Sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, squeezing onto packed trains, or enduring long travel times can make commuting one of the most stressful parts of the day. But in some U.S. cities, the daily grind is far worse than in others.
To find out which cities have the most stressful commutes, we analyzed data from 69 major U.S. cities. Our ranking is based on four key factors: average commute time, hours lost in rush-hour traffic, public transit availability, and the percentage of commuters relying on transit. The results reveal where commuting is a nightmare and where residents have it a little easier.
Key Takeaways
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New York City, Chicago, and Boston have the most stressful commutes.
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Rochester, NY, Winston-Salem, NC, and Tulsa, OK, have the least stressful commutes.
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New York City has the worst rush-hour delays (94 hours lost annually), followed by San Francisco (81 hours) and Los Angeles and Honolulu (both 71 hours).
- New York City has the longest average commute time (40 minutes).
Cities With the Most and Least Stressful Commutes
Your daily commute can set the tone for the rest of the day, whether it is a smooth ride or a stressful ordeal. This overall ranking highlights the cities where commuting was the most and least stressful based on a combination of factors. Some cities made commuting easier, while others left residents battling congestion, long travel times, and packed public transit.
New York, Chicago, and Boston ranked as the most stressful cities for commuting. These cities experienced heavy rush hour congestion, long travel times, and high public transit usage. In contrast, Rochester, NY, had the least stressful commute, offering shorter travel times and less congestion. Winston-Salem, NC, and Tulsa, OK, followed closely, ranking as some of the easiest cities for commuters.
Breaking Down the Most Stressful Commute Factors
Commute stress isn't just about overall rankings — it also depends on specific factors like travel time, rush-hour delays, and public transit availability. Some cities struggle with long commutes and heavy congestion, while others have limited public transit options that make commuting even more difficult.
New York City had the longest average one-way commute at 40 minutes. The Big Apple also led in rush-hour delays, with commuters losing 94 hours annually to traffic going to and from work. San Francisco ranked next in time lost to rush hour (81 hours), followed by Los Angeles and Honolulu commuters (each at 71 hours). For those in these high-ranking cities, long hours spent in traffic or on transit can lead to lost productivity, higher stress levels, and less personal time.
New York City also had the highest percentage of transit users, with 54.4% of commuters relying on public transportation. Washington, D.C., ranked second at 32.9%, followed by San Francisco at 31.2%. While public transit can be a solution to congestion, heavy reliance on these systems may also indicate packed trains, longer wait times, and service disruptions that add to commuter stress and frustration.
While New York City offered the most weekly public transit trips (13,960), followed by San Francisco (9,616) and Washington, D.C. (7,528), some cities had far fewer options. Cape Coral, FL, had the least transit availability with just 161 weekly trips, followed by Wichita, KS (241) and Oklahoma City, OK (373). In cities with limited transit service, commuters may have fewer alternatives to driving, leading to longer travel times and greater dependence on personal vehicles.
The Daily Commute: Best and Worst Cities
Commuting can be a daily hassle, but some cities make it far more stressful than others. New York City stands out with the longest commute times, worst rush-hour delays, and highest public transit usage, while cities like Rochester, Winston-Salem, and Tulsa offer a much easier ride. Whether you're stuck in traffic or squeezing onto a packed train, where you live can make all the difference in your daily commute.
Methodology
We analyzed data from 69 major U.S. cities for which data was available. to identify the most stressful commutes, ranking them based on four equally weighted factors (25% each):
- Public transit trips per week (AllTransit): The total number of public transit trips (bus, train, etc.) operating inside or within a half-mile of an average Census Block Group in an area weekly. Cities with more frequent transit services ranked as less stressful due to better accessibility.
- Commuters who use public transit (AllTransit): The percentage of employed individuals who primarily rely on public transit to commute (excluding remote workers). A higher percentage may indicate an overburdened system, leading to longer wait times and overcrowding.
- Time lost in rush hour annually (TomTom.com): The average number of hours a commuter loses each year due to peak-hour congestion, based on time spent in traffic during a twice-daily commute on working days. More lost time ranked as more stressful, as excessive time spent in congestion could increase frustration, reduce productivity, and limit personal time.
- Mean travel time to work (U.S. Census Bureau): The average number of minutes a commuter spends traveling to work. Longer commutes ranked as more stressful because they can contribute to fatigue, reduce free time, and increase the chance of delays.
The rankings in this study apply only to the 69 major U.S. cities included in the dataset. Any statements such as "Ranked No. 1" indicate that the city ranked highest within this specific dataset, not universally across all cities in the U.S. or globally. This study does not account for factors beyond the four chosen metrics, such as road conditions, transit service reliability, personal safety, or socioeconomic influences on commuting stress.
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Fair Use Statement
These findings may be shared for noncommercial purposes as long as you link to the original source.
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