Archive · 7 Dec 2025
Chicago Tops US Traffic Congestion in 2025
In 2025, Chicago became the most congested city in the US, according to a report by INRIX.
Drivers in Chicago lost 112 hours, or three full workdays, stuck in traffic.
On average, Americans lost 43 hours to traffic, costing over $2,000 per driver in top cities.
The report blamed rising housing costs, slow infrastructure improvements, and a 22% drop in public transit use since 2019.
Traffic worsened in 88% of US cities, with a return to car dependency post-pandemic.
The report suggested investing in infrastructure and transit to ease the problem.
Chicago ranked as the most congested US city in 2025, surpassing New York City.
Drivers in Chicago lost 112 hours annually due to traffic congestion.
On average, US drivers lost 43 hours per year in traffic, costing over $2,000 per driver in top cities.
Factors contributing to congestion include rising housing costs, lagging infrastructure, and a 22% drop in public transit use since 2019.
Traffic congestion increased in 88% of US metros, with a post-pandemic return to car dependency.
- Who
- Drivers in US cities, particularly Chicago
- What
- Traffic congestion and its economic and personal costs
- When
- 2025
- Where
- United States, with a focus on Chicago and other major cities
- Why
- Factors include rising housing costs, lagging infrastructure, and reduced public transit use
- Most Congested City
- Chicago, IL
- Hours Lost in Traffic (Chicago)
- 112 hours
- Annual Hours Lost (US Average)
- 43 hours
- Cost per Driver (Top Cities)
- Over $2,000
- Public Transit Use Drop (Since 2019)
- 22%
- Cities with Increased Congestion
- 88% of US metros
- Report Source
- INRIX’s 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard