WalletHub’s annual “Best & Worst States to Drive In” found Kansas to be the best and Hawaii the worst.

WalletHub compared all 50 states across 31 key indicators of a positive commute, including cost of ownership/maintenance, access to vehicles and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure, and safety based on average gas prices, insurance rates, rush-hour traffic congestion, road quality, and more.

“Owning a car can really squeeze your wallet if you’re not in the right location,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst, in the report. “On top of having pricey gas, maintenance, and insurance expenses, some states can hurt you even more financially with excessive traffic congestion, which wastes both your fuel and your productivity. The best states to drive in are ones that are relatively rural, with smaller populations, a low cost of living, well-maintained roads, and safe motorists.”

Top 3 Best States for Drivers

Kansas is the best state for drivers, mostly due to the quality and safety of its roads, according to WalletHub.

WalletHub says Kansas has the third-best road quality, which is an essential factor in minimizing crashes.

The state also ranked the sixth-lowest in speeding prevalence, aggressive acceleration, or braking harshly.

Kansas is also a relatively cheap state for owning a car, with the 12th-lowest average gas prices in the country and the 10th-lowest auto maintenance costs. It has the fifth-lowest miscellaneous vehicle operating costs including damage due to badly-maintained roads and lost time and fuel due to congestion.

Idaho is the second-best state to drive in, partially due to its success in decreasing deaths on the road, WalletHub wrote.

Between 2021 and 2022 (the most recent years for which data is available), the state’s traffic fatality rate decreased by nearly 20%, the highest percentage in the country. Idaho also has very low crime rates, with the fewest larcenies and the fourth-fewest motor vehicle thefts per capita, according to WalletHub.

Idaho ranks fifth-lowest in the prevalence of speeding and fourth-lowest in harsh braking.

“Combined with well-maintained roadways, this helps reduce the danger of accidents,” the report states. “But if you do get into a crash in Idaho, you’ll be happy to know that only 6.2% of drivers are uninsured, the second-lowest percentage in the country.”

The state also has the fifth-lowest average car insurance rate and the sixth-lowest auto maintenance costs. Miscellaneous vehicle operating costs in the state are the fourth-lowest.

Indiana is the third-best state to drive in with the second-best road quality, and the ninth-lowest traffic congestion in the country. It also holds the fourth-strictest driving laws.

“These factors have helped improve driving conditions in the state, with traffic fatalities declining by nearly 17% between 2021 and 2022, the third-highest percentage,” the report states. “Indiana helps drivers keep their expenses low, with the seventh-lowest average car insurance rate, the 15th-lowest auto maintenance costs, and the second-lowest miscellaneous vehicle operating costs.”

The Worst States for Drivers

Hawaii, coming in last, is the worst state for drivers, according to WalletHub. Coming in at No. 49 is Washington, and one spot ahead, Montana.

Cost of ownership/maintenance

• • Hawaii — No. 49
  • Washington — No. 48
  • Montana — No. 46

Traffic and infrastructure

• • Hawaii — No. 41
  • Washington — No. 36
  • Montana — No. 2

Safety

• • Hawaii — No. 15
  • Washington — No. 29
  • Montana — No. 48

Access to vehicles and maintenance

• • Hawaii — No. 43
  • Washington — No. 13
  • Montana — No. 44

To view the complete rankings of all states, click here.

WalletHub also compiled a Q&A from five researchers:

What tips do you have for a person looking to keep the costs of car ownership low?

Elizabeth Deakin, City and Regional Planning and Urban Design professor emerita at the University of California, Berkeley:

“1) Buy a used vehicle. Cars typically lose at least 20% of their value in the first year and 40%-50% after three years. A good used car can be a good deal. 2) To keep maintenance costs down, look for a car with a high-reliability rating — this information is readily available. 3) Shop around for car insurance, take advantage of discounts if you’re eligible (e.g., for a safe driver record or for low miles driven), and consider a higher deductible.”

How can states reduce the number of traffic fatalities?

Robert Cervero, City and Regional Planning professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley:

“Open up the marketplace to more automated vehicles — particularly with level-4 systems (e.g., adaptive cruise control, automated steering, etc.). Enforce and steepen driving penalties, particularly concerning distracted driving. Build more dedicated and protected infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, e.g., cycle tracks. Install more CCTV and surveillance systems to monitor traffic conditions and impose infractions on those who violate traffic rules.”

Wes Kumfer, UNC Highway Safety Research Center engineering research associate:

“One of the best steps state transportation agencies can take to reduce traffic fatalities is to implement speed management techniques. Speed management can involve lowering speed limits, designing new roadways that better guide drivers to drive at safe and appropriate speeds, and installing traffic calming or other infrastructure improvements that can slow vehicles down, like roundabouts.”

What are your predictions for the automotive industry? Will home-based work and online shopping lead to a decline in car ownership?

Per Garder, professor emeritus at the University of Maine, Orono:

“I believe that people in big cities may be less inclined to own vehicles in the future. Already, many rent cars or use rideshare services such as Uber when they cannot walk, ride a bike, or use public transportation. But most Americans will want the convenience of having a vehicle at their disposal at any time, parked right by their front door or in an attached garage. And, a garage will be an even more attractive feature when we transition to electric cars so you can charge it safely and conveniently.”

Daniel J. Findley, Institute for Transportation Research and Education associate director and Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering adjunct assistant professor at North Carolina State University:

“Car ownership has continued to increase in the past few years, so I do not expect any substantial changes in that trend in the near term. However, I think the availability of more transportation options (biking, walking, and public transit) along with growing urban populations will affect car ownership and the miles that people drive.”

A full list of answers from the experts is available here.

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