Georgia has been ranked the most expensive state in the nation to own a car, with drivers spending thousands of dollars more each year than the national average, according to a new study from Insurify and AAA.
The August 2026 study estimates the average annual cost of car ownership in Georgia at $7,648, compared with a national average of $5,851.
The analysis factors in several major expenses associated with owning and operating a vehicle, including insurance, gasoline and maintenance.
Insurance represents the largest expense for Georgia drivers, averaging $3,109 per year. According to the study, the cost of full-coverage auto insurance in Georgia has increased approximately 40% over the past three years.
Gasoline is another major contributor to the state’s high cost of vehicle ownership. Georgia drivers spend an estimated $2,604 annually on gas, compared with a national average of $2,126.
Maintenance expenses are also higher. The study estimates Georgia motorists spend an average of $1,935 per year on vehicle maintenance, while the national average is $1,488.
Higher mileage may be one reason Georgia motorists face elevated fuel and maintenance costs. According to the study, Georgians drive an average of 17,508 miles per year, ranking seventh-highest among all states.
Combined, the estimated $7,648 annual cost of vehicle ownership represents about 9.6% of Georgia’s median household income, which the study lists at $79,991.
The findings highlight the growing financial burden of keeping a vehicle on the road in Georgia, particularly as insurance premiums have risen sharply in recent years.
The study was compiled using data from Insurify, a digital insurance comparison platform, along with information from AAA.