Phoenix-area residents hit harder than most by transportation costs

PHOENIX — Phoenix-area residents spend a larger percentage of their household budget on transportation than all but one other large metro area in the nation, according a recent study.

With cars as the main mode of getting around, the Valley ranked a close second to Tampa, Florida, in transportation costs among 22 metro areas included in a SmartAsset report released Tuesday.

Transportation costs take up 16.8% of Phoenix’s average household income of $74,635, the financial advice website determined by analyzing federal data for 2018-19.

On average, Phoenix households spent $11,791 on car-related expenses and $734 on public transportation, adding up to a total of $12,525.

Tampa led the way at 17% but had a smaller total of $10,692 because of a lower average household income.

Three metro areas had higher average transportation spending than Phoenix — Anchorage, Alaska; Baltimore, Maryland; and Washington, D.C. However, because residents there earn more money, the costs represent smaller slices of spending than in the Valley.

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