Chicago has the worst traffic congestion in the United States and has reached all-time high, data firm Inrix reported.

Chicago drivers wasted an average of 112 hours in traffic in 2024, costing the city a total of $7.5 billion, according to a report by WBEZ Chicago. There was a 10 percent increase in the time drivers wasted waiting in traffic in 2025, WBEZ Chicago reported.

Globally, Chicago traffic is second only to Istanbul, Turkey, WBEZ Chicago reported.

Potential reasons for the increase in traffic include an influx of commuters returning to the workplace post-pandemic, and also T-extended construction on highways in and around the Chicago area. Harsh winter weather compounded with long construction periods makes necessary repairs difficult, WBEZ Chicago reported.

Behind Chicago, the other most congested cities include New York City, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Los Angeles, CA, and Boston, MA, according to Inrix data.