Traffic congestion is a common frustration for commuters across the United States. Long delays, wasted hours, and costly fuel are just some of the negative consequences of gridlock on the nation’s roadways.
According to the transportation company INRIX, certain cities in the U.S. bear the brunt of traffic congestion more than others.
INRIX’s Global Traffic Scorecard provides an in-depth look at which cities suffer the most from traffic, and the findings are eye-opening.
In this guide, we’ll explore the ten U.S. cities with the highest levels of congestion, the costs associated with the delays, and why these cities are especially prone to traffic jams.
1. Chicago, Illinois – The King of Congestion
Chicago, Illinois, tops the list of the most traffic-congested cities in the United States, and for good reason.
The Windy City suffers from a perfect storm of heavy traffic, urban sprawl, and limited alternatives to driving.
According to INRIX, Chicago drivers lost a staggering 155 hours in traffic in 2022 alone. This marks a significant increase in congestion compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Chicago is a city with a dense population, a booming economy, and a large number of tourists. All these factors contribute to the constant flow of cars on its roads.
A major issue is the outdated infrastructure that struggles to accommodate the volume of vehicles on the road.
Congestion peaks during rush hours, especially on the Dan Ryan Expressway, which serves as a critical artery for commuters.
Add to that the unpredictable weather conditions, and it’s clear why Chicago’s traffic ranks so high.
For drivers, this congestion costs about $869 annually in lost time, making it a major burden on both productivity and finances.
2. Boston, Massachusetts – Wicked Traffic Delays
Boston, with its historic charm and unique culture, might be a dream destination for tourists, but it’s a commuter’s nightmare.
Boston’s narrow streets, dense traffic, and frequent construction projects create an ideal environment for congestion. In fact, Boston ranks as the second most congested city in the U.S. according to INRIX’s data.
The traffic woes in Boston are largely attributed to its centuries-old infrastructure that wasn’t built to handle the current volume of traffic.
The city has many one-way streets and tight intersections, which exacerbate congestion. In addition, Boston’s public transportation system, while extensive, is not enough to meet the demands of the growing population.
3. New York City, New York – The Concrete Jungle’s Traffic Woes
It’s no surprise that New York City, the largest city in the United States, lands high on the list. Known for its skyline, bustling streets, and 24/7 energy, NYC’s traffic congestion is legendary.
In 2022, drivers in New York lost an average of 117 hours in traffic, which equates to nearly five full days of lost time. On top of this, congestion costs the city a jaw-dropping $10.2 billion annually.
New York City’s streets are often filled with a mix of commuters, tourists, and commercial vehicles, all fighting for space.
Add to that the constant construction projects and the reality of having one of the most complex road networks in the world, and it’s easy to see why traffic is such a problem.
The city’s reliance on subways and taxis does help, but with such a dense population, car traffic remains inevitable.
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The City of Brotherly Traffic
Philadelphia, known for its rich history and distinct charm, has become notorious for its traffic congestion.
The City of Brotherly Love ranks fourth on the list of U.S. cities with the worst traffic. Philadelphia has a mix of old streets designed for horse-drawn carriages and modern expressways, making for a chaotic driving experience.
Much like other cities with aging infrastructure, Philadelphia has struggled to keep up with the growing population and the increasing number of cars on the road.
With congested highways like I-95 and I-676, traffic can be particularly brutal during peak hours. As of 2022, Philadelphia drivers lost an average of 134 hours per year to congestion, resulting in an annual cost of $4.5 billion for the city.
The lack of efficient alternative routes further compounds the problem, making driving in Philadelphia an exercise in patience and frustration.
5. Miami, Florida – The Magic City’s Traffic Headache
Miami, often called the “Magic City” for its vibrant culture and growing skyline, has seen a steady increase in road congestion in recent years.
The city’s tropical climate and influx of tourists make it a hotspot for both residents and visitors. However, as the population has grown, so has the number of vehicles on the road, leading to significant traffic jams.
In 2022, Miami drivers lost 129 hours annually to traffic delays. This figure is 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a sharp rise in post-pandemic commuting.
Miami’s roads are often congested due to a combination of its layout, major events, and the large number of vehicles, including tourists and seasonal residents.
The cost of this traffic congestion is a burden for both local residents and the economy, with drivers losing an average of $1,500 annually.
6. Los Angeles, California – The City of Endless Traffic
Los Angeles is infamous for its traffic. With a sprawling metropolitan area and millions of residents, the City of Angels is a constant battleground for drivers.
The issue of traffic congestion in Los Angeles is exacerbated by the sheer size of the city, its dependence on cars, and a public transportation system that does not adequately serve the sprawling urban landscape.
In 2022, drivers in Los Angeles lost an average of 119 hours to traffic delays, with an annual congestion cost of around $1,601 per person.
The notorious 405 Freeway, a major thoroughfare in the city, is often jammed during peak hours, and traffic can stretch for miles.
While Los Angeles has made strides in improving its public transportation, the city remains largely car-dependent, making it prone to gridlock.
7. San Francisco, California – Golden Gate to Gridlock
San Francisco, known for its picturesque beauty and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, also has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country.
In 2022, San Francisco drivers lost 109 hours annually due to traffic delays, with the total cost of congestion amounting to $8.6 billion for the city.
San Francisco’s geography plays a significant role in its traffic struggles. With its hilly terrain and narrow streets, navigating the city by car can be particularly challenging.
Additionally, the city has a significant number of commuters who travel from neighboring areas like Oakland and the Peninsula, leading to major congestion on key routes.
While the city has an extensive public transit system, including buses, trams, and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), many residents still rely on cars to get around.
8. Washington, D.C. – The Nation’s Capital Conundrum
Washington, D.C., the U.S. capital, is home to some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks and a bustling political scene.
However, it is also notorious for its traffic. The District’s roads are often clogged with government employees, tourists, and commuters from nearby suburbs.
In fact, Washington, D.C. ranks eighth on the list, with drivers losing an average of 99 hours annually to traffic congestion.
The city’s streets, while historically significant, weren’t designed to accommodate modern traffic volumes. The heavy presence of federal offices and tourist destinations also exacerbates congestion.
In addition, with a growing population and limited public transportation options compared to other major cities, driving in Washington, D.C., is a daily struggle for many residents.
9. Houston, Texas – The Texas Traffic Jamboree
Houston, Texas, is known for its sprawling highways and sprawling urban landscape, but it’s also known for its significant traffic issues.
As one of the largest cities in the U.S., Houston suffers from constant gridlock, especially during rush hour.
In 2022, drivers in Houston spent an average of 100 hours in traffic, leading to a total congestion cost of $1,257 per person.
The city’s rapid growth has outpaced its infrastructure, and its freeway system, while extensive, is often insufficient to handle the heavy traffic.
Despite efforts to expand public transportation, Houston remains a car-dependent city, and the result is a constant battle for space on its roads.
10. Atlanta, Georgia – The Peach State’s Traffic Jam
Atlanta, Georgia, rounds out the top ten list of the most traffic-clogged cities in America. Known for its sprawling suburbs and dense road networks, Atlanta faces significant challenges when it comes to managing traffic.
The city’s reliance on highways, along with an increasing population, has created a situation where drivers regularly face long delays on the road.
In 2022, Atlanta drivers lost an average of 70 hours per year to traffic congestion, contributing to a total economic cost of $1.2 billion.
While Atlanta has made efforts to improve its public transit system, including expanding MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), the city remains heavily reliant on cars, and traffic continues to be a daily frustration for many.
Alicia Richards