Buying a car? You may want to consider how much that purchase will cost you in the long run. Luckily, Bankrate recently summarized the costs that a car owner can expect to pay each year, listing the average prices for all 50 states.
According the Bankrate.com, Wyoming ranks in as the most expensive state to own a car (or more likely, a truck). Drivers in the Cowboy State spend an average of $2,705 per year on gas, insurance and repairs… but mostly gas. Not surprising, considering the sky-high gas prices and popular mode of transportation: a solid, full size pickup.
The southern states of Louisiana, Florida and Mississippi are the next priciest places to be a car owner. Not only do southerners love to drive gas guzzlers, but drivers in these states also fork out more cash for insurance costs.
New Jersey joins the South as one of the most expensive places to own a car thanks to a killer combo of high repair costs and high insurance costs, while paying some of the least amount of money for gas each year. (Guess you can save quite a bit on gas when you’re car’s always in the repair shop).
Meanwhile, Iowa, Ohio and Illinois drivers will be happy to know that these Midwestern states are the least expensive places to own a car. A car owner can expect to pay less than $2,000 per year in this region, making it the most affordable part of the country to drive. These lucky drivers benefit from low repair costs, as well as extremely low gas and insurance costs.
To see the full list of average car owner costs by state, see the full article here: