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States Where It's Least Expensive to Own and Operate a Car

While owning a car is a significant expense no matter where you live, some states are far more affordable than others when it comes to the overall costs of ownership and operation. According to Forbes Advisor's in-depth analysis in their "The Most Expensive States For Car Ownership 2024" report, drivers in certain parts of the country can save substantially on expenses like insurance premiums, fuel, maintenance and more.

The data reveals that less densely populated states in the Midwest and Mountain regions tend to be the most wallet-friendly places for car owners. Factors like lower taxes, less traffic congestion, wide open road conditions, and relatively moderate weather patterns all contribute to reducing the annual costs associated with driving.

This report highlights the top 10 least expensive states for operating a vehicle in 2024 based on Forbes Advisor's comprehensive rankings. For budget-conscious consumers, we’ve compiled a list of the least-expensive states to own and operate a car. Let’s take a look!

New Hampshire

New Hampshire
  • Average Used Car Cost: $31,833
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,390           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $370.79
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.11

Forget sky-high car costs! New Hampshire reigns supreme as the most affordable state for car ownership. Here, you'll find used cars at a reasonable $31,833, and annual insurance that won't break the bank at $1,390 – the fifth lowest rates in the country.

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Ohio

Ohio
  • Average Used Car Cost: $32,267
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,434
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $353.76
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.16

While New Hampshire holds the crown, Ohio shines as a runner-up for affordable car ownership. Used car purchases are friendly at $32,267, and annual insurance premiums are some of the lowest in the country, averaging $1,434. Most notably, Ohio has the second-lowest car repair rates.

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Vermont

Vermont
  • Average Used Car Cost: $31,445
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,158           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $374.45
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.23

Vermont has the lowest car insurance rates in the country and the lowest average rate for used cars. Additionally, it does fairly well when it comes to repair costs. Its biggest weakness is the average cost of gas, and yet it still fares much better compared to many states.

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Indiana

Indiana
  • Average Used Car Cost: $32,936
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,627           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $364.76
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.12

Indiana has the 11th lowest car insurance rates in the country and the 7th lowest used car prices. Further, it has the seventh-lowest average repair costs. Ultimately, it’s weakest area is gas prices, and it still fares better than a majority of the country.

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Maine

Maine
  • Average Used Car Cost: $33,758
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,361
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $349.25
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.21

Maine has the lowest car repair rates in the entire country. Furthermore, it has one of the lowest car insurance rates. There’s a clear correlation between the cost of repairs and the lower insurance rates.

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin
  • Average Used Car Cost: $34,018
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,655
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $361.11
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.06

Wisconsin has among the best car insurance rates in the nation and pays a fairly low cost per gallon when it comes to gasoline. Nevertheless, it doesn’t offer the lowest used car prices.

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Hawaii

Hawaii
  • Average Used Car Cost: $32,381
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,369
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $381.23        
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $4.70

Although Hawaii suffers from the worst gas prices on average, there are plenty of other areas where it does better than states like California. Combined with its car repair costs and average used car prices, Hawaii offers among the best car insurance rates in the country – ranking as the fourth-best in that regard.

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts
  • Average Used Car Cost: $33,232
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,804
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $386.20
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.17

Massachusetts does not impress in terms of gas prices nor repair costs. However, you will find that insurance rates and average used car prices are somewhat more affordable compared top other states.

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Missouri

Missouri
  • Average Used Car Cost: $33,596
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $2,434
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $378.85
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $2.83

Missouri may not have the best car insurance rates, but you’ll find used car prices, car repairs and gas prices much more manageable compared to other places.

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Minnesota

Minnesota
  • Average Used Car Cost: $33,758
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $2,016
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $377.68
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $2.98

Minnesota has a somewhat low used car price compared to many states and lower car repair costs. Gasoline costs are fairly low compared to others but not by much. In the next few years, they may easily reach the $3 mark.

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Nebraska

Nebraska
  • Average Used Car Cost: $35,064
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,709           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $374.53
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $2.88

Nebraska has low gas prices, low repair costs and somewhat low car insurance rates, paying over $1,000 less than California. Still, it pays around the same price for used cars.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island
  • Average Used Car Cost: $32,789
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $2,080
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $386.93
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.12

Rhode Island has the fifth-lowest used car prices in the country. Its repair costs and gasoline prices are also pretty low but they could certainly be better.

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Iowa

Iowa
  • Average Used Car Cost: $35,750
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,559
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $359.96
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $2.92

Iowa’s advantages lie in its lower annual car insurance rates and average cost of car repair. Its average gas prices are under $3 which is also a plus.

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Mississippi

Mississippi
  • Average Used Car Cost: $34,130
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,917
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $394.03
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $2.80

Mississippi has an average gasoline cost of about $2.80 per gallon, tied with the state of Colorado as the fourth-lowest. Nonetheless, Mississippi pays more in car repairs and insurance than most of the previously mentioned states.

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Kansas

Kansas
  • Average Used Car Cost: $35,323
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $2,032
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $374.44
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $2.76

Kansas has among the best gas prices in the country. Additionally, car repairs and insurance rates are lower than many states. The average cost of a used car, however, keeps Kansas from ranking in the top 10 least expensive states for car ownership.

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West Virginia

West Virginia
  • Average Used Car Cost: $33,761
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,942
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $383.48
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.16

West Virginia ranks between Alaska and Alabama when it comes to insurance rates. Its repair costs rank between Arkansas and Pennsylvania. They aren’t the best, but they aren’t the worst either.

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Michigan

Michigan
  • Average Used Car Cost: $33,597
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $2,372           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $356.29        
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.25

Michigan has some of the lowest car repair costs and used car prices, but at the same time you are paying a bit more for gas and a bit more for insurance. There’s definitely a trade-off to some extent.

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Virginia

Virginia
  • Average Used Car Cost: $33,724
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,755           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $401.17        
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.15

Virginia residents are paying somewhat high gas prices, but worse yet, residents are experiencing some painful repair costs. The upside to this is that Its car insurance rates and used car prices are among the lowest in the nation.

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Tennessee

Tennessee
  • Average Used Car Cost: $34,658
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,843           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $399.11        
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $2.93

Tennessee has among the lowest gas prices in the nation and some of the lowest car insurance rates. Sadly, you’ll be paying more for a used car there and more in repairs too.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania
  • Average Used Car Cost: $33,097
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $2,353
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $384.33
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.50

Pennsylvania suffers from a high average cost of gasoline, high insurance rates and somewhat high repair costs. Luckily, the average cost of a used car remains somewhat low, giving its residents some relief in that regard.

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Alabama

Alabama
  • Average Used Car Cost: $34,206
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,975
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $399.33
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $2.94

Alabama’s insurance rate just misses the $2K mark and the cost of car repair is almost $400. Neither of these statistics are great. Its strengths lie in its lower gas prices and moderate used car prices.

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Idaho

Idaho
  • Average Used Car Cost: $37,092
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,246           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $389.05        
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $2.95

Idaho has the second-lowest average car insurance rate in the United States. Its gas prices are also somewhat low. Unfortunately, the state suffers from a higher average cost for used cars, making obtaining a vehicle more difficult for families.

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North Carolina

North Carolina
  • Average Used Car Cost: $34,725
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $1,470           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $402.61        
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.10

North Carolina does not impress when it comes to car repair costs and gasoline costs, making maintenance a potential pain in the you-know-what. Luckily, insurance rates are among the lowest in the country.

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Kentucky

Kentucky
  • Average Used Car Cost: $34,176
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $2,496           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $384.76        
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $2.95

Kentucky ranks among the least expensive for car ownership, in part because of its average gas cost, but also for its fairly low repair costs. While not the highest by any means, buying a used car in the state and getting insurance for that car, is still pretty expensive.

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Delaware

Delaware
  • Average Used Car Cost: $32,924
  • Annual Car Insurance Rate: $2,405           
  • Average Cost of Car Repair: $390.89        
  • Average Cost of Regular Gasoline: $3.36

The cost of owning and operating a car in Delaware is moderately high in most regards, but it does have an average used car cost that is somewhat lower compared to the rest of the country, which is why the state just makes the list of least expensive states for car ownership.

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