By Alanah Harvard and Olivia Hoar
As students commute to Cal State San Bernardino many have found that the price of gas in the neighboring cities varies drastically. With our beloved University being known as a commuter school, droves of students reside in the Inland Empire as well as in the High Desert. Some students have found that the gas prices in the High Desert seem to be much lower than the other cities in the inland empire.
With data taken from Inland Empire cities such as Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Fontana compared to High Desert cities Victorville, Adelanto, Phelan, Hesperia, and Barstow; we found the High Desert on average is cheaper for gas. Based upon the data, it seems that the gas in the Inland Empire is .24 cents higher than the High Desert.
Cities such as San Bernardino, Riverside, Ontario, and Fontana are noticeably more metropolitan and developed compared to their High Desert counterparts. Many High Desert cities have existed for just as long, but they tend to be more spread out and less developed when it comes to shopping centers, entertainment, and pedestrian friendly infrastructure. This is relevant because the significant difference in the urbanization and commercial density plays a huge part in why gas prices are lower in the High Desert than in the Inland Empire. With the higher population of commercial businesses, shopping centers, entertainment venues, and walkable neighborhoods, these urban features bring in more traffic, more demand, and higher operating costs for businesses including gas stations.
In contrast, the High Desert cities have fewer shopping hubs, less pedestrian friendly infrastructure, and overall less demand in the area. This is the reason why gas stations may set their prices lower to attract drivers in less competitive and less densely populated markets. Additionally, with fewer upscale and tourist friendly attractions, the High Desert doesn’t experience the same pricing pressure as seen in busier metropolitan cities.
Based upon our findings, there is definitely a correlation between population size and gas prices. In more metropolitan, urban cities like those in the Inland Empire, gas prices are usually higher. It makes sense because more people equals more demand, and with that, businesses can charge more. The average gas price in San Bernardino and Riverside is about $4.69, while in Victorville and Hesperia it is $4.45.
It’s also worth mentioning that gas stations near freeways or major highways tend to have higher prices. It is convenient for travelers and commuters who are willing to pay a little extra for easy access, especially when they’re running low. In the High Desert, we’ve noticed another trend: gas prices go up in more affluent areas like Apple Valley or the parts of Hesperia closer to Apple Valley. In contrast, less developed or lower-income areas like Adelanto, downtown Victorville, or Phelan, prices are noticeably cheaper. It seems like income level and cost of living play a big role in how gas is priced. So it’s safe to say, stations are aware of who their customers are and adjust prices accordingly.
In conclusion, high desert city gas prices are lower because of the area’s slower pace, lower density population, and reduced commercial activity compared to the more urbanized Inland Empire cities.