Costs of Maintaining a car in United States

Did you know that the cost of maintaining a car can vary significantly depending on the state and city where you live?

A study conducted by INRIX, an international vehicle and traffic data analysis firm, reveals the most important expenses drivers face when owning and maintaining a vehicle in the United States.

The True Cost of Driving

According to the study, drivers face both direct and indirect costs that add up to a substantial financial burden.

On average, drivers experienced a total annual cost of more than $10,000 in 2017, made up of:

Direct costs:

• Vehicle maintenance

• Fuel

• Insurance

• Parking

• Tolls

Indirect costs:

• Time lost in traffic

• Time spent searching for parking

• Carbon pollution

• Parking fines

• Overpayments

“The actual cost of driving was impressive, but what really surprised us was the size of the indirect costs,”
explained Graham Cookson, Chief Economist at INRIX.

“The actual cost of driving was impressive, but what really surprised us was the size of the indirect costs…

Parking: One of the Biggest Expenses

Parking alone represents nearly one-third of the total cost of vehicle ownership.

On average, drivers spend more than $3,000 per year on parking-related expenses.

The Most Expensive Cities to Maintain a Car

The study analyzed 30 major U.S. cities and found that:

• New York City is the most expensive city to maintain a car

  • Drivers park about 10 times per week

  • 60% of parking is paid

  • Average off-street parking costs around $28 for two hours

• California follows closely behind

  • Los Angeles and San Francisco rank second and third

  • High traffic congestion and parking challenges increase ownership costs

In these cities, the average driver spends more than $14,000 annually when accounting for parking, traffic delays, and overall car ownership costs.

Costs associated with vehicle ownership

 

 

What About Florida?

So, how does Florida compare?

In Florida, the average cost of maintaining a car is approximately $3,400 per year.

This figure does not include:

• Unexpected repairs when the check engine light turns on

• Fuel costs

While Florida is not among the most expensive states for car ownership, maintenance costs can still add up if vehicles are not properly cared for.

A Key Takeaway

Even though some cities are more expensive than others, one thing remains true everywhere:

The better you take care of your car, the less it will cost you over time.

Routine maintenance, early repairs, and proper care can significantly reduce long-term expenses and help avoid costly breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Maintenance Costs

✅ How much does it cost to maintain a car per year in the United States?
➡️ On average, car maintenance costs range between $3,000 and $10,000 per year, depending on location, vehicle type, and driving habits.

✅ What factors affect the cost of maintaining a car?
➡️ Key factors include city traffic, parking availability, insurance rates, fuel prices, vehicle age, driving frequency, and maintenance habits.

✅ Which U.S. cities are the most expensive for car ownership?
➡️ New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco rank among the most expensive due to parking fees, traffic congestion, and time lost on the road.

✅ Is Florida an affordable state for car maintenance?
➡️ Yes. Florida generally has lower parking costs and less congestion compared to major metropolitan cities, making it more affordable for vehicle ownership.

✅ What indirect costs should drivers consider?
➡️ Indirect costs include time spent in traffic, searching for parking, fines, and environmental costs, which often go unnoticed but add up quickly.

✅ How can I reduce my car maintenance costs?
➡️ Regular servicing, timely repairs, proper tire

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