Discover the Best and Worst States for Driving in 2025: How Does Yours Rank?

A recent study has unveiled the best and worst states in the U.S. for driving, highlighting key factors that affect driver experience. The findings may surprise many motorists.

WalletHub published its 2025 report, after analyzing all 50 states based on critical criteria. These criteria include cost of ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure quality, safety rankings, and accessibility to vehicles and maintenance services.

Financial Implications of Driving

According to Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, the expense of owning a car varies significantly depending on the state. He emphasized, “On top of having pricey gas, maintenance, and insurance expenses, some states can further dent your wallet due to severe traffic congestion, which wastes both fuel and productivity.” This highlights the importance of considering location when purchasing a vehicle.

The Best States for Driving

Lupo noted that the ideal states for driving typically have relatively low populations, an affordable cost of living, well-kept roads, and safe driving conditions. Here are the top five states recognized for their driver-friendly environments:

1. Hawaii
2. Washington
3. Montana
4. New Hampshire
5. Colorado

The Worst States for Driving

On the flip side, the analysis identified states that pose challenges for drivers. With high ownership costs and traffic issues, the following states were ranked as the worst:

1. Kansas
2. Idaho
3. Indiana
4. Iowa
5. Oklahoma

Kansas: A Driver’s Paradise

Kansas emerged as the top state for drivers in WalletHub’s study. The report highlights that Kansas boasts the third-best road quality in the nation. Well-maintained roads contribute significantly to reducing traffic accidents. The release states, “Keeping roads paved well probably isn’t too hard, given that Kansas is ‘flatter than a pancake.’” This flat geography aids in effortless maintenance and encourages safer driving.

Moreover, the report found Kansas has the lowest average commute time in the country, clocking in at just over 20 minutes. This implies that residents often live close to their workplaces, reducing the likelihood of traffic jams.

Hawaii: Challenges on the Road

Surprisingly, Hawaii ranked as the worst state for driving, primarily due to its high costs associated with car ownership and maintenance. The analysis revealed that Hawaii’s traffic and infrastructure ranked 41st, indicating significant congestion issues.

As consumers reflect on these findings, they may want to consider relocating or planning their travel routes based on these rankings. Awareness of the driving conditions in your state can impact not only your wallet but also your overall driving experience.

Looking Ahead: Driving in America

With insights from WalletHub, drivers can gain a better understanding of their state’s ranking and make informed decisions regarding vehicle ownership, travel, and commuting. The data serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to optimize their driving experience in 2025.