The Best States for a Budget-Friendly Summer Road Trip

Prices at the pump are dropping fast this summer, according to the latest figures from AAA. Therefore, there's never been a better time to plan a road trip. WalletHub has made that task even easier as it recently compared all 50 U.S. states across nearly three dozen key metrics, including maximum toll costs, quality of roads and number of attractions, among others. The study scored each state across three broader categories that each carried equal weight, including costs, safety and activities. Here's a look at the states that fared the best.

North Carolina is the best state in the U.S. for a wallet-friendly summer road trip in 2019 as it ranks inside the top 10 for both costs and activities. It ties California for the most scenic byways in America and is also home to some beloved beach towns, many of which you'll find during a road trip through the Outer Banks.

You might be surprised to find that Wyoming ranks second among the 50 states when it comes to a road trip this summer, but the Equality State can't be topped when it comes to costs, beating out the 49 other states. The all-important category takes into account average gas prices, maximum toll costs, lowest price of a three-star hotel room and lowest price of camping, among other key indicators.

Safety propels Minnesota into WalletHub's top three as only Vermont and Maine fare better. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are undoubtedly worthwhile during the warmer summer months but don't overlook Duluth, a port city with a gorgeous waterfront.

Virginia doesn't rank any lower than 16th in either of the three categories, meaning it's not only safe and budget-friendly, but it's entertaining as well. Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive is a must regardless of the time of year and the state boasts the fifth-lowest cost of camping in the nation.

The Lone Star State is one of only two in the U.S. to rank inside the top 10 for both costs and activities, coming in at fourth and seventh, respectively. If it's affordability and fun you're seeking, you can't go wrong in Texas.

Unsurprisingly, only two other states fare worse than New York in terms of costs. However, it ranks second behind only California for road trip activities and fourth among the 50 states for safety. The Big Apple will be a popular stop for many this summer, but Upstate New York promises plenty of scenery and serenity.

Only Alabama tops Louisiana in terms of the lowest average gas prices this summer, according to WalletHub's research. Give yourself a few days and make the road trip from Lake Charles to Grand Isle, stopping in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans along the way.

Cost is the one category holding Oregon back from the top five as it trails only California and North Carolina for the country's most scenic byways and ranks inside the top 10 when it comes to road tripper safety. Consider a cruise up the Pacific Coast via U.S. Route 101 or venture inland to explore places like Bend and Crater Lake National Park.

Nearby Utah ties Oregon for third nationally in terms of most scenic byways and ranks 17 spots better for costs, making it a budget-friendly option for road trip vacationers prioritizing price and scenery this summer.

Wisconsin ranks eighth in terms of both costs and safety. America's Dairyland trails only Wyoming for the lowest price of camping and ranks fourth among the 50 states for the lowest average cost of car repairs in the event that your vehicle breaks down.

Only five other states fare worse than Washington when it comes to costs. Nonetheless, it ranks fourth-best for the lowest price of camping, ties for first for the highest percentage of total area designated as national parkland and ranks fourth overall for activities.

Only Vermont tops Maine in the safety category. The Pine Tree State checks in at third for the lowest average cost of car repairs and second for fewest car thefts per capita. However, it ranks just 32nd among the 50 states for overall summer road trip costs.

Michigan ranks inside the top 20 for both safety and costs, beating out every other U.S. state when it comes to the lowest average cost of car repairs. The state also boasts a slew of scenic drives and picturesque campgrounds.

After you've conquered Michigan, head south and cross the border into Ohio, another excellent state for summer road trippers this year. The Buckeye State ranks 13th overall for activities and trails only Michigan in terms of the lowest average cost of car repairs if you happen to find yourself stranded.

Cost is the biggest obstacle for summer travelers traversing Pennsylvania as the state ranks ninth for activities and 11th for safety, experiencing the fifth-fewest car thefts per capita and offering visitors exceptional attractions such as historic Gettysburg National Military Park, family-friendly Hersheypark and the blissful Ricketts Glen State Park, among many others.

There are lots to see on a road trip through Massachusetts, including the Old Sturbridge Village living history museum just over the state's southern border from Connecticut, bustling Boston, iconic Plymouth Rock and scenic Cape Cod.

Planning a road trip through the Midwest? Be sure to stop in Illinois. Begin your journey at Shawnee National Forest in the southern part of the state and head north toward Chicago, stopping in charming small towns like Frankfort along the way.

If safety and affordability are your top priorities, consider Nebraska for your summer road trip as it ranks inside the top 15 for both overall safety and costs in 2019. Of states to make the top 20, only Wisconsin is more consistent across those two categories.

The Sunshine State ranks third among the 50 states for activities and is tied for first for the highest percentage of total area designated as national parkland. Beyond the Everglades and other parklands, world-class theme parks and gorgeous beaches are also some of the top highlights for summer road trippers.

Despite ranking a disappointing 40th for activities and second-to-last for the highest percentage of total area designated as national parkland, Iowa's fifth-place safety ranking propels it into the top 20. It also ranks middle of the pack for road trip affordability so it won't blow up your budget.