Birmingham, Alabama, October 14, 2025
News Summary
A new WalletHub study ranks Birmingham, Alabama as the 7th best city for driver-friendliness among 100 cities, highlighting its affordability and ample auto-repair services despite challenges in road safety. Birmingham excels with the highest number of auto-repair shops per capita and 4th lowest vehicle ownership costs, making it an appealing choice for drivers. However, it faces a notable challenge with an 85th place ranking in road safety. The study showcases the city’s strong infrastructure and low traffic congestion, contributing to its favorable driving conditions.
Birmingham, Alabama Ranks 7th Best City to Drive in the U.S.
Birmingham, Alabama has been ranked 7th out of 100 cities for driver-friendliness in a new WalletHub study, highlighting its convenience and affordability compared to other major U.S. cities.
The study evaluated cities based on 30 key metrics related to driving conditions, including average gas prices, traffic congestion, and the number of auto-repair shops per capita. Birmingham boasts the highest number of auto-repair shops per capita in the U.S., underscoring its reliability for drivers in need of vehicle maintenance.
In addition to its abundance of auto-repair establishments, Birmingham has the fourth-lowest average cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle, making it an attractive option for current and potential vehicle owners. The study also ranked Birmingham 11th in terms of low traffic congestion and strong road infrastructure, further solidifying its favorable driving conditions.
However, Birmingham’s standing is somewhat affected by its 85th place ranking in road safety, indicating that there are areas for improvement in ensuring safe driving environments within the city. Despite this concern, Birmingham remains the only city in Alabama to be included in this comprehensive WalletHub report.
The WalletHub study emphasizes Birmingham’s leading position among U.S. cities for driving convenience and affordability. In contrast, Corpus Christi, Texas was recognized as the best city to drive in, primarily due to its low costs. Corpus Christi ranks third in affordable gas prices and ties for seventh for newly purchased vehicles.
The data reveals that drivers in Corpus Christi enjoy the fourth-lowest average commute time and also maintain a 99% seatbelt usage rate, contributing significantly to the city’s favorable standing for driving.
The complete rankings from the study are as follows:
- 1. Corpus Christi, TX
- 2. Greensboro, NC
- 3. Boise, ID
- 4. Scottsdale, AZ
- 5. Laredo, TX
- 6. Lubbock, TX
- 7. Birmingham, AL
- 8. Plano, TX
- 9. Austin, TX
- 10. Winston-Salem, NC
- 100. Philadelphia, PA (ranked as the worst city to drive in)
Other cities near the bottom of the list include Oakland, Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. According to WalletHub, the results underscore the importance of safe and efficient infrastructure for driving conditions across the country.
FAQ
What is Birmingham’s ranking in the WalletHub study?
Birmingham, Alabama has been ranked 7th out of 100 cities for driver-friendliness in a new WalletHub study.
What metrics were used to evaluate the cities?
The study evaluated cities based on 30 key metrics related to driving conditions, including average gas prices, traffic congestion, and the number of auto-repair shops per capita.
How does Birmingham stand out in terms of auto-repair shops?
Birmingham boasts the highest number of auto-repair shops per capita in the U.S.
What is Birmingham’s ranking in road safety?
Birmingham ranks 85th in road safety, which affects its overall standing.
How does Birmingham’s average cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle compare?
Birmingham has the fourth-lowest average cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle.
Which city was ranked as the best city to drive in?
Corpus Christi, Texas was ranked as the best city to drive in, primarily due to its low costs.
How does Birmingham rank in terms of traffic congestion?
Birmingham is ranked 11th in terms of low traffic congestion and road infrastructure.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Birmingham, AL | Corpus Christi, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ranking | 7th | 1st |
| Auto-Repair Shops Per Capita | Highest in U.S. | N/A |
| Average Cost of Vehicle Ownership | 4th Lowest | N/A |
| Traffic Congestion Ranking | 11th | N/A |
| Road Safety Ranking | 85th | N/A |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Ranks 7th Best City to Drive
- Fox29: Philadelphia Ranked Worst City to Drive
- Rocket City Now: Most Alabama Obese Cities Report
- Wikipedia: Driving in the United States
- Live Now: Worst Cities for Drivers Report
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
