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A new data-driven analysis from AutoInsurance.com has pinpointed where used cars are most and least affordable across the United States, using a one-week snapshot of Craigslist listings in March 2025. The study collected 37,151 unique ads after cleaning, filtering for consumer vehicles, and removing duplicates. While the methodology relies on asking prices rather than completed sales and assumes Craigslist reflects the broader market, the results offer a clear geographic picture of used car price disparities.
The national median used-car price landed at $17,990. But individual states ranged from a low of $7,995 in Delaware to a staggering $32,761 in Alaska. Here’s a closer look at the five most and least affordable states, plus what’s driving those numbers.
1. Delaware – $7,995 median Delaware takes the top spot for affordability, with a median used-car price nearly $10,000 below the national figure. The state’s small size and high population density mean more listings per capita, and many vehicles are coming from nearby metropolitan areas. Delaware also has no sales tax, which can lower the overall cost of a used car purchase. However, buyers should be cautious: the low median may partly reflect a higher proportion of older, higher-mileage vehicles.
2. Pennsylvania – $9,995 median Pennsylvania’s used-car market is vast, with over 11 million registered vehicles. The state’s median sits roughly $8,000 below the national average. One factor: winter road salt. Pennsylvania spreads nearly 600,000 tons of salt annually, accelerating corrosion and driving down the resale value of older cars. If you’re shopping for a used car in the Keystone State, an inspection for rust is a must—but the bargain can be real.
3. New York – $11,795 median Despite New York City’s high cost of living, the state as a whole ranks third for used-car affordability. The market is enormous, with over 872,000 new vehicles sold in 2024 alone. That volume creates a wide range of inventory, from luxury sedans to older commuters. Upstate New York also contributes lower-priced listings, especially from rural areas where cars may be older but well-maintained. New Yorkers finally get a break on something.
4. Missouri – $11,989 median Missouri lands in the fourth spot, with a median about $6,000 below the national number. The state’s drivers log some of the highest annual mileage in the country, meaning the used inventory tends to be more seasoned. Higher odometer readings naturally push prices lower. Plus, Missouri has been identified as having the most dangerous traffic laws in the U.S.—a factor that might steer buyers away from the newest models when they’re already taking a gamble on the road.
5. Indiana – $12,500 median (approximate, based on study data) Rounding out the top five, Indiana offers a used-car median around $12,500. The state’s central location and strong manufacturing base mean plenty of trade-ins from fleet vehicles and rentals. The mix leans toward sedans and light trucks, with many listings coming from Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Indiana also benefits from relatively low demand compared to coastal states.
1. Alaska – $32,761 median Alaska tops the expensive list by a wide margin, with a median nearly $15,000 above the national average. The state’s remote geography, harsh climate, and high shipping costs drive up prices for both new and used vehicles. Low inventory and long distances to other markets mean buyers have limited options. Many used cars in Alaska are also equipped for winter conditions (block heaters, winter tires), adding to the sticker price.
2. Wyoming – $29,490 median Wyoming’s low population density—just 576,851 residents spread across 100,000 square miles—creates a thin market. Fewer listings per capita push up prices, especially for trucks and SUVs, which dominate the state’s vehicle mix. Median mileage in Wyoming is also lower than in many states, further inflating the median. Buyers in the Cowboy State pay a premium for utility and durability.
3. Utah – $28,980 median Utah had the fewest Craigslist listings per capita of any state, combined with a fast-growing population. The state’s love for outdoor recreation means a heavy tilt toward SUVs and pickups (over three-fifths of registered vehicles). Lower median mileage on used cars and a shortage of supply create a seller’s market. As one local put it, “Everyone wants a clean 4Runner, and nobody wants to sell one.”
4. New Mexico – $26,439 median New Mexico’s used-car median is nearly $8,500 above the national figure. The vehicle mix is weighted toward SUVs and pickups, which account for about two-thirds of registrations. The state’s rural nature and long distances to other markets limit inventory. There’s also a strong car culture—low-rider enthusiasts in Española and elsewhere keep older vehicles in play, but the overall supply of affordable sedans remains tight.
5. Nevada – $25,000 median (approximate) Nevada rounds out the least affordable list, with a median around $25,000. The state’s fast growth, especially around Las Vegas and Reno, has increased demand. Many used cars in Nevada are imported from California, where prices are already elevated, and the state’s tourist-heavy economy means a higher proportion of rental and fleet vehicles—which often carry a premium when sold.
Beyond geography and inventory, the study highlights several key factors:
“The Craigslist data gives us a real-time look at the bottom end of the used car market—where the actual deals are happening,” says auto industry analyst Mark Williams. “While national averages can be misleading, state-level breakdowns like this help consumers understand what’s realistic in their area.”
If you’re in the market for a used car, consider expanding your search radius. States like Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York offer significant savings, but you’ll need to factor in travel costs and potential rust issues. Conversely, if you live in Alaska or Wyoming, you may want to explore private sales outside Craigslist or consider buying from a neighboring state with lower prices.
The study’s authors caution that the data is a snapshot, not a forecast. But for anyone looking to save thousands on a used car, the message is clear: location matters—a lot.
