What area has cheapest gas in Jacksonville?

Gas prices continue to drop; apps, websites help drivers calculate trip costs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Gas prices are the lowest they've been in four years. According to Oil Price Information Service, about two-thirds of gas stations nationwide are now charging $3 or less for a gallon of regular.

Just about every gas station in Jacksonville has caught on to the trend.

Channel 4's Francesca Amiker went to gas stations on every side of town Wednesday to see if the prices differed significantly.

At a Valero on the Northside, gas cost $2.91 a gallon. About 13 miles away on the Eastside, an Exxon off Atlantic Boulevard was three cents cheaper: $2.88 a gallon.

On the Southside, prices were higher, roughly $3 a gallon, but one Marathon had gas for $2.96.

The prices dropped back down on the Westside; one station had gas for $2.85

"It's kind of hard to believe, but when I drive out here and see it on the sign, it's almost surreal," said Tyler Reno. "I hope it gets to a point where it's lower than $2 again."

According to AAA the national average has plunged to $3.02, the same as the average in Florida. The organizaiton also said 55 percent of stations are selling below $3 a gallon. At the end of June, prices were as high as $3.68.

"Gas has gone down tremendously, which I think is awesome," said Stephanie Harriss. "My job requires me to spend a lot of time on the road, so I'm taking advantage."

AAA experts said gas prices typically decline this time of year, but they have fallen faster because of the sharply declining price of crude oil.

And if you're curious about how much gas you'll need for a trip, there's an app for that. Quite a few apps, in fact.

There are more than a dozen free or inexpensive apps available for drivers that help calculate the cost of a trip. Some of the most popular are Journey Cost Calculator and Cost 2 Drive. All you have to do is select your vehicle and your route and click "get trip details." The apps calculate your trip cost instantly.

If you're planning a trip from a computer, there are websites that provide similar services, including FuelEconomy.gov and GasBuddy.Com. Drivers can use the trip cost calculator to easily select the year, model and make of their car, then type in their destination and have an estimate of how much gas they'll need within minutes.

Here is a list of websites and apps to help you calculate your trip costs:

Websites:

 
Apps:

  • Trip Cost
  • Cost2Drive
  • Journey Cost Calculator
  • Gas Buddy