🏙 San Antonio Ranked One of America’s Best Cities to Drive In for 2025

San Antonio roadways are no picnic, but according to a new 2025 WalletHub study, the Alamo City ranks as the 25th most driver-friendly city in America.

The annual report analyzed 100 of the largest U.S. cities using 30 metrics across four key categories:

1. Cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance

2. Traffic and infrastructure

3. Safety

4. Vehicle and maintenance accessibility

While San Antonio drivers still face their fair share of congestion, WalletHub’s data reveals a clear advantage, affordability. The city earned #6 in the nation for cost of ownership and maintenance, helping residents stretch their budgets further than in most major metros.

💸 Affordability Drives San Antonio’s Ranking

WalletHub’s “cost of ownership” category evaluated factors such as:

• Average monthly car insurance premiums

• Vehicle maintenance costs

• Average gas prices

• Cost of purchasing a new car

• Registration and repair fees

Here, San Antonio shines. With gas prices among the lowest in the country, the study ranks the Alamo City as 4th in the nation for cheapest average fuel prices.

As of October 2025, AAA reports regular gas in Bexar County averaging just $2.60 per gallon, a huge relief for daily commuters and military families stationed around Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA).

When combined with lower insurance and maintenance costs, it’s easy to see why WalletHub places San Antonio in the Top 25 overall, and among the most affordable large U.S. metros for drivers.

🚦 A Deeper Look at the Texas Traffic Landscape

Texas dominates the WalletHub ranking this year, underscoring the state’s mix of affordability and accessibility.

Texas cities in the Top 10 include:

• 🥇 Corpus Christi (#1)

• 🖐 Laredo (#5)

• 💨 Lubbock (#6)

• 🏙 Plano (#8)

• 🌆 Austin (#9)

Other ranked Texas metros:

• Arlington (#18)

• Garland (#24)

• San Antonio (#25)

• Fort Worth (#27)

• Irving (#29)

• El Paso (#30)

• Dallas (#47)

• Houston (#66)  the lowest-ranked Texas city in 2025

Even with Houston’s notorious traffic, the overall takeaway is clear: Texas remains one of the most driver-friendly states in the nation.

For San Antonio residents, this ranking reinforces what locals already know, our highways can be busy, but they’re still far more navigable and affordable than those in most U.S. metros.

🕒 The Average American Commute and How San Antonio Compares

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, about 87% of a household’s daily travel happens in personal vehicles. WalletHub’s study noted that the average driver spends 369 hours a year on the road, that’s over 15 full days behind the wheel.

Add in congestion-related costs, and Americans lose an average of $771 per driver annually to wasted time and fuel.

San Antonio performs better than most cities in this area, thanks to ongoing investments in road improvements like:

• Loop 1604 expansion

• I-10 widening toward Boerne

• Highway 281 upgrades north of Stone Oak

While traffic jams still hit during rush hour, these long-term infrastructure projects are boosting efficiency and home value growth, especially in neighborhoods with easy highway access.

🪖 What This Means for Veterans and Military Families

As a veteran and as someone who loves to drive around the city, I’ve seen firsthand how driving accessibility impacts our military relocation clients.

For service members stationed at Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, or Fort Sam Houston, car ownership isn’t optional, it’s essential. WalletHub’s findings confirm that San Antonio offers a better driving experience at a lower cost than many PCS destinations nationwide.

Here’s why this matters for veterans:

• Lower gas and insurance costs keep monthly budgets flexible under BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing).

• Affordable vehicle maintenance means more funds for homeownership goals under the VA Loan program.

• Highway proximity shortens commutes between base and home, giving families more quality time together.

These advantages align perfectly with our Serve & Save Program, which rewards veterans with 1% back for every year served, helping you drive and live smarter in one of the best cities for both.

💎 For Homebuyers: Performance Meets Convenience

If you love your car as much as your home, San Antonio delivers both.

Luxury buyers often care as much about garage space and road access as they do about square footage, and this ranking adds lifestyle credibility.

Why luxury homeowners benefit:

• Proximity to premium dealerships (Porsche, Maserati, BMW, Ducati)

• Low insurance premiums compared to major U.S. metros

• Wide, scenic routes through Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, and Hill Country, ideal for weekend drives

• Easy access to top-tier auto detailers, tuners, and car clubs

Whether you’re cruising Loop 1604 in a new 911 or heading to Fredericksburg for a Sunday ride, San Antonio offers more freedom, and fewer headaches, behind the wheel.

🚧 Where San Antonio Can Improve

Even WalletHub admits: no city is perfect.

• Traffic congestion: I-35 and Loop 410 can still be rough during peak hours.

• Safety ranking (#73): While improving, distracted driving remains a concern.

• Walkability: Outside of downtown and The Pearl, most neighborhoods remain car-dependent.

But the city is addressing these pain points through:

• Smart-light synchronization systems

• Ongoing highway redesigns

• Better connectivity between urban cores and suburbs

Each infrastructure upgrade contributes to property value growth, especially in areas like Alamo Ranch, Shavano Park, and Stone Oak, where access is key.

🏘 Neighborhoods Where Driving Adds Value

Being in a top-ranked driving city makes certain neighborhoods even more desirable:

• Helotes: Country feel with easy access to Loop 1604 and Bandera Rd. Perfect for veterans.

• Boerne: Luxury homes, boutique living, and smooth I-10 connectivity.

• Fair Oaks Ranch: Large lots, space for car collections, and peaceful commutes.

• Alamo Ranch & Westpointe: Affordable communities ideal for first-time buyers and military families.

• Shavano Park: High-end estates close to major routes and city conveniences.

Highlighting this ranking in your real estate listings and consultations helps showcase San Antonio’s total lifestyle value, not just its homes.

🏡 Ready to Find Your Home in a City That Moves You?

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in San Antonio, I’d love to help you navigate the market, and the roads, with confidence.

Christopher Beal, Realtor®
Veteran Real Estate San Antonio: The Beal Group | eXp Realty
📞 (210) 882-8583
📧 gobealgroup@gmail.com
🌐 www.veteranrealestatesa.com