Austin, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Austin, Texas, has been ranked 9th in WalletHub’s analysis of driver-friendly cities in the U.S. The city excelled in vehicle ownership and maintenance costs while also ranking commendably in traffic and infrastructure. Despite spending more than 369 hours annually on the road, Austin is noted for its favorable driving conditions, representing a significant accomplishment amidst ongoing traffic challenges. Other Texas cities, such as Corpus Christi and Laredo, also scored high, further establishing Texas as a state supporting effective driving environments.
Austin, Texas Named 9th Most Driver-Friendly City in U.S. for 2025
Austin, Texas, has been recognized as the 9th most driver-friendly city in the United States in WalletHub’s annual report for 2025. The report assessed 100 of the largest U.S. cities based on “driver friendliness” through a comprehensive analysis of 30 metrics across four main categories: vehicle ownership and maintenance costs, traffic and infrastructure, safety, and accessibility.
The findings place Austin notably high in two critical areas: vehicle ownership and maintenance costs, where it ranks 15th in the nation, and traffic and infrastructure, assessed as 19th best. The report indicates that average insurance premiums, maintenance costs, and gas prices significantly influenced Austin’s ranking in ownership costs. The assessment of traffic and infrastructure factors in the quality of roads and average commute times, essential considerations for any driver.
While Austin’s performance is commendable, Corpus Christi, Texas, topped the list as the best city for driving in 2025. Other Texas cities that made it to the top 10 include Laredo at 5th, Lubbock at 6th, and Plano at 8th. These cities collectively showcase Texas as a state with favorable driving conditions.
In Austin, drivers are estimated to spend over 369 hours on the road each year, which translates to roughly 15.4 days. This extensive time spent driving generates an estimated financial impact of approximately $771 per driver due to congestion. These factors underscore challenges despite the city’s high ranking, emphasizing the need for improvements in traffic management.
Other notable rankings for Texas cities include Arlington at 18th, Garland at 24th, San Antonio at 25th, Fort Worth at 27th, Irving at 29th, El Paso at 30th, and Dallas at 47th. The report highlights Garland’s significant presence of auto-repair shops, noting that it has the 5th-most auto-repair shops per capita in the nation. In terms of fuel costs, Laredo stands out for having the lowest average gas prices in Texas. On the contrary, Houston was ranked the lowest among Texas cities, landing at 66th overall in the WalletHub report.
As per data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 87% of daily travel in the U.S. is done in personal vehicles, making the quality of cities’ driving environments increasingly significant. With cities like Austin fostering driver-friendly conditions, it illustrates the ongoing evolution of urban planning and transportation policies aimed at improving the experience for millions of drivers nationwide.
Conclusion
The WalletHub report highlights the significance of evaluating driver friendliness, which is a crucial factor for residents and policymakers alike as cities continue to grow and evolve. Austin’s recognition as a leading driver-friendly city in 2025 serves as both an achievement and a challenge—encouraging ongoing efforts to enhance the driving experience while managing congestion and infrastructure.
FAQ
- What rank did Austin receive as a driver-friendly city in the WalletHub report for 2025? Austin was ranked 9th in WalletHub’s list of best U.S. cities for drivers in 2025.
- What factors were considered in determining Austin’s ranking? The report analyzed 30 metrics across four dimensions: ownership and maintenance costs, traffic and infrastructure, safety, and accessibility.
- Which city was ranked as the best for driving in 2025? Corpus Christi, Texas, was ranked as the top city for driving in 2025.
- Where does Austin rank in vehicle ownership and maintenance costs? Austin has the 15th best vehicle ownership and maintenance costs in the nation.
- How much time do drivers in Austin spend on the road each year? Drivers in Austin reportedly spend over 369 hours on the road each year.
- What is the financial impact of traffic congestion per driver in Austin? The financial implication of traffic congestion in Austin amounts to approximately $771 per driver.
Key Features of WalletHub’s Driver-Friendly Ranking in 2025
| Ranking | City | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corpus Christi, TX | Best Overall for Driving |
| 5 | Laredo, TX | Lowest Average Gas Prices |
| 6 | Lubbock, TX | – |
| 8 | Plano, TX | – |
| 9 | Austin, TX | 19th in Traffic and Infrastructure, 15th in Vehicle Costs |
| 24 | Garland, TX | 5th Most Auto-Repair Shops Per Capita |
| 66 | Houston, TX | Lowest-ranking in Texas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CultureMap Austin: Austin 9th Best Cities for Driving
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- KIMT: Austin Traffic Update
- Google Search: Austin Traffic 2025
- KTTC: I-90 Detour Details
- Google Scholar: Austin Traffic Infrastructure
- KXAN: Traffic Alert in Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Traffic
- Albert Lea Tribune: I-90 Detours Planned
- Google News: Austin Driving Conditions
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
