Which States Have the Highest and Lowest Car Repair Bills?
Regular car maintenance and unexpected repairs can quietly drain your wallet, and depending on where you live, that could be a slow drip or a full-blown flood. From affordable havens to rich regions, here’s the cheapest and most expensive states when it comes to tune-ups.
Maine (Cheapest Overall)
Boasting the lowest total annual upkeep at around $2,253, Maine tops the affordability chart driven by the nation's cheapest car insurance and modest service costs. For drivers, that's calm roads and calm wallets - there’s fewer surprise bills and less financial fuzz.
New Hampshire (2nd Cheapest Overall)
At about $2,331 a year, New Hampshire’s low insurance rates are a key cost‐saver, though general maintenance and services align closely with its New England neighbor, Maine. Fewer taxes and regulatory fees also help trimmed prices, making it a smart spot for budget‑savvy car owners.
Virginia (3rd Cheapest Overall)
With annual bills around $2,432, Virginia ranks third in overall affordability. Its low insurance premiums combine with reasonable repair and maintenance costs to keep ownership prices down. Also, the state’s moderate vehicle tax burden helps, and with less winter wear‑and‑tear than northern states, the upkeep stays affordable.
Michigan (Most Expensive Overall)
At the top of the cost chart, Michigan drivers fork out around $4,664 annually - the highest in the nation! Sky‑high insurance (averaging $3,466 alone) and above‑average service costs drive the numbers. Harsh winters and urban congestion don’t help, either. In Michigan, car ownership isn’t just a ride - it’s an investment
Louisiana (2nd Most Expensive Overall)
Ringing in at about $3,850 per year, Louisiana holds the second spot for priciest car upkeep. High insurance costs ($2,608 average) are the primary culprit. Combined with hot‑weather maintenance issues like AC repairs and tire wear, the total bill adds up quickly, keeping ownership in Louisiana hot, humid, and expensive.
Rhode Island (Small State, Manageable Costs)
Despite its size, Rhode Island holds its own with repair and maintenance costs, averaging around $3,300 annually. Labor rates are fairly typical for the Northeast, but small-town garages sometimes offer better deals than you'd expect. Compact geography also means less wear from long commutes.
California (Most Expensive for Repairs Alone)
At an average of $411 per repair, California has the priciest fix-it bills in the country. That’s thanks to high labor rates and complex vehicle tech, especially in cities like LA and San Francisco. Emissions standards are strict, too, which can lead to extra diagnostics and part replacements.
Connecticut (2nd Most Expensive for Repairs Alone)
Connecticut drivers face an average $406 per repair, placing it second in repair costs. The state’s older infrastructure, harsh winters, and reliance on road salt can cause premature wear, especially on undercarriages and brake systems. Mix that with high labor rates, and your wallet might feel frostbitten before the snow hits.
Colorado (3rd Most Expensive for Repairs Alone)
At roughly $403 per repair, Colorado doesn’t give your mechanic discounts. High altitude, unpredictable weather, and mountain driving pushes vehicle components to their limit. Plus, salt and sand from winter roads speed up rust!
Ohio (Cheapest Repair Costs Overall)
Ohio ties for the cheapest average repair cost at $342 per job. With widespread availability of skilled mechanics, affordable parts, and less aggressive road wear, Buckeye drivers enjoy reliable vehicles without breaking the bank.
New York (Expensive Overall, High Labor Costs)
With an average annual maintenance of $3,620, New York drivers face some of the highest labor rates in the country. Urban congestion and strict inspections don’t help either. Parts prices aren’t the worst, but paying a mechanic in NYC is still expensive.
Massachusetts (High Cost, High Expectations)
In Massachusetts, annual vehicle costs land around $3,545, making it one of the pricier states to maintain a car. From icy winters to demanding emissions rules, Bay State drivers have their work cut out for them. Boston traffic also causes wear and tear.
Utah (Average Cost)
Utah sits in the middle of national repair costs, averaging about $3,245 per year. It may not break the bank, but it won’t win any prizes for affordability, either. The dry climate helps prevent rust, but elevation and off-road travel can stress drivetrains and brakes.
Texas (Higher Than You’d Think)
Everything’s bigger in Texas - including car repair bills. Average annual costs are around $3,530, thanks to long commutes, summer heat, and wildly varying terrain. AC systems are constantly tested in triple-digit heat, and big trucks need expensive upkeep.
South Dakota (Among the Cheapest Overall)
South Dakota drivers enjoy some of the lowest vehicle maintenance costs in the U.S., hovering near $3,185 per year. That’s due to shorter average commutes, fewer traffic snarls, and a low cost of living. Plus, parts and labor tend to be cheaper outside urban centers.
Alaska (Surprisingly Middle of the Road)
Alaska might be remote, but its average car maintenance cost is relatively moderate (around $3,240 per year). While icy roads and harsh winters increase wear and tear, the state’s lower labor rates help balance things out. The catch? Limited access to parts and mechanics in more rural areas.
Oregon (Expensive in the West)
Drivers in Oregon spend an average of $3,535 per year on car repairs and upkeep. The costs are driven up by relatively high labor rates and increasing traffic in urban areas like Portland. While the weather’s gentler on cars compared to snowier states, environmental regulations require more diligent maintenance.
Idaho (Mild on the Wallet)
Idaho clocks in with an average of $3,195 per year on car-related expenses. With generally good road conditions, minimal congestion, and affordable parts and labor, the Gem State is a decent place to be a driver. Rural distances may mean more mileage, but many residents offset that by handling simple repairs themselves.
Arizona (Hot Climate, Hot Costs)
Desert heat can be murder on batteries, tires, and AC systems, and that’s reflected in Arizona’s average annual cost of $3,535. Frequent dust storms and blazing summers push maintenance needs higher, even if labor and parts prices stay relatively fair.
Wisconsin (Weather Adds Wear)
With an annual average repair cost of $3,300, Wisconsin lands just above the national average. Harsh winters and salted roads eat into brake systems and undercarriages, pushing up maintenance needs. That said, local repair shops tend to keep labor affordable.
Missouri (Midwest Average, Not Bad)
Missouri drivers see an average of $3,175 per year in maintenance costs, keeping the state in a fairly affordable bracket. With balanced labor rates and accessible parts, most repairs don’t feel too punishing. Rural areas require more driving, but lower congestion helps ease the load.
Tennessee (Solid Value With a Southern Drawl)
Tennessee drivers enjoy relatively low car repair and maintenance costs, hovering about $3,150 per year. The state’s combination of moderate labor rates, affordable parts access, and a healthy mix of urban and rural service centers helps keep things budget-friendly.
Montana (Space Comes at a Cost)
With wide-open spaces come long drives, and that’s reflected in Montana’s average $3,450 yearly maintenance cost. Rural mechanics charge fairly, but getting parts to remote areas adds expense. The climate isn’t kind to rubber or metal, either.
Illinois (Big City Labor, Midwest Parts)
Illinois presents a mixed bag for car repair costs. Big-city prices in Chicago can drive up the bill, but smaller towns and suburbs help balance the average to a manageable $3,400 per year. Labor is on the higher side, but parts are easy to find thanks to robust supply chains and salvage networks.
Indiana (Budget-Friendly Fixes)
Indiana lands comfortably in the cheaper maintenance states, with $3,190 spent yearly on average. Lower labor rates and widely available auto parts help keep costs in check. Many residents also handle basic repairs themselves, which stretches that dollar further. Snowy winters do mean some salt-related maintenance, though.
Minnesota (Snow Means Spending)
Minnesota’s chilly climate also freezes your wallet! Road salt corrosion, battery failures, and tire wear from icy roads bump maintenance costs up to an average of $3,700 per year. Labor rates here are moderate, but frequent repairs caused by brutal winters mean bills add up quickly.
Georgia (Affordable and Efficient)
Georgia drivers enjoy relatively low repair costs, averaging $3,100 annually. Mild weather and a competitive repair market help keep prices down. Even in busier metro areas like Atlanta, parts and labor are reasonably priced.
North Carolina (Easy on the Wallet)
North Carolina lands in the affordable bracket with an average yearly cost of $3,150 for car repairs and maintenance. Mechanics are plentiful and parts are accessible, keeping turnaround times fast and prices fair. The temperate climate also means fewer wear-and-tear issues.
Alabama (Southern Charm, Low Cost)
With an average of $3,090 per year, Alabama drivers find car ownership costs to be pleasantly low. Simple systems like emissions testing don’t complicate things, and lower labor costs help too. While summer heat does a number on batteries and tires, overall repairs remain affordable.
Kansas (Affordable and Uncomplicated)
Kansas keeps things simple when it comes to car repairs - and that's a good thing for your wallet! With an average yearly maintenance cost hovering around $3,200, the Sunflower State provides a reasonable middle ground for vehicle upkeep. Labor rates are fair, and access to parts is rarely a problem.
Arkansas (Budget-Friendly in the Natural State)
Arkansas keeps repair bills manageable, averaging about $3,100 annually. With a lower cost of living and affordable labor rates, the state is a haven for drivers who don’t want their check engine light to come with a panic attack.
New Mexico (Low Labor, Mild Weather)
Thanks to its arid climate and lower labor costs, New Mexico drivers pay approximately $3,100 annually on car upkeep. The lack of corrosion from road salt is a bonus, especially on aging vehicles. Emissions testing in some counties can add a little to the bill, but generally, it’s smooth sailing.
Hawaii (Island Prices, Island Problems)
Hawaii’s tropical paradise comes at a steep automotive price - average maintenance costs hover near $3,900 per year. Shipping fees inflate the cost of parts, and labor rates are higher due to demand and limited options. Salt air also speeds up corrosion, especially on exhaust and brake components.
Nevada (Dry Roads, Dry Wallets)
Nevada lands on the cheaper end of the spectrum, with annual car repair costs averaging $3,000. The dry desert climate helps minimize rust, and simple emissions regulations streamline inspections. Las Vegas mechanics might charge a bit more than rural garages, but overall, Nevada drivers get a good deal.
Washington (Pricey But Predictable)
Drivers in Washington can expect average yearly costs of about $3,600, largely thanks to higher labor rates in cities like Seattle. That said, the Pacific Northwest’s milder climate reduces rust damage and extreme wear, which saves money long term. Independent shops are plentiful, though specialized repairs can get pricey.
