{"id":19269,"date":"2026-03-17T09:57:23","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T15:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greasemonkey.com\/?p=19269"},"modified":"2026-03-17T09:57:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T15:57:24","slug":"the-most-expensive-u-s-states-to-own-a-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greasemonkey.com\/car-tips\/the-most-expensive-u-s-states-to-own-a-car\/","title":{"rendered":"The Most Expensive U.S. States to Own a Car"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

America runs on wheels. Much of the country\u2019s infrastructure prioritizes vehicle use, making driving essential for accessing economic, social, and recreational opportunities nationwide. The vast majority of Americans consider car ownership a necessity for daily life. According to the Pew Research Center, 78% of workers<\/a> aged 16 and older drive a vehicle to get to work, and only 1 in 10 Americans rarely or never drive a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While cars provide access, they also impose a financial burden that continues to deepen. As of 2025, the average cost of a new car<\/a> has surpassed $50,000, and since January 2020, the cost of owning a car<\/a> has risen a tire-screeching 40.59%. As with most car cost statistics, these figures vary substantially across states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help determine which states are the most and least expensive for car ownership, the team at Grease Monkey<\/a> has conducted an original, data-driven study. This research includes datasets on average car payments, insurance rates, used-car prices, and more, providing a clear view of car ownership costs by region. You can read the full methodology below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Is the Most Expensive State to Own a Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to our multi-factor index, California ranks as the most expensive state to own a car. Why is car ownership so expensive in California? Several key factors contribute to the high costs of car ownership in California, particularly maintenance costs. The state has the highest car repair premiums, which are 12.17% above the national average. Additionally, California has the second-highest mechanic labor rates and the third-highest costs associated with road conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other factors that increase car ownership costs in California include high gas prices, substantial average monthly car payments, and significant registration fees based on vehicle value. The sales tax on vehicle purchases also adds to the overall cost. California is also among the ten states with the highest car insurance rates, further solidifying its reputation as the most expensive state for vehicle ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the Least Expensive State to Own a Car?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vermont is the least expensive state to own a vehicle, scoring nearly 50 points lower than California. The Green Mountain State offers the lowest used-car prices, the third-lowest car insurance rates, the third-lowest car-repair premiums, and relatively low registration fees and sales taxes. Additionally, there are no vehicle property taxes, which further reduces annual car ownership costs. A Kelley Blue Book study found that Vermont scored 81.3 out of 100 for car-ownership affordability<\/a>, the best in the nation and nearly eight points higher than the second-most affordable state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why It Matters to Grease Monkey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the largest independent franchiser of automotive oil change centers in the nation, Grease Monkey has been dedicated to providing fast, affordable, and high-quality vehicle maintenance services<\/a> since 1978. As we continue to expand, we recognize our responsibility to understand and provide value to our community. By providing original research on state-level costs of car ownership, we hope to spark discussion, raise awareness, and help readers make more informed transportation decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, regardless of where you live in the United States, there are ways to reduce costs associated with car ownership. Regular oil changes are one of the most essential maintenance tasks for protecting a vehicle\u2019s longevity and performance; they not only keep the engine healthy but can also improve fuel economy. If there is a Grease Monkey location near you<\/a>, be sure to check out our easily accessible coupons. Here are some additional resources from trusted sources on how to reduce car costs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n