Missourians Spending More on Gas Even Though It’s Cheaper Here?

I have never claimed to be a math genius, but I don't understand how this is possible. See if this makes sense to you. New data shows Missouri residents are spending more on gas than almost anywhere else in America even though the state has some of the least expensive gas. I'm perplexed.

Yahoo Finance just shared this study which has some conflicting data on the surface, but they make sense of it. Missouri ranks among the top 3 states in America for the amount of money that people spend on gas every year. The study also states that Missouri has some of the lowest gas prices per gallon in America, so what gives?

It's actually rather simple. Missouri residents are choosing to drive more than just about any state in America. Yes, Missouri has lower gas prices per gallon, but the people are driving more places and filling up with more gas. 

The average Missourian spends $2,279 on gasoline every year which only trails Wyoming and Indiana. Get this. Missouri has much lower gas prices than either Indiana or Wyoming, too. It's just weird petroleum math at work.

What's the takeaway? It would appear that Missourians are choosing to get out and drive places this summer more than other states where people are hammered with higher gas prices. It's like a loaf of bread only costing a couple dollars, but you're hungry so you buy 40 of them. Missouri logic at work.