.6 cents per gallon, down from 61.1 cents according the the Pennsylvania State Department of revenue. The tax on diesel fell to 74.1 cents per gallon, from 78.5 cents. WGAL-TV reports that the Pennsylvania gas tax is used mostly for maintaining and improving Pennsylvania's aging infrastructure.

Pennsylvania Average Gas Prices

According to AAA Gas Prices, as of January 3, 2023, the average cost of a gallon of gasoline in Pennsylvania is $3.39. One month ago, it was $3.56, and a year ago, $3.63.

Interestingly, of the eight Pennsylvania counties that border New York State, all but two rank in the highest price category in the state. Susquehanna County's current average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.48. Bradford County comes in at $3.53.

Head south to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area, AAA Gas Prices lists the price of a regular gallon of gas at $3.40. Currently in Broome County, the price is $3.42, coming in as one of the more expensive counties in the state.