Traffic isn’t just annoying — it’s expensive.
Congestion costs commuters time, fuel, and sanity.
There is, of course, the question of whether or not electric vehicles can ease some of the burden, speaking of fuel. Traders on Kalshi thing Tesla will be able to deliver more than 350,000 cars this quarter (89%).
Using the latest INRIX and TomTom data, here are some of the worst traffic hellscapes in the U.S., where gridlock is practically a local tradition.
Atlanta
The Spaghetti Junction From Hell
Drivers in Atlanta lose over 100 hours a year to congestion. Poor urban planning and endless highway interchanges make it one of the worst traffic cities in America.
Boston
Where Colonial Streets Meet Modern Chaos
Boston’s tangled, centuries-old street grid ensures confusion and congestion. Driving here is like solving a maze with potholes and no exit.
Chicago
The Windy City’s Bottleneck Blues
Construction, brutal winters, and packed expressways like the Kennedy keep Chicago drivers trapped for hours every week.
Houston
Everything’s Bigger — Especially the Jams
The Katy Freeway boasts 26 lanes but still backs up daily. Sprawl, population growth, and limited transit options make traffic inescapable.
Los Angeles
L.A.: Land of Stars and Standstills
The city that practically invented car culture is drowning in it. Gridlock spans from the 405 to the 101, and there’s no real escape.
Miami
Sunshine, Salsa, and Serious Snarls
Miami’s layout and public transit gaps force everyone behind the wheel. Good luck making it across downtown without losing your mind.
New York City
Gridlock Capital of the Northeast
Cabs, trucks, buses, and bikes all battle for space in Manhattan. Traffic crawls — Midtown averages under 5 mph during peak hours.
Philadelphia
Brotherly Love, Bottlenecked Roads
Aging infrastructure and limited expressways mean Philly drivers spend far too much time idling, especially on I-76 and Roosevelt Blvd.
San Francisco
Hills, Bridges, and No Breaks
Narrow streets and constant construction collide with the tech boom. The Bay Bridge is regularly choked, and street parking’s a myth.
Seattle
Tech Boom Meets Traffic Doom
Seattle’s explosive growth outpaced its road capacity. Rainy-day commutes along I-5 and SR-520 can feel endless.
