Honkin' mad

Dallas swerves onto new list of U.S. cities with worst traffic in 2023

Dallas traffic just never gets better.

Photo by Farhan on Unsplash

Few things are more frustrating for Dallas drivers than sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. You're late, you're stuck, and you're wasting time and gas — every single day. It's no surprise that the city has ranked high on a new list of places with the worst traffic.

The average Dallas driver lost 38 hours to traffic delays in 2023, according to Inrix's latest Global Traffic Scorecard. At least that's one hour less than the time tallied in 2022, and slightly less than the national average of 42 hours lost. But it still lands Dallas at No. 17 among U.S. cities with the worst traffic last year.

Trends across the country after the pandemic continue to contribute to congestion. Remote work has led to a longer stretch of high-traffic hours instead of the usual pre-9 am and post-5 pm rush hour surges — and less predictable peaks at that.

"On any given day, everybody might be going into the office and no one is expecting it," David Schrank, a senior research scientist at Texas A&M Transportation Institute, told The Hill in June 2024. "What if next Monday everybody gets called in? Then boom — it's gridlock."

On top of that, truck-related congestion (as anyone driving across Texas knows) has increased with the continued rise of e-commerce and home delivery, with one truck equaling two to three cars on the road.

To see where congestion is the biggest problem nationwide, Stacker ranked the 25 cities in the U.S. with the most time lost per driver due to congestion, according to data from Inrix.

Among Texas cities, Houston (unsurprisingly) ranks worst - at No. 8. Austin comes in at No. 21, and San Antonio rounds out the whole list at No. 25.

Stacker's analysis includes how much delays cost drivers based on median hourly wages in each metro area, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and comparisons to pre-COVID-19 pandemic hours lost, measured in 2019. Inrix calculated commute times by looking exclusively at the time it takes to get to and from major employment centers based on anonymized GPS data.

Downtown speed is the speed at which a commuter should expect to travel 1 mile into the city's downtown or central business area during peak morning hours, and the first quarter of 2024 versus the first quarter of 2023 metric is the change in travel times during those two periods.

Read on to find out how Dallas compared with other cities in the U.S. and Texas, including a city that topped (ouch!) 100 hours lost on average per driver.

Several highways intersecting in the foreground with aerial view of a city in the background.

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25. San Antonio

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 35 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: +17%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: +1%
- 2023 cost per driver: $607
- 2023 city-wide cost: $625 million
- Average downtown speed: 19 mph

An aerial view of a city by a river with a road running along its banks.

GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock

24. New Orleans

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 37 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: +9%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -2%
- 2023 cost per driver: $641
- 2023 city-wide cost: $329 million
- Average downtown speed: 14 mph

A highway overpass with two sets of green road signs.

Khairil Azhar Junos // Shutterstock

23. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 53 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -18%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -5%
- 2023 cost per driver: $918
- 2023 city-wide cost: $9 million
- Average downtown speed: 22 mph

A highway with multiple lanes cuts through landscape with tall snowy mountaiuns in the distance.

Sean Xu // Shutterstock

22. Denver

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 37 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -11%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -4%
- 2023 cost per driver: $640
- 2023 city-wide cost: $831 million
- Average downtown speed: 14 mph

A busy city street with the building visible in the center background, with a distinctive dome. Various modern skyscrapers and high-rise buildings in the city skyline.The street is filled with vehicular traffic, with cars densely packed and people walking along the sidewalks.

GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock

21. Austin

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 38 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -14%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -3%
- 2023 cost per driver: $663
- 2023 city-wide cost: $632 million
- Average downtown speed: 16 mph

An aerial view of a city with a large red brick building in the center.

arbsimages // Shutterstock

20. Stamford, Connecticut

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 41 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: +12%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -8%
- 2023 cost per driver: $706
- 2023 city-wide cost: $265 million
- Average downtown speed: 13 mph

An aerial view of a city with a mix of modern and historic buildings. The city is surrounded by hills covered in greenery.

Hrach Hovhannisyan // Shutterstock

19. Portland, Oregon

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 39 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -8%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -2%
- 2023 cost per driver: $679
- 2023 city-wide cost: $665 million
- Average downtown speed: 15 mph

City skyline dominated by tall skyscrapers in the background. A wide, multi-lane highway cuts through the city, filled with traffic.

Theodore Trimmer // Shutterstock

18. Honolulu

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 42 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -3%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -1%
- 2023 cost per driver: $739
- 2023 city-wide cost: $270 million
- Average downtown speed: 17 mph

City skyline is dominated by tall skyscrapers in the center, with a mix of shorter buildings and structures spreading out towards the edges of the image. A network of highways and roads crisscrossing the city.

travelview // Shutterstock

17. Dallas

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 38 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: +12%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -3%
- 2023 cost per driver: $658
- 2023 city-wide cost: $2.2 billion
- Average downtown speed: 16 mph

An aerial view of a complex highway interchange. Multiple levels of roads crisscross each other, with cars and trucks traveling in various directions.

Grindstone Media Group // Shutterstock

16. Charlotte, North Carolina

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 41 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -10%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -2%
- 2023 cost per driver: $711
- 2023 city-wide cost: $794 million
- Average downtown speed: 17 mph

Aerial view of a city with a river flowing through it. The city has a mix of modern and historic buildings, with skyscrapers dominating the skyline. There is a large bridge crossing the river, with cars and trucks driving on it.

4kclips // Shutterstock

15. Pittsburgh

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 43 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -14%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -9%
- 2023 cost per driver: $749
- 2023 city-wide cost: $724 million
- Average downtown speed: 20 mph

Aerial view of a city with a mix of modern and historic buildings, with skyscrapers dominating the skyline. A large body of water is visible in the foreground with several boats and ships docked.

Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

14. Baltimore

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 44 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -24%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -7%
- 2023 cost per driver: $762
- 2023 city-wide cost: $905 million
- Average downtown speed: 13 mph

A steep, narrow street lined with colorful houses climbs uphill with cars parked along the road and cable car tracks running through the street and bridge spanning the bay,

seand67 // Shutterstock

13. San Francisco

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 45 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -6%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -6%
- 2023 cost per driver: $787
- 2023 city-wide cost: $1.3 billion
- Average downtown speed: 12 mph

An aerial view of city with river flowing through the city. Several bridges cross the river.

Marcus E Jones // Shutterstock

12. Nashville, Tennessee

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 56 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -8%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: +1%
- 2023 cost per driver: $985
- 2023 city-wide cost: $852 million
- Average downtown speed: 20 mph

Colorful modern and historic buildings with pastel hues line the streets with traffic.

Nina Henry // Shutterstock

11. San Juan, Puerto Rico

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 57 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: +14%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -2%
- 2023 cost per driver: $994
- 2023 city-wide cost: $802 million
- Average downtown speed: 20 mph

City skyline dominated by a cluster of tall skyscrapers in the center, with a mix of shorter buildings and structures spreading out towards the edges of the image. A network of roads crisscross the city.

meunierd // Shutterstock

10. Seattle

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 58 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -11%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -1%
- 2023 cost per driver: $1,010
- 2023 city-wide cost: $1.6 billion
- Average downtown speed: 17 mph

City skyline dominated by modern, gklass skyscrapers of varying heights. A multi-lane highway with heavy traffic with cars and trucks in the foreground.

Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

9. Atlanta

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 61 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -3%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -4%
- 2023 cost per driver: $1,066
- 2023 city-wide cost: $2.6 billion
- Average downtown speed: 16 mph

City skyline is dominated by a cluster of tall skyscrapers in the center, with a mix of shorter buildings and structures spreading out towards the edges of the image.

Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

8. Houston

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 62 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: +1%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -1%
- 2023 cost per driver: $1,082
- 2023 city-wide cost: $3.2 billion
- Average downtown speed: 17 mph

City skyline with a mix of shorter buildings and structures spreading out towards the edges of the image. A network of highways and roads can be seen crisscrossing the city.

Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

7. Washington DC

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 63 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -9%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -4%
- 2023 cost per driver: $1,095
- 2023 city-wide cost: $2.7 billion
- Average downtown speed: 11 mph

A large, red-brick building with traditional, ornate details. A busy street in the foreground.

f11photo // Shutterstock

6. Philadelphia

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 69 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: +2%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -9%
- 2023 cost per driver: $1,209
- 2023 city-wide cost: $2.9 billion
- Average downtown speed: 11 mph

Tall, modern skyscrapers dominate the skyline. A large body of blue water stretches across the right side of the image.

Bilanol // Shutterstock

5. Miami

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 70 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: +18%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -1%
- 2023 cost per driver: $1,219
- 2023 city-wide cost: $3.1 billion
- Average downtown speed: 14 mph

City skyline dominated by a cluster of tall skyscrapers in the center, with a mix of shorter buildings and structures spreading out towards the edges of the image with a bridge spanning the river.

f11photo // Shutterstock

4. Boston

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 88 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -1%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -10%
- 2023 cost per driver: $1,543
- 2023 city-wide cost: $2.9 billion
- Average downtown speed: 10 mph

A multi-lane highway with heavy traffic. The road is divided by a concrete barrier, and there are several overpasses visible in the background. The sky is clear blue, and there are mountains in the distance.

JW.photography31 // Shutterstock

3. Los Angeles

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 89 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: -4%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -5%
- 2023 cost per driver: $1,545
- 2023 city-wide cost: $8.3 billion
- Average downtown speed: 19 mph

A multi-lane road lined with trees and streetlights. The road is filled with cars, creating a traffic jam. In the background, there are several tall buildings.

Dennis MacDonald // Shutterstock

2. Chicago

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 96 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: +18%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -8%
- 2023 cost per driver: $1,672
- 2023 city-wide cost: $6.1 billion
- Average downtown speed: 11 mph

Skyline dominated by several skyscrapers of varying heights with glass facades.

Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB // Shutterstock

1. New York City

- Time lost per driver due to congestion, 2023: 101 hours
--- Change from pre-COVID: +11%
--- Change from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024: -11%
- 2023 cost per driver: $1,762
- 2023 city-wide cost: $9.1 billion
- Average downtown speed: 11 mph

Story by Ali Hickerson. Editing by Jaimie Etkin. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Ania Antecka.

commute times ecommerce remote work reports rush hour traffic worst traffic

Barkingham palace

Posh new club from LA plans to pamper pups near Dallas Love Field

Rendering courtesy of The Wags Club

The Wags Club, a canine boarding company from Los Angeles, is preparing for a Dallas debut.

Dallas’ latest luxury hotel boasts five-star service with staffers meeting guests’ every need at any hour. And it’s for the dogs. Literally. The Wags Club, a canine boarding company from Los Angeles, makes its Dallas debut Saturday, November 14 at 1740 Empire Central near Love Field airport.

Everyone working at Wags is trained in dog behavior, pet first aid, and, of course, hospitality.

“The Wags Club takes its cues from five-star hotels, bringing a level of hospitality unmatched in the dog boarding industry,” co-founder/CEO Abi De Silva says in a press release.

Dogs' days are cage-free, with temperament-matched playgroups and private play for dogs who prefer their own company. Overnight guests stay in one of 100 private suites, with staff on site all night.

De Silva says her family's dogs Noorie and Maya inspired the concept.

“We envisioned a resort where we could entrust them completely, a place where exceptional care meets thoughtful hospitality and every dog can vacation in style,” she says in the release.

For 15 years, The Wags Club in West Los Angeles has honored that promise, she says. The canine club's almost-400 Google reviews average 4.7 out of five stars. The owners plan to be as popular in Dallas by pairing "unparalleled amenities with a passionate team chosen for their expertise."

Dogs and owners will be able to tour the facility at the grand opening, an event for which Wags is rolling out a red carpet — again, literally. From 9 am-5 pm, dogs and their owners should arrive in style and pose for paparazzi-esque photos.

“Bow ties, tutus, tiaras, and matching dog-and-owner looks are encouraged,” the release says. “A professional photographer will capture every red-carpet arrival, and staff will lead tours of the private suites, play areas, and outdoor yards all day.”

The cuddly customers' photos are shot almost daily and shared, which their parents enjoy, if the LA Wags Club's Facebook page is any indication.

The Wags Club also will partner with Dallas-area rescue organizations, they say, and will offer special rates for dogs in foster care, "giving dogs awaiting their forever homes socialization, exercise, and expert care," says the release.

And for such luxe amenities, the prices are average, based on data from Dognition.

Wags day care runs $25-$40 a day, and boarding for one dog is $60 per night. Two dogs board for $55 per dog per night. Grooming services are also available.

dogsitter dog boarding dog grooming doggie day care

Honkin' mad

Dallas swerves onto new list of U.S. cities with worst traffic in 2023

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25. San Antonio

GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock

24. New Orleans

Khairil Azhar Junos // Shutterstock

23. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Sean Xu // Shutterstock

22. Denver

GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock

21. Austin

arbsimages // Shutterstock

20. Stamford, Connecticut

Hrach Hovhannisyan // Shutterstock

19. Portland, Oregon

Theodore Trimmer // Shutterstock

18. Honolulu

travelview // Shutterstock

17. Dallas

Grindstone Media Group // Shutterstock

16. Charlotte, North Carolina

4kclips // Shutterstock

15. Pittsburgh

Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

14. Baltimore

seand67 // Shutterstock

13. San Francisco

Marcus E Jones // Shutterstock

12. Nashville, Tennessee

Nina Henry // Shutterstock

11. San Juan, Puerto Rico

meunierd // Shutterstock

10. Seattle

Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

9. Atlanta

Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

8. Houston

Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

7. Washington DC

f11photo // Shutterstock

6. Philadelphia

Bilanol // Shutterstock

5. Miami

f11photo // Shutterstock

4. Boston

JW.photography31 // Shutterstock

3. Los Angeles

Dennis MacDonald // Shutterstock

2. Chicago

Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB // Shutterstock

1. New York City

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