CHICAGO (CBS) — For drivers, it’s nerve-wracking: how much gas prices have jumped in days.

The average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded in the Chicago area Monday was $3.91, according to gasbuddy.com. That’s up 32 cents from a week ago.

The national average: $3.66

At one Lincoln Park BP, regular was going for $4.21 a gallon — one of the highest prices in the area.

It’s pushing a lot of drivers to pay for memberships at wholesale outlets like Costco, where Monday’s price was just $3.90 — 31 cents a gallon cheaper than some places.

When they zip back onto the street, drivers say they’re still searching for ways to burn less gas.

The drive to save has many shoppers trying plazas to buy clothes, office supplies, electronics, even groceries all in one place.

Kenya McNeil and her kids were power shopping at Evanston Center. She bought a TV at Best Buy and toys at Target.

“Never had to move the car at all. We walked,” McNeil said.

Commuter Mike Burns is stepping into more savings by walking wherever he can.

“I got new sneakers, so I’m going to be doing a lot of walking,” he said.

He takes the train and uses less gas doing that, too, by using a scooter.

He estimates he’ll save about $1,200 commuting that way this year, as long as the weather holds up.