Take a look and see how much a gallon of gasoline cost in our Pine Tree State the year you started driving. Spoiler: it’s a bit depressing.

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The price of gasoline can be disheartening because it directly affects our daily expenses, from commuting to the cost of goods transported by trucks.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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Even small increases can add up, straining budgets over time.

Many people don't realize just how much gas prices can fluctuate, sometimes due to global events or supply issues. But regardless of the reason, gas prices are always on the move, and that’s something we have to adjust our spending around.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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So, while it may seem like prices haven't jumped dramatically, the cumulative effect can still hit Mainers hard.

Gas prices are all about perspective, right? If you’re, for example, in your 60s, you’ve seen prices change dramatically over the years, and today’s prices might feel high but not shocking. On the other hand, if you’re a teenager just starting to buy your own gas, these prices could seem expensive since you have no comparison.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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Think back to when you first got your license—it’s a feeling you’ll never forget, right?

Remember the thrill of getting your license for the first time? It’s a feeling you’ll never forget—the freedom, the privilege, and the sudden responsibility all rolled into one. That sense of excitement is something we all share, no matter our age.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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But how much did gasoline cost when you first got your license? Keep scrolling to find out!

LOOK: See how much gasoline cost the year you started driving

To find out more about how has the price of gas changed throughout the years, Stacker ran the numbers on the cost of a gallon of gasoline for each of the last 84 years. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in April 2020), we analyzed the average price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline from 1976 to 2020 along with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for unleaded regular gasoline from 1937 to 1976, including the absolute and inflation-adjusted prices for each year.

Read on to explore the cost of gas over time and rediscover just how much a gallon was when you first started driving.

Gallery Credit: Sophia Crisafulli

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