Texas proves best for drivers, with Corpus Christi topping national list.
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When it comes to hitting the open road, Texans have reason to celebrate. A new WalletHub study comparing the 100 largest U.S. cities ranked Corpus Christi, Texas, as the best city in America for drivers — and several other Lone Star cities weren’t far behind.
WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities using 30 factors across four categories: costs, traffic, safety and access to car services. The study looked at everything from gas prices and insurance rates to commute times, road quality, accident risks and how easy it is to find repair shops or gas stations. Each city earned a weighted score out of 100, revealing where it’s smooth sailing — and where driving is a daily grind.
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Corpus Christi Cruises to the Top
With a total score of 66.81, Corpus Christi outdrove every other U.S. city in the study.
Here’s why it ranked so well:
  •   Gas prices are among the lowest in the country, third overall.
  •   It has the lowest parking costs in the nation.
  •   Drivers spend less time stuck in traffic, tying for second place nationally in lowest annual congestion hours.
  •   The city’s bridges are the best maintained in the country, and road quality ranks a respectable 25th overall.
  •   Nearly 99% of residents wear seatbelts, and accident rates are more than 8% below the national average.
In short, for affordability, safety, and smooth sailing, Corpus Christi takes the crown.
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Other Texas Cities Scoring High
Texas dominated the rankings, with five cities landing in the top 20:
City | Overall Rank | Total Score
Corpus Christi | 1 | 66.81
Laredo | 5 | 63.51
Lubbock | 6 | 63.12
Plano | 8 | 62.61
Austin | 9 | 62.54
Even mid-tier Texas cities performed strongly:
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Arlington (No. 18) and Garland (No. 24) scored well in accessibility and safety.
San Antonio (No. 25) benefited from low gas prices, fourth in the nation.
Fort Worth (No. 27) and Irving (No. 29) also made the top 30.
Meanwhile, Houston (No. 66) and Dallas (No. 47) struggled more, largely due to congestion and high maintenance costs.
Texas Wins on Affordability
Texas drivers enjoy some of the lowest vehicle-related costs in America.
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Gas prices: Laredo, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Lubbock all made the national top five.
Auto maintenance costs: Laredo tied for first nationwide.
Auto repair shops: Garland ranked 5th in the country for most repair shops per capita.
Even with inflation pushing up prices elsewhere, Texas continues to offer a relatively affordable environment for drivers — something commuters and road trippers alike can appreciate.
While Texans are enjoying smoother rides, much of the U.S. is still stuck in traffic. On average, American drivers spend 369 hours a year behind the wheel — that’s more than 15 days annually — costing the average driver $771 each year in wasted time and fuel, WalletHub reports.
And although U.S. road quality ranks just 17th in the world, cities like Corpus Christi and Lubbock show how investment in local infrastructure can pay off.
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For Texans, driving isn’t just a necessity — it’s part of the culture. From the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle, the state’s cities are proving that when it comes to affordability, infrastructure and safety, the Lone Star State leads the way.
So next time you’re cruising through Corpus Christi or rolling down I-35 through Laredo, remember — you’re driving in some of the best conditions America has to offer.