Using this method, the AAA figured out in 2012 that the average American goes through about 533 gallons of gas a year in the course of driving an average 12,000 miles a year. As of June, 2014, the average nationwide price of fuel is $3.67 a gallon. So, assuming American's are still using the same amount we did in 2012, then the average person pays about $1,956 for gasoline.