Automoblog
1 / 210 states with the highest cost of car ownership
The study utilized data reflecting the major costs of owning a car for each state and crunched the numbers to create a Car Ownership Cost Score. This proprietary score is based on a 100-point scale, with the most expensive states to own a car earning the highest numbers. Researchers found that Connecticut is the most expensive state for car owners, with a score of 87.3.
In the section below, you'll find a breakdown of the cost scores for Connecticut and the rest of the 10 most expensive states to own a car. We've also provided more detailed information about individual costs.
#1 Connecticut: 87.3
Insurance: 91.3
Property Tax: 94.1
Auto Repair: 93.0
Gas: 72.9
Connecticut drivers pay more to own a car than drivers in any other state. The state isn't ranked first in any single cost category, but its consistent position near the top in almost every one results in an overall expensive car ownership experience.
For example, the 2.15% Connecticut car owners pay in property taxes each year is 99.1% higher than the national average and the third-highest rate in the country. Car insurance in Connecticut is also among the priciest. Drivers in the Constitution State pay an average of $1,503 per year just for a minimum coverage policy and a whopping $2,999 per year for full coverage.
#2 California: 83.2
Insurance: 73.8
Property Tax: 68.4
Auto Repair: 100.0
Gas: 94.6
While insurance costs and auto property taxes for California car owners sit near the middle of the pack, drivers get hit hard when it comes to car repairs and gas costs. The Golden State is first in the country in auto repair costs, with the average cost of repairs 8.1% higher than the national average. It's also the second-most expensive state to fill up your tank.
#3 Michigan: 81.5
Insurance: 100.0
Property Tax: 81.8
Auto Repair: 64.8
Gas: 68.9
Car insurance is the main reason Michigan lands at number three on the list. Car owners in The Great Lakes State pay more than anyone else to insure their vehicles, with the average cost of a full coverage policy at an astonishing $3,785 per year. Property taxes are also higher in Michigan than in most states at 1.48%. These high rates are enough to offset the relatively affordable auto repair and gas costs in the state.
#4 Hawaii: 80.6
Insurance: 71.1
Property Tax: 60.0
Auto Repair: 93.7
Gas: 100.0
At just 0.29%, Hawaii has the lowest property tax rate in the country. But that's not enough to keep The Aloha State from ranking as the fourth most expensive state to own a car. Hawaii is the most expensive state to buy gasoline, where it costs 35.1% more to fuel up than the national average. Drivers also pay more than in most parts of the country to have their cars repaired, as Hawaii has the seventh-highest average repair cost in the nation.
#5 North Carolina: 80.5
Insurance: 78.2
Property Tax: 69.4
Auto Repair: 93.7
Gas: 82.1
While property taxes are lower than average in The Tar Heel State, costs are relatively high in every other category. At $1,015 per month for minimum coverage and $2,149 per month for full coverage, the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is 34% higher than the average for the country. But it's the cost of gas and auto repairs that really gives North Carolina drivers the blues. Car owners pay 14.1% and 5.1% more than the national average for each, respectively.
