U.S. car buyers face high purchase prices and costly ownership in 2026

Car shoppers in the United States are confronting steep new‑vehicle prices, with Edmunds reporting an average price of $48,899 for a brand‑new car in June 2026. A three‑year‑old used vehicle averages $32,553, offering a savings of over $16,000. Edmunds advises buyers to consider lightly used models, especially off‑lease electric vehicles, expand their search radius, secure pre‑approved financing, and negotiate trade‑in values to lower total costs.

A separate analysis of annual car‑ownership expenses shows wide state‑by‑state variation. Nevada tops the list with an average annual cost of $6,119, while New Hampshire is the cheapest at $3,030. The U.S. average cost is $4,507, not including car payments. Insurance premiums drive much of the disparity, ranging from more than $3,400 in Nevada to about $1,200 in Maine, with fuel, registration fees, and taxes also contributing.