Plano drivers are getting some good news. WalletHub’s 2025 report on the best and worst cities to drive in ranked Plano 8th overall among the nation’s 100 largest cities, making it one of the most driver-friendly places in the country.
Why This Matters
The vast majority of Americans rely on cars to get around. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that 87% of daily trips take place in personal vehicles. But while driving is convenient, it comes with challenges — drivers spend an average of 369 hours, or 15.4 days per year, behind the wheel. That translates into about $771 annually in wasted time and fuel due to traffic congestion.
Road quality is another important factor. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates hundreds of billions of dollars are needed to repair U.S. highways and bridges. Globally, the World Economic Forum ranks U.S. roads just 17th out of 141 developed nations.
Plano’s 2025 Rankings
WalletHub compared cities based on 30 key metrics, ranging from commute times and average gas prices to car theft rates and the availability of auto-repair shops. Plano stood out in several categories:
- Overall Rank: 8th
- Rate of Car Thefts: 7th
- Average Gas Prices: 7th
- Auto-Repair Shops per Capita: 32nd
- Share of Uninsured Drivers: 40th
- Roadway Miles per Capita: 36th
“Car prices have gone up significantly over the past few years, and gas remains expensive going into the summer travel season,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in an official statement. “Living in one of the best cities to drive in can make owning and maintaining a car much cheaper. However, costs aren’t the only factors that matter; the best cities for drivers also minimize commute times and traffic congestion, have accident rates well below the national average and keep their roads in good condition.”
How Plano Has Performed Over Time
This isn’t the first time Plano has earned a top spot. In 2024, the city ranked 10th overall, with especially strong marks for its low rate of car thefts (13th), plentiful repair shops (28th) and relatively affordable gas prices (15th).
Just a few years ago, Plano was even higher on the list. In 2022, it claimed the 2nd spot nationwide. By 2023, it had slipped to 4th before landing in 8th this year…