The World’s Least Walkable Cities in 2025, Ranked
A new study finds the U.S. dominates the bottom of the list, revealing just how far behind many American cities are when it comes to walkability.
If you’ve ever tried to run an errand on foot in an American city and felt like you were risking your life, you’re not imagining it. A new global study by Compare the Market AU analyzed 90 major cities worldwide and found that seven of the 10 least walkable cities on Earth are in the United States.
“A pedestrian-friendly environment is a key factor in choosing a place to live,” said Lachlan More, Digital PR Advisor at Compare the Market. “Easy access to healthcare, education, and transport directly influences everyday convenience and the overall quality of life.”
The study ranked each city based on eight factors, including safety, access to car-free zones, cycle routes, walking trails, public transport costs, rainfall, and how many people commute by foot, bike, or transit. The resulting score out of 100 reflects how well a city supports life without a car.
Cities designed around vehicles, not people, fared the worst, with sprawling layouts, poor transit, and minimal walking infrastructure dragging them down.
Here are the 10 least walkable cities in the world, starting with the (somewhat) best of the worst.
#10. Tijuana, Mexico
Tijuana barely edges out the rest with a modest score of 27.81 out of 100. Only 7% of residents commute without a car, and despite mild weather, safety concerns and limited pedestrian infrastructure keep it near the bottom.
#9. Windsor, Canada
Just across the border from Detroit, Windsor scored poorly due to limited car-free areas and low active-transport rates. Only 17% of residents commute via walking, biking, or public transit, underscoring how car-centric life is even on Canada’s side of the line.
#8. Columbus, United States
Ohio’s capital might be growing fast, but it’s built for drivers. With less than one-fifth of residents using sustainable commuting options and sparse car-free zones, Columbus shows how urban sprawl and poor planning continue to hinder walkability.
#7. San Antonio, United States
San Antonio is rich in history and charm, but those cobblestone vibes don’t extend far beyond the River Walk. The city’s car dependency and limited cycling paths earn it a low total score of 26.74.
#6. Cincinnati, United States
Despite some promising revitalization downtown, Cincinnati still struggles to support pedestrians. Only about 5.5% of locals commute without a car, and sprawling suburbs mean long distances between essential services.
#5. Tampa, United States
Sunny skies can’t hide the challenges Tampa faces for anyone traveling on foot. Just 3% of residents walk, bike, or take public transit to work, and the city’s layout makes getting around without a vehicle frustrating at best – unsafe at worst.
#4. Houston, United States
Houston’s vast geography works against it here. Long distances between neighborhoods, high traffic volumes, and minimal car-free spaces mean most residents rely heavily on driving. It’s a city where walking is often an afterthought.
#3. Dallas, United States
Dallas has made some progress with bike trails, but with just 6% of residents commuting via sustainable means, it remains firmly in car country. Pedestrian safety and infrastructure are still lagging far behind global standards.
#2. Newark, United States
Newark ranks as the least walkable city in the U.S. and second-worst globally. With few walking trails and low safety scores, it highlights the country’s broader struggle with car-dependent urban design – even in densely populated regions.
#1. Johannesburg, South Africa
At the very bottom sits Johannesburg, with a shockingly low safety score (19.17 out of 100) and just 1.7% of residents walking, biking, or using public transit to commute. Low access to car-free spaces and limited infrastructure make it the toughest city in the world for pedestrians.
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