Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin drivers are forced to endure heady gas prices that trump the national average. As of June 15, 2009, Milwaukee's average price for gasoline at the pump calculates out at $2.79, which is a shade higher than the U.S. Department of Energy's $2.67 National average. Still, these Mil Town prices do compare favorably to Chicago's egregious $2.87 rate. The notoriously high prices at the Windy City are a function of outrageous gasoline and city sales taxes.

Milwaukee gasoline sales do include a 51.3-cent per gallon Wisconsin State tax. These levies are the eighth highest in the U.S., behind California (63.9), Connecticut (62.5), New York (59.6), Illinois (57.9), Michigan (54.4), Florida (51.6), and the State of Washington (54.4). Taxes and the crude oil costs combine to make up the bulk of gasoline prices.

Wisconsin motorists arrive at a geographical disadvantage because of the 1,000-mile distance between the Badger State and major Gulf Coast oil complexes. Certainly, the transportation costs of refined gasoline only tack on additional charges to the bill.

Indirectly, Milwaukeeans are hemmed in by a landscape that is largely homogenous. For example, Chicago drivers may always escape to Evanston, IL, or even the State of Indiana for cheap gas. These surrounding vicinities charge lower tax rates and retailers will then pass those savings on to drivers at competitive prices. Obviously, Milwaukee residents will not cross state lines, simply to purchase cheap gas.

Still, we must remain economical and acknowledge the spread amidst prevailing rates per gallon. For example, I would not advise that consumers high tail from Germantown to Mitchell Airport to save 10 cents per gallon of gasoline.

This guide will proceed to detail where to buy cheap gas in Milwaukee by first identifying which locales to avoid and posting viable alternatives to those areas. In summary, the best service stations to buy cheap gas in the Cream City are positioned within close proximity of Mitchell International Airport at the South Side.

Where not to buy cheap gas in Milwaukee

Motorists must avoid buying gasoline in downtown Milwaukee and at all Lakefront neighborhoods into the North Shore suburbs of Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, and Mequon. Logically, downtown Milwaukee is the high priced commercial district ad the North Shore represents the wealthiest section of the metropolitan area.

The Marquette Interchange collects traffic from I-43 / 94 and I-794 downtown. The sprawling complex is a focal point for Milwaukee commuters, Chicagoans, UW - Madison affiliates, and Wisconsin sportsmen. Of course, motorists must pay up for this convenience.

The Citgo at 350 N. Plankinton, within close proximity of I-794 moves gasoline for $2.88, which is often cited as the highest total in all of Southeast Wisconsin. The Lake Bluff Shell at 1425 North Farwell also registers a $2.87 recording that is ridiculously high for Milwaukee standards.

The 605 S. 1^st Street Mobil abutting the Harbor View section charges $2.75 and is a better alternative for downtown motorists looking to save money. Drivers headed north should also consider the Lakeshore Mobil at 2521 E. Capitol Drive, which undersells the commercial district service stations.

North Shore Milwaukee inhabitants are typically buried beneath high fuel costs. These communities, bounded by Lake Michigan, Lake Drive, and I-43 are the ritzier sections of Wisconsin, with median household incomes approaching $100,000.

Although paying up at the pump may not dent the wallets of the affluent, lower and middle class drivers that arrive into the area will be desperate for relief. Gas predominantly retails for $2.85 at Whitefish Bay and Glendale. Thiensville Mobil Mart at 301 N. Main is the most egregious example of excess costs in this area.

These charges are clearly outrageous, considering the fact that Thiensville is 10 miles away from Milwaukee's central core. Importantly, 301 N. Main is not even directly off I-43 and is only convenient to Thiensville motorists.

The North Shore Mobil at 11210 N. Port Washington in Mequon is the best combination of price and location at the North Shore. Regular gasoline retails for $2.75 per gallon and this station is easily accessible from I-43 at the Mequon Road exit, heading west from the diamond interchange. I would recommend that North Shore inhabitants commit to this 5-10 mile drive with the intent of filling up the tank.

Where to buy cheap gas in Milwaukee

Cheap gas in Milwaukee is available within close proximity to General Mitchell International Airport.

These South Side areas are conveniently accessible by I-94 and the I-43 / 894 belt. Layton Avenue, College Avenue, and S. 27^th Street are the best exits from these major freeways into Mitchell West and Castle Manor. The location is ideal for Milwaukee residents at the South End of town and Chicagoans traveling into and out of Southeast Wisconsin.

The neighborhood is relatively safe and I must speculate that prices are held in check due to the low population density of the area. Certainly, airport - jet noise and various railroad track right-of-ways that cut wide swaths into the vicinity lower South Side property values and therefore the cost of doing business for service station merchants.

Expect gas prices to range from $2.70 - $2.75 in the area at the time of this writing.

The Clark Oil at 5072 S. 27^th Street peddles some of the cheapest gas in the Milwaukee area at $2.73 for regular. The 5518 S. 13^th Street Mobil is further to the east and closer to I-94 per the College and Layton Avenue exits. This filling station and convenience store moves gas for $2.77 per gallon.

Milwaukee gasoline prices remain locked within a tight range due to the even-handed tax regimes of Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin. The Stadium Mobil at Greenfield and Miller Park Way does ring up the register at $2.77 for 87 - octane; and driving across town to save four cents per gallon is foolishness.

Still, Milwaukee drivers must always buy gas at Mitchell - West and Castle Manor while previously coordinated travel plans permit.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Milwaukee, Sources:

The City of Milwaukee, http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/

Milwaukee Gas Prices, http://www.milwaukeegasprices.com/

Milwaukee County Gas Prices, http://www.motortrend.com/gas_prices/32/wisconsin/milwaukee/index.html