More than half of US car owners are open to car-free living

More than half of U.S. car owners surveyed are open to living without owning a personal vehicle, according to research from Arizona State University. The study found that about 18% of car-owning respondents expressed definite interest in a car-free lifestyle, while another 40% said they might consider it in the future.

Rising vehicle prices, ownership costs, and traffic congestion are reshaping how many people view car ownership. The research found that interest in car-free living is not limited to Americans who already live in zero-car households.

The study also found few major demographic or socioeconomic differences among car owners interested in going car-free, suggesting that transportation habits and prior experience may matter more than traditional household characteristics.

Survey shows growing interest in car-free living

Arizona State University researchers found that about 10% of urban and suburban U.S. residents in the survey sample already lived in zero-car households. Other federal and census-based data also show that car-free households remain a minority nationwide, with 8% of U.S. households reporting no vehicle available in 2023.

The latest survey, however, indicates that interest in car-free living extends beyond those who already live without cars. ASU researcher Nicole Corcoran said many Americans own cars because transportation infrastructure and the built environment make car ownership feel unavoidable.

She also acknowledged that such a transition remains unlikely for most people under current land use patterns. Many American communities continue to be designed around private vehicle ownership. The study defines car-free living as not owning a personal vehicle, rather than avoiding cars entirely.

People may still rent vehicles, use ride-hailing services, borrow cars, or participate in carpools when needed. This broader definition reflects changing transportation habits instead of a complete rejection of automobiles.

Experience with alternatives influences consumer choices

Researchers identified several factors that increase interest in living without a personal vehicle. Previous experience without car ownership, frequent use of public transit, and greater reliance on walking, cycling, or shared transportation were all associated with a stronger interest.

Respondents who enjoyed driving less were also more likely to consider giving up their cars. The research found few meaningful differences across demographic or socioeconomic groups.

Instead, transportation habits and previous experience living without a car were more closely associated with interest in car-free living than demographic characteristics. The findings suggest that travel behavior may be a stronger indicator than factors such as age or income.

Corcoran said the research was partly inspired by Culdesac, a residential community in Tempe, Arizona. The development limits vehicle access while providing housing, local businesses, walking paths, bike routes, and shared public spaces.

The development illustrates how neighborhood design can support reduced reliance on private vehicles while maintaining access through walking, cycling, transit, and shared mobility.

Higher vehicle costs are reshaping ownership decisions

The financial burden of owning a vehicle has become one factor leading some consumers to reconsider car ownership. Kelley Blue Book reported that the average new-vehicle transaction price reached $49,191 in January 2026, about 1.9% higher than a year earlier, despite a seasonal decline from December 2025.

Automakers have increasingly emphasized higher-trim vehicles with additional technology and premium features, while entry-level models have become less common in many segments.

Consumer demand for added technology, comfort, and safety features, together with manufacturers’ focus on higher-margin vehicles, has contributed to higher average transaction prices.

Tariffs and technology continue to push prices upward

Trade policies have added another layer of pressure to vehicle pricing. Tariffs on imported vehicles and automotive parts have increased cost pressure for many automakers and suppliers.

Several automakers initially absorbed part of the higher tariff-related costs before adjusting prices or product offerings. At the same time, new vehicles increasingly include advanced technology, larger screens, driver-assistance features, and other equipment that can raise production costs.

Some safety features, such as electronic stability control, are already required on most new passenger vehicles, while newer driver-assistance systems continue to spread across vehicle lineups. As more technology becomes standard equipment, it can add to the cost of building and buying new vehicles.

Industry analysts generally expect new-vehicle prices to remain elevated, although forecasts vary depending on tariffs, consumer demand, production levels, incentives, and interest rates.

Incentives may remain more common for slower-selling electric vehicles and some car segments, but affordability remains a challenge for many buyers overall.

Millions of Americans already do not drive

Millions of Americans do not drive or do not hold a driver's license. Federal Highway Administration data show that roughly one-quarter of the U.S. population does not have a driver's license, while many others drive infrequently.

Disability advocate Anna Zivarts argues that transportation planning often overlooks people who cannot or choose not to drive.

In her book When Driving Is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency, she discusses people with disabilities, older adults, lower-income households, undocumented residents, young people, and others who rely on transportation options beyond private vehicle ownership.

Transportation accessibility is affected by many factors, including disability, age, income, health conditions, and the cost of vehicle ownership.

Changing attitudes could shape future transportation planning

Researchers say younger generations are approaching transportation differently than previous age groups. Driver licensing rates among 16-year-olds have declined compared with the 1990s, reflecting changing economic conditions and lifestyle preferences.

Higher ownership costs appear to be one factor behind that trend. Experts also argue that communities designed for walking, cycling, and public transportation can improve access to employment, education, healthcare, and social activities.

While car ownership remains essential in many parts of the country, neighborhoods with multiple transportation options provide greater flexibility for residents. That flexibility becomes increasingly valuable as transportation costs continue to rise.

The Arizona State University survey does not suggest Americans are abandoning cars overnight. Instead, it indicates that more consumers are willing to consider alternatives if communities and transportation systems make those choices practical.

As vehicle ownership becomes more expensive, that willingness could become an increasingly important factor in future transportation planning.

TL;DR

• More than half of surveyed U.S. car owners are interested in or open to living without owning a personal vehicle.
• Arizona State University found that 18% are definitely interested in a car-free lifestyle, while another 40% would consider it if practical transportation alternatives were available.
• Researchers found that transportation habits and previous experience living without a car were more closely associated with interest in car-free living than demographic characteristics.
• Rising vehicle prices, insurance costs, tariffs, and additional vehicle technology have contributed to higher ownership costs.
• Federal data show that roughly one-quarter of Americans do not hold a driver's license.
• Researchers say expanding transportation choices could make car-free living more practical for more people.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.