Worst States To Drive In: See Where NJ Ranked

NEW JERSEY — From traffic jams to potholes to gas prices, driving can be a stressful and dangerous undertaking — and where you live plays a role in just how bad it can be, according to a new study.

Credit and financial website WalletHub recently released its list of best and worst states to drive in in 2025. To determine where each state ranked, researchers looked at 31 different indicators that contribute to a positive commute, including gas prices, rush-hour traffic congestion and road quality.

"Owning a car can really squeeze your wallet if you’re not in the right location," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a statement. "The best states to drive in are ones that are relatively rural, with smaller populations, a low cost of living, well-maintained roads and safe motorists."

New Jersey came in at No. 28 on this year's list. WalletHub also ranked the state in specific areas including cost of ownership and maintenance, safety, and traffic and infrastructure.

Here's how the Garden State ranked in each category:

• Cost Of Ownership & Maintenance: 30
• Traffic & Infrastructure: 48
• Safety: 5
• Access To Vehicles & Maintenance: 12

New Jersey also ranked among the worst states for rush hour traffic and congestion, where it came in at No. 43.

According to this year's list, Kansas is the best state to drive in, followed by Idaho, Indiana, Iowa and Oklahoma.

On the other hand, Hawaii is the worst state to drive in, followed by Washington, Montana, New Hampshire and Colorado.

See the full ranking at WalletHub.com.