With Americans losing an average of $733 per year due to time spent in traffic, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2024’s Best & Worst Cities to Drive in, as well as expert commentary, to determine where people can enjoy the cheapest, smoothest and safest driving experience.
WalletHub compared the 100 largest cities across 30 key metrics. The data set ranges from average gas prices to annual hours in traffic congestion per auto commuter to the likelihood of accidents.
| Best Cities for Driving | Worst Cities for Driving |
| 1. Raleigh, NC | 91. San Jose, CA |
| 2. Boise, ID | 92. Seattle, WA |
| 3. Corpus Christi, TX | 93. Washington, DC |
| 4. Greensboro, NC | 94. New York, NY |
| 5. Jacksonville, FL | 95. Chicago, IL |
| 6. Orlando, FL | 96. Detroit, MI |
| 7. Scottsdale, AZ | 97. Los Angeles, CA |
| 8. Wichita, KS | 98. San Francisco, CA |
| 9. Tampa, FL | 99. Philadelphia, PA |
| 10. Plano, TX | 100. Oakland, CA |
Charlotte, NC was ranked 31st, slight above average for drivers. But Charlotte’s traffic and infrastructure ranking was 58th.
Best vs. Worst
- Boise, Idaho, has the lowest traffic fatality rate (per 100,000 residents), 21.2 times lower than Memphis, Tennessee, the city with the highest.
- Gilbert, Arizona, has the fewest car thefts (per 1,000 residents), 33.6 times fewer than in St. Louis, Missouri, the city with the most.
- Anaheim, California, has the lowest average parking rate, 50.5 times lower than Boston, Massachusetts, the city with the highest.
To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-to-drive-in/13964
