Soaring gas prices could keep some Georgia residents closer to home over the 4th of July holiday weekend. According to AAA Georgia, the average statewide price for regular is $4.02 a gallon. The national average is $4.10 a gallon.

A year ago, the auto club said Georgia residents paid $2.86 a gallon for regular.

The statewide average for midgrade is $4.23 while premium costs $4.51 a gallon.

The highest metro averages were found in Atlanta and Athens where motorists pay, on average, $4.03 a gallon for regular. AAA said the cheapest prices - $3.96 a gallon - were found in Augusta and Columbus.