City Cast Madison logo

Reader Tips On How To Beat High Gas Prices

Posted on April 7   |   Updated on June 4
Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas

A gas station sign next to a busy road.

Are you willing to pay over five bucks a gallon for premium gasoline? (Rob Thomas / City Cast Madison)

It’s been over a month since the United States and Israel launched a war with Iran, and drivers are feeling it at the gas pump. According to AAA, the average price of a regular gallon of gas in Dane County is $3.87 a gallon. That’s 60 cents higher than it was a year ago and almost a dollar higher than a month ago.

We shared some tips recently on how you can beat sticker shock at the pump and we asked our readers to share some suggestions of their own for beating high gas prices. Here’s what we heard back and thanks to everyone who contributed!

“Kwik Trip has a rewards program and you can choose 5 cents off a gallon as your reward for every 15 visits. You can stack them. And if you have the app on your phone, you can earn at least one extra visit per day for watching a dumb commercial video (which I watch on the bus, of course).” – Sarah F.

“I work with RoundTrip Greater Madison, a public program here in Dane County that helps people swap solo car trips for other options. The program actually dates back to the 1970s, when it started during the oil crisis to encourage ridesharing — so it’s especially relevant right now. Thought it might be helpful to flag us as a local resource your audience could check out.” – Kayla H.

“Not really a fuel-saving tip per se, but if you have the means to sell your gas car and replace it with a used EV, your fuel cost will go way down immediately! Electricity rates are much cheaper (even per-mile) than gas and also much more stable.

EVs also require less maintenance, can be ‘fueled’ nightly at home avoiding gas station stops, are quieter, more fun to drive, and reduce carbon emissions. Plus, by going with a used EV, you don't have to deal with the steep depreciation of a new car. Modern EV batteries are exceeding longevity expectations, too, so you don't have to worry about it being like an old cell phone whose battery is worn out after a few years.” – Dan S.

Share article

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Madison, Explained

See All
Madison, ExplainedAugust 10

Meet the Madison Democrats Running For Assembly District 76

Find information about the candidates running for Wisconsin's Assembly District 76 seat in the upcoming primary election.

Five political candidates sit on a stage with microphones in front of them.
Madison, ExplainedAugust 10

Your Guide to the August Primary Election in Wisconsin

Get ready for the Wisconsin election on August 11. Learn where to vote in Madison, what ID to bring, how to vote early, and mail-in ballo...

A white sign with a United States flag image and the words “VOTE HERE VOTE AQUI” stands upright in front of a Madison municipal building.
Madison, ExplainedAugust 3

How State Government Is Reducing Its Footprint in Madison

Wisconsin is shrinking its downtown Madison office space. Learn how the long-term Vision 2030 plan will change the state government's phy...

A gray multi-story building in downtown Madison.
Madison, ExplainedMay 18

How Smart Studios Put Madison on the Musical Map

Why did Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Death Cab for Cutie and other bands want to record songs in Madison? As a new documentary explains, S...

A two-story red brick building on a street.
Madison, ExplainedMay 4

Quiz: Are you a True Madisonian?

You may live in Madison, but are you a true Madisonian?

A downtown street scene with a capitol dome at the top of the street.
Madison, ExplainedMarch 25

How To Beat High Gas Prices in Madison

The average price of a gallon of regular gas is 60 cents higher in Dane County than it was a year ago.

A gas sign in front of a road next to a pedestrian bridge.
Madison, ExplainedMarch 24

Your Guide to the April Election in Dane County

The spring nonpartisan election is just two weeks away, and voters in Madison and Dane County will have plenty of statewide and local rac...

A man in a gray suit holds up a piece of paper.
Madison, ExplainedMarch 18

Take the City Cast Madison Quiz!

If you’ve listened to today’s City Cast Madison episode featuring Madison trivia master Paul Guse, you might think you know everything th...

Street signs above a road leading to an airport.

The latest in Madison

Madison NewsAugust 10

Listen to Our Interviews with Wisconsin’s Candidates for Governor

There are still seven candidates in the running for Wisconsin governor. Find out where they stand on the issues.

Four voting stations sit empty in front of a windows on a sunny day
Madison's BestAugust 6

The Best Fish Fries in Madison

Friday fish fries are a tradition in Wisconsin, and Madison has lots of options. Here are some of our favorites, including Dexter’s Pub,...

A plate of fried fish and french fries.
Madison NewsAugust 5

Madison Police Clear Ruiz Memorial and Encampment Site

Madison authorities dismantle the Corey Ruiz encampment at Baldwin & Williamson. District 6 Ald. Davy Mayer discusses the fallout on City...

Candles and flowers form a makeshift memorial.
Madison's BestJuly 31

Madison’s Best: Your Guide To August 2026 in Madison

Discover the best events, festivals, and activities in Madison this August 2026. Don't miss out on the ultimate summer highlights—plan yo...

The City Cast Madison team stands in front of a pop-up tent at the 2025 Magic Pride Festival.
Food & DrinkJuly 30

The Best New Restaurants in Madison

This month’s list of the area’s best new restaurants includes a new outpost for a wildly popular local pizza chain, a new sushi spot near...

Two people standing at a counter at a pizza restaurant.
Madison NewsJuly 29

Site of Corey Ruiz Shooting Becomes a Living Memorial

Protesters close Madison blocks for a Corey Ruiz memorial site, sparking debate over safety and traffic. Chief Patterson shares no new up...

A sprawling makeshift memorial for Corey Ruiz with flowers and candles.
Madison NewsJuly 27

Here’s the Latest on the Corey Ruiz Shooting

AtwoodFest and local concerts are cancelled following the Corey Ruiz shooting. Plus, Willy Street remains closed as police records are su...

A group of protestors stand outside a brick building. One holds a sign that reads "MURDER."
Madison NewsJuly 23

Photos: Madison Reacts To Deadly Police Shooting

On July 22, protesters took to the streets of Madison after the fatal shooting by police of a young Black man at the intersection of Will...

A man in a gray hooded sweatshirt speaks into a microphone in a crowd.