Anyone in Oregon knows that driving in Portland can be an absolute nightmare. With limited lanes, outdated infrastructure, and an influx of new residents over the years, it’s clear the city wasn’t built to handle today’s population. From the constant bottlenecks on I-5 to the endless congestion on bridges, Portland has become a cautionary tale of what happens when growth outpaces planning.

But as frustrating as Portland’s traffic can be, Oregon as a whole fares better than our neighbors in California and Washington. According to WalletHub’s recent study of the best and worst states for driving, Oregon ranked #31 out of 50 states — a middling performance, but still leagues ahead of California at #45 and Washington, which nearly hit rock bottom at #49.

Oregon: Not Perfect, But Better Than the Alternatives

Oregon’s ranking might not inspire celebration, but when compared to California and Washington, it’s easy to see why drivers here should feel relieved. WalletHub considered 31 key factors in their study, including traffic congestion, road quality, gas prices, and vehicle ownership costs. While Portland’s gridlock and ongoing infrastructure struggles weigh down Oregon’s overall score, the rest of the state benefits from more manageable traffic and safer roads.

California, meanwhile, ranks as one of the absolute worst states to drive in. Between soaring vehicle operating costs, some of the worst traffic in the nation, and infrastructure that’s crumbling under the weight of its population, driving in the Golden State is nothing short of a headache. And Washington doesn’t fare much better — its combination of heavy congestion and high costs landed it at #49, just one spot away from dead last.

While Oregon may not have the wide-open roads of Kansas (the top-ranked state), its scenic byways and relatively balanced driving conditions make it a better experience overall than its neighbors. The state’s lower population density, outside of Portland, keeps traffic manageable in many areas, and the road quality is better than you’ll find in some of the worst-ranked states.

It’s worth noting that Oregon’s position at #31 also reflects the challenges that come with maintaining infrastructure across a geographically diverse state. From winding mountain passes to coastal highways, Oregon’s roads face wear and tear from harsh weather and heavy use. While the state could improve in areas like road maintenance and gas prices, it avoids the extreme issues faced by California and Washington.

California’s ranking at #45 comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with its notorious traffic. WalletHub’s data shows that the state suffers from some of the worst congestion in the country, especially in urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Add in sky-high gas prices and vehicle maintenance costs, and it’s no wonder Californians are fed up. Washington, on the other hand, lands at #49 due to its gridlock in cities like Seattle and high costs of vehicle ownership. The state also struggles with infrastructure issues, as growing populations put pressure on roadways that weren’t built to handle the demand.

Oregon drivers know that things aren’t perfect here, especially in Portland, where congestion and limited infrastructure can be maddening. But compared to California and Washington, Oregon offers a more balanced experience for drivers. Whether you’re cruising along the scenic Oregon Coast or navigating smaller cities like Bend or Eugene, driving here isn’t as much of a financial or logistical headache.

While Oregon’s #31 ranking might not seem impressive, it’s a clear win in the Pacific Northwest. With California and Washington dragging near the bottom of WalletHub’s list, Oregon drivers can at least take pride in knowing they’ve got it better than their neighbors. Portland traffic might still be rough, but it’s a small price to pay compared to the chaos of California or Washington.

Want to see how other states ranked, and read the original article? Check out WalletHub’s full report for all the details!