Mapped: Where It Costs the Most to Own a Car in America
fliptop writes:
Buying a car is only the beginning. Every year afterward, drivers face a steady stream of expenses-from insurance and fuel to repairs and taxes-that can add up to thousands of dollars:
Using data from LendingTree, this map compares average annual car ownership costs across every U.S. state and Washington D.C., excluding car payments, revealing where those ongoing expenses place the biggest burden on drivers.
[...] Annual ownership costs range from roughly $3,000 in New Hampshire to more than $6,100 in Nevada, meaning two drivers with the same vehicle could face a difference of more than $3,000 every year based solely on where they live.
Seven of the 15 most expensive states are in the South, largely because of elevated insurance premiums. Florida and Louisiana rank near the top for insurance costs, while California stands out for high fuel prices and repair expenses rather than insurance alone.
[...] Transportation is one of the largest household expenses after housing, making recurring vehicle costs an important part of overall affordability. While consumers often focus on a car's purchase price or monthly payment, insurance, fuel, repairs, and taxes can add thousands of dollars each year, and those costs depend heavily on where they live.
That burden is especially significant in communities where driving is a necessity rather than a choice. Beyond commuting, vehicles are essential for work, school, childcare, and everyday errands, making recurring ownership costs difficult to avoid.
TL;DR - Highest is Nevada at $6.1k/year, lowest is New Hampshire at $3.0k/year. US average is $4.5k/year.
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