Alabama Named One of the Best States for Drivers in 2026 WalletHub Study
Alabama ranks as the 7th best state for drivers in the nation, according to a new study released by personal-finance website WalletHub, placing the state well above average in affordability, traffic conditions, and road quality.
The ranking comes as traffic congestion continues to drain both time and money from U.S. motorists. WalletHub estimates that congestion cost the average American driver $894 in 2025, driven by roughly 49 hours spent sitting in traffic. The United States also accounts for 10 of the world’s 25 most congested cities, underscoring the growing importance of location when it comes to driving conditions.
How the Study Was Conducted
WalletHub compared all 50 states across 31 key metrics to identify where drivers experience the most favorable conditions. The metrics ranged from:
- Average gas prices
- Rush-hour traffic congestion
- Road quality and infrastructure
- Auto-maintenance and ownership costs
- Vehicle theft rates
Alabama’s Performance at a Glance
(1 = Best; 25 = National Average)
Alabama performed strongly across several major categories, earning a Top 10 overall ranking:
- Overall Rank: 7th Best State for Drivers
- Rush-Hour Traffic Congestion: 10th
- Average Gas Prices: 7th
- Auto-Maintenance Costs: 11th
- Road Quality: 11th
- Car Theft Rate: 18th
- Car Dealerships per Capita: 24th
These results reflect relatively smooth commutes, affordable fuel prices, and well-maintained roads when compared to more urbanized states.
Why Alabama Ranks High
While congestion and road conditions remain concerns nationwide, driving experiences vary significantly by region. The World Economic Forum ranks the United States 17th out of 141 countries for road quality, but WalletHub analysts note that rural states with lower population density tend to outperform heavily urbanized areas.
“Owning a car can really squeeze your wallet if you’re not in the right location,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “On top of having pricey gas, maintenance and insurance expenses, some states can hurt you even more financially with excessive traffic congestion, which wastes both your fuel and your productivity.”
According to WalletHub, the best states to drive in typically feature:
- Smaller populations
- Lower cost of living
- Well-maintained roadways
- Safer driving conditions
Alabama’s strong showing aligns with those characteristics, particularly in fuel affordability, traffic flow, and infrastructure quality.
A Driver-Friendly State
With manageable congestion, competitive fuel costs, and solid road conditions, Alabama continues to stand out as a driver-friendly state in a time when transportation costs and delays are rising nationwide.
The complete 2026 Best & Worst States to Drive In study can be found online at:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-to-drive-in/43012
