With American drivers losing an average of $800 annually due to traffic congestion, WalletHub’s latest report has spotlighted the best and worst states for driving in 2025. New York, which earned an overall rank of 21st, fared better in safety metrics than affordability.
The study, which assessed all 50 states across 31 criteria, considered factors such as road quality, gas prices, and traffic congestion. New York excelled in categories like traffic fatality rates (2nd), car theft rates (7th), and the availability of auto-repair shops per capita (3rd). However, the Empire State struggled with high costs, ranking 39th for average gas prices and 42nd for auto-maintenance expenses.
Diana Polk, communications manager at WalletHub, highlighted the financial impact of car ownership, emphasizing the importance of location. “Some states can hurt you more financially with excessive traffic congestion, which wastes both your fuel and your productivity,” she noted.
The report identified Kansas as the top state for drivers, citing its exceptional road quality, low gas prices, and relatively short commute times. Expert Chip Lupo attributed the state’s success to its low incidence of aggressive driving and well-maintained roads.
Driving experts offered tips to minimize car ownership costs. Elizabeth Deakin of the University of California, Berkeley, advised buyers to opt for used cars with high-reliability ratings and shop around for insurance discounts. Meanwhile, Per Garder from the University of Maine recommended plug-in hybrids for their fuel efficiency and stressed the importance of defensive driving to save on fuel and insurance.
WalletHub analysts and transportation experts also discussed safety measures to reduce traffic fatalities, such as implementing stricter penalties for distracted driving and investing in infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
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