If you’re hailing an Uber in Washington State, prepare to pay more than anywhere else in the country.
A recent analysis by NetCredit found that Seattle, Washington, has the highest average cost for a 30-minute Uber ride in the US, with a price tag of $60.00. That figure tops the national chart, making the Evergreen State the most expensive place in the country to grab a ride through the popular app.
By comparison, riders in Indiana pay just $30.35 for the same length of trip, half the cost of a ride in Seattle.
A combination of factors contributed to Washington’s top ranking. Seattle is among the most expensive cities in the country, and those higher operating costs, such as gas, maintenance, insurance, and labor, translate into higher fares for riders. Washington fuel prices have gone up $0.48 a gallon thanks to the Climate Commitment Act, which was passed by the Democratic-controlled Washington State Legislature. On July 1, prices will go up again as a $0.06 gas tax increase is enacted. Washington is the only state in the US where fuel prices are higher in 2025 than they were in 2024.
Additionally, Seattle’s layout and frequent large-scale events often trigger Uber’s surge pricing algorithm, which raises fares during periods of peak demand.
Compounding the problem is that local labor laws, including minimum wage requirements for ride-hail drivers, also impact pricing. Uber has previously cited regulatory costs as a reason for fare hikes in cities like Seattle and New York.
While Seattle leads in overall price, the nation’s capital stands out for another reason. In Washington, DC, NetCredit found that a single half-hour ride in D.C. amounts to 106.5% of the average local hourly wage, raising affordability concerns even for relatively well-paid residents.
Also beginning July 1, customers of rideshare services in Portland, Oregon, will see a sharp increase in fees as the city implements a new $2 surcharge on every ride. The new fee, which applies to all Uber and Lyft rides within the Rose City, is a significant jump from the previous charge of 65 cents. The Portland City Council approved the increase last month to generate approximately $10 million annually for the Portland Bureau of Transportation.
Portland’s surcharge may drive the city’s prices higher than Seattle’s over time. The surcharge far exceeds similar fees in other cities and is currently the highest of any city in the US.
