Due to soaring gas prices across the country, people want the most affordable local gas prices they can find. Crude oil prices will continue to hit and exceed their current levels as Saudi Arabia and Russia confirm that they will persist in their voluntary oil output cuts throughout 2023. The U.S. average gas price is currently $4.05, but Iowa’s average is much lower — $3.107. In this article, you will discover the nine towns in Iowa with the cheapest gas prices.
1. Windsor Heights

The city of Windsor Heights is located in Polk County, IA, where gas prices are the best in the state.
Located just northwest of
Des Moines
, IA, Windsor Heights is a city with a population of 5,252. The city’s sparse suburban atmosphere and safe feeling make it a great place for its residents to live. In addition to its numerous parks and zoos, the city boasts the cheapest gas in the state. If you visit the local Sam’s Club, you can pump gas for just
$2.69 a gallon, which is about $0.42 a gallon less than the state average and almost $1.36 per gallon less than the U.S. average.
©David Benbennick / Public domain – License
2. Ankeny

Ankeny, IA, has the second-cheapest gas in the state.
©Jacob Boomsma/iStock via Getty Images
The city of Ankeny is also situated in Polk County, IA. It has a reasonable cost of living along with great home values. The population density is spread out through the stunning countryside, allowing its residents to enjoy spacious living. The city’s almost 68,000 residents enjoy the beauty of the city as well as the low gas prices. At the local Sam’s Club, they can fuel up for $2.72 a gallon, which is less than both the state and national averages.
3. Waterloo

Waterloo gas prices are the third cheapest in Iowa.
©Jacob Nichols/iStock via Getty Images
Waterloo is situated in Black Hawk County, IA. The cost of living is 24.3% lower than the rest of the United States, and its over 67,000 residents enjoy living the small-town lifestyle. In addition to the lower cost of living, Waterloo’s residents benefit from having the third-cheapest gas in the state. For $2.73 a gallon, locals — and visitors as well — can fill up their tanks as they cruise around this charming Iowa city.
4. Mount Pleasant

Fueling up in Mt. Pleasant, IA, gets you more gas for your money than most other gas stations in the state.
©jittawit21/Shutterstock.com
Situated in Henry County, Mount Pleasant is a charming city with a historic downtown area. Amid the numerous museums, parks, and other amenities, the city boasts some of the best gas prices in the state. At $2.74 per gallon, residents can travel from one amazing city site to another quite cheaply.
5. Newton

Newton, IA, has the fifth cheapest gas in the state.
©gustavofrazao/iStock via Getty Images
The county seat of Jasper County, IA, Newton is also its most populous. The almost 16,000 residents enjoy the rich arts and culture scene of the city as well as the diverse entertainment, sports, and recreation opportunities. The low gas prices are yet another benefit for locals in Newton, with fuel prices being $2.74 a gallon.
6. Olds

Olds, IA, is a small town in which all of its commuters must drive to work.
©Billwhittaker at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 – License
In contrast to the previous Iowa city’s population, Olds is a small town of about 200 people. Within its rather compact 0.34 square miles, Olds houses many museums and other historic sites. The average cost of living in this town is lower than the national average. In Olds, 100% of commuters drive to work. Fortunately, gas prices are $2.75 per gallon, so the commute isn’t as expensive as in other Iowa towns and cities.
7. Mason City

Living in Mason City, IA, affords its residents a mix of culture, entertainment, great healthcare, and low gas prices.
©Chris, CC BY 2.0 – License
People living in Mason City enjoy a lower overall cost of living than many other towns and cities within Iowa and the United States. Groceries cost less, housing is significantly cheaper, and transportation is more affordable. At $2.79 per gallon, locals and visitors alike can gas up at the pumps for a lot less than many of their Iowan counterparts.
8. Ames

A warm welcome from a
squirrel
at Ames Iowa in summer
©Mi Jin Jeon/iStock via Getty Images
Home to Iowa State University, Ames, IA, is a perfect blend of modern attractions and charming old sites. People who live in this city profit from the abundance of attractions, dining, and shopping opportunities. They also benefit from the eighth-cheapest gas in the state. At $2.82 per gallon, they are well ahead of their fellow Americans at the pumps.
9. Sioux City

In addition to low gas prices, Sioux City offers great educational opportunities and plenty of recreational activities for locals.
©dustin77a/iStock via Getty Images
If you live in Sioux City, IA, your cost of living is about 24% lower than the national average. This means that housing, food, healthcare, taxes, and childcare cost significantly less than other Americans. When it comes to transportation, your cost of fueling up is a mere $2.83 per gallon compared to $4.05 of the other average Americans.
Rank | Town/City | Gas Price |
---|---|---|
#1 | Windsor Heights | $2.69 per gallon (regular) |
#2 | Ankeny | $2.72 per gallon (regular) |
#3 | Waterloo | $2.73 per gallon (regular) |
#4 | Mount Pleasant | $2.74 per gallon (regular) |
#5 | Newton | $2.74 per gallon (regular) |
#6 | Olds | $2.75 per gallon (regular) |
#7 | Mason City | $2.79 per gallon (regular) |
#8 | Ames | $2.82 per gallon (regular) |
#9 | Sioux City | $2.83 per gallon (regular) |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Thinkstock/Stockbyte via Getty Images
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