A recent study revealed which states in America are the most effective and worst places to drive in, and the highest spot may (or may not) surprise you.
WalletHub released its 2025 report after conducting research across all 50 states.
States were ranked in key dimensions: cost of ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure rank, safety rank, plus access to vehicles and maintenance rank.
Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said that owning a automotive might be expensive when you’re not in the correct location.
“On top of getting pricey gas, maintenance and insurance expenses, some states can hurt you much more financially with excessive traffic congestion, which wastes each your fuel and your productivity,” Lupo said in a press release.
Lupo added, “One of the best states to drive in are ones which can be relatively rural, with smaller populations, a low price of living, well-maintained roads and protected motorists.”
See where your own home state ranked on the list.

Worst states to drive within the US
5. Colorado
4. Latest Hampshire
3. Montana
2. Washington
1. Hawaii
Hawaii was ranked because the worst state to drive in, in response to the WalletHub study.
The Aloha State ranked the very best for the fee of automotive ownership and maintenance.
For traffic and infrastructure, the state got here in forty first place.
Best states to drive within the US
5. Oklahoma
4. Iowa
3. Indiana
2. Idaho
1. Kansas
Kansas took the highest spot as the most effective state for drivers.
The discharge said, “Kansas has the third-best road quality within the U.S., and well-maintained motorways are essential for minimizing crashes.”
It also noted, “Keeping roads paved well probably isn’t too hard, though, provided that Kansas is ‘flatter than a pancake.’”
The midwest state was noted for its low prevalence of speeding and lowest average commute time by automotive, at just over 20 minutes, Wallethub reported.
“That means that while the population could also be opened up, people are inclined to live near their jobs and don’t get stuck in traffic often,” said the discharge.