Best cities for DoorDash drivers (2026)

Name: WillDrivingPay Gig Driver Earnings Presets
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Ranked by WillDrivingPay typical net $/hr after expenses (compact gas car, 25 hrs/week) as of 2026-08-24. Local gas, insurance, and wage-tax presets matter as much as busy-hour pay—so “best” means take-home, not gross.

1. Boston, Massachusetts — typical $6.60/hr ($164.94/wk at 25 hrs)
2. Nashville, Tennessee — typical $6.47/hr ($161.74/wk at 25 hrs)
3. Seattle, Washington — typical $6.47/hr ($161.73/wk at 25 hrs)
4. New York, New York — typical $6.20/hr ($155.11/wk at 25 hrs)
5. Chicago, Illinois — typical $6.12/hr ($153.00/wk at 25 hrs)
6. Charlotte, North Carolina — typical $6.02/hr ($150.43/wk at 25 hrs)
7. Dallas, Texas — typical $5.98/hr ($149.50/wk at 25 hrs)
8. Anchorage, Alaska — typical $5.93/hr ($148.20/wk at 25 hrs)
9. Honolulu, Hawaii — typical $5.90/hr ($147.38/wk at 25 hrs)
10. Raleigh, North Carolina — typical $5.89/hr ($147.18/wk at 25 hrs)