California region · 5 counties

Central Coast gas prices

$6.14 / gal Regular average · 360 locations

Since yesterday 4.1¢per gallon · 0.7% lower

Since last monthNot enough dataToo few recorded prices

How we compare prices

Regular gasoline only. We compare the region average today with its average yesterday and on the same date last month. Each average uses the available stations at that time, with prices no more than 36 hours old. The mix of stations and payment conditions can change, so this is an indicative region trend.

Yesterday: Oct 21, 2026: $6.183/gal, 340 locations. Last month: Sep 22, 2026: 0 locations. Cutoffs use the same local time in California; a shorter month uses its last day. Monthly comparisons need at least 3 stations on each date; daily comparisons need 12. Past averages are reconstructed from recorded observations.

Plan a trip in Central Coast Data through Oct 22, 2026, 8:17 PM PDT · Updated automatically

Current regional averages

Central Coast price benchmark

360 Regular-price locations

Regular$6.14average per gallon

Median $6.09 · middle 80% $5.76–$6.60

360 current station prices

Midgrade$6.41average per gallon

Median $6.36 · middle 80% $6.07–$6.76

136 current station prices

Premium$6.61average per gallon

Median $6.60 · middle 80% $6.20–$7.00

167 current station prices

Diesel$8.61average per gallon

Median $8.70 · middle 80% $8.20–$9.00

126 current station prices

WorthStop rebuilds this aggregate from the latest eligible price at every covered station. Individual timestamps vary and posted prices can change.

Source: WorthStop.

Local driving guide

Coastal communities with inland approaches

The Big Sur coast (photographed 2022). Photo: dconvertini · CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized and converted to WebP; composition unchanged.

This Central Coast index combines Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz counties. Shoreline destinations, inland valleys and intervening hills create several distinct local markets.

Plan across the region

For a Central Coast journey, compare stops on the coastal or inland route you intend to use. Check current road access separately, particularly when the itinerary includes a remote coastal segment.

Local background: WorthStop regional coverage and methodology · Monterey County geography and local backgroundPlanning notes by WorthStop · Reviewed 2026-10-02

Compare local benchmarks

Regular gas prices by city in Central Coast

7 city benchmarks with eligible prices. Lower averages describe these samples, not a guaranteed saving at a particular station. Coverage differs between cities; compare your route before making a detour.

Salinas

$5.88/ gal average

Median $5.85 · 40 Regular prices

Through Oct 22, 2026, 8:17 PM PDT

Santa Cruz

$5.99/ gal average

Median $5.98 · 19 Regular prices

Through Oct 22, 2026, 7:45 PM PDT

Santa Barbara

$6.08/ gal average

Median $6.05 · 28 Regular prices

Through Oct 22, 2026, 7:53 PM PDT

Watsonville

$6.08/ gal average

Median $6.05 · 16 Regular prices

Through Oct 22, 2026, 7:47 PM PDT

San Luis Obispo

$6.10/ gal average

Median $6.00 · 15 Regular prices

Through Oct 22, 2026, 7:21 PM PDT

Santa Maria

$6.26/ gal average

Median $6.20 · 23 Regular prices

Through Oct 22, 2026, 7:57 PM PDT

Paso Robles

$6.31/ gal average

Median $6.29 · 18 Regular prices

Through Oct 22, 2026, 7:19 PM PDT

How Central Coast compares

The current regular average is $0.09 per gallon above the California average.

The middle 80% of Regular prices spans $5.76 to $6.60.

Coverage in this benchmark

360 Regular-price locations across 318 postal codes and 66 named communities.

Counties included

Monterey County, San Benito County, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Cruz County.

Why your route still matters

A regional average is context, not a recommendation. WorthStop compares grade, gallons, MPG and actual extra driving for each trip.