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Minnesota Tops WalletHub’s 2026 Ranking of Best States for Summer Road Trips

The study finds that costs, safety and activities determine road-trip appeal as higher gas and lodging prices push affordability to the forefront.

Overview

  • WalletHub released its study on Monday evaluating all 50 states on 32 metrics that measure costs, safety and activities to produce a single comparative score.
  • Minnesota ranked first with a top overall score driven by strong safety and moderate costs while Utah and Louisiana completed the top three.
  • Rhode Island, Delaware and Connecticut finished at the bottom of the list with low marks for activities and affordability that pulled down their overall rankings.
  • California placed 47th overall after scoring very high for activities and scenic views but ranking last on average gas prices and near the bottom for car repair and camping costs.
  • Georgia ranked eighth overall by posting one of the nation’s best cost profiles, including low hotel and gas prices, though it showed high average car repair costs.