The Real Cost
Week of November 2, 2026 · Houston, TX
2026 Hyundai Elantra
1.6L I4 FWD · 12.4 gal tank · 31 MPG · manufacturer spec
$38–$45
typical fill → full tank · 12.4 galAt $3.63/gal, this tank gets you about 384 miles.
Source: EIA · Updated November 2, 2026
12-week state trend
+$0.06 over 12 wk
Local context
Houston runs at $3.63/gal this week — about 12.7% below the U.S. average of $4.15. At this price the 2026 Hyundai Elantra's 31 MPG returns roughly 8.6 miles per dollar (32.3 gallons per 1,000 miles).
At a typical 12,000 miles a year — the U.S. driving average — a Houston driver spends about $1,403 on gas in this car (use the calculator for your own mileage). For the same car, $2,225 in California (priciest reporting state at $5.75/gal) vs. $1,385 in Texas ($3.58/gal). $840 swing.
By the numbers
Fill cost
$38–$45
typical → full · 384 mi/tank
Per gallon
$3.63
EIA weekly — Houston
Monthly · 12k mi/yr
$116.94
32.3 gal
Annual · 12k mi/yr
$1403
387 gal
The math
Why it costs what it costs.
- Fill cost = 12.4 gal × $3.63/gal = $44.95
- Miles per tank = 12.4 × 31 = 384
- Annual @ 12,000 mi (typical) = 12,000 ÷ 31 × $3.63 = $1403
Want to customize miles per year or override the pump price you saw? Use the full calculator.