Commute Cost Calculator
See the real cost of getting to work — gas, wear, parking, tolls, and the time you'll never get back.
Commute Details
Driving Costs
Value of Your Time
Used to calculate the opportunity cost of commuting time
Your Commute Costs
| Category | Monthly | Annual | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas / fuel | $115 | $1,380 | 36% |
| Wear & depreciation | $204 | $2,448 | 64% |
| Total commute cost | $319 | $3,828 | 100% |
| + Time value (opportunity cost) | $729 | $8,750 | — |
| Total (with time value) | $1,048 | $12,578 | — |
Commute Mode Comparison
| Mode | Monthly | Annual | Time (1-way) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive alone | $319 | $3,828 | 35 min | Most flexible; highest cost |
| Carpool (2 people) | $160 | $1,920 | 45 min | Split gas and wear; slightly longer |
| Public transit | $100 | $1,200 | 53 min | Predictable cost; usually slower |
| Bike / e-bike | $25 | $300 | 88 min | Cheapest; weather dependent |
| Full remote | $0 | $0 | 0 min | Zero commute cost and time |
Commute-Saving Tips
- 1.Your commute costs $319/month ($3,828/year) — plus 292 hours of your time worth $8,750.
- 2.IRS standard mileage rate for 2026 is $0.70/mile. If you use your car for business (not just commuting), you may deduct mileage on your taxes.
Gas prices fluctuate by region and season. Vehicle depreciation and maintenance costs are estimates. The IRS mileage rate applies to business driving, not personal commuting. Consult a tax professional for deduction eligibility.
The True Cost of Commuting
The average American commute is 27.6 minutes each way, or about 230 hours per year — almost six full work weeks spent just getting to and from work. But the time cost is only part of the picture. When you factor in gas, vehicle depreciation, maintenance, insurance, tolls, and parking, the average car commuter spends $8,000–$15,000 per year on their commute. For long-distance commuters (50+ miles each way), the annual cost can exceed $20,000.
Understanding your true commute cost helps you make better decisions about where to live, whether to negotiate remote work, and whether a closer (but more expensive) home actually saves money overall.
Average Commute Costs in America — 2026
| Commute Distance | Gas Only | + Wear/Depreciation | + Parking/Tolls | Total Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 miles (each way) | $1,300 | $2,300 | $2,800 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| 20 miles | $2,500 | $4,500 | $5,500 | $5,500–$8,500 |
| 30 miles | $3,750 | $6,750 | $8,250 | $8,000–$12,000 |
| 50 miles | $6,250 | $11,250 | $13,250 | $13,000–$18,000 |
Based on 28 MPG, $3.50/gallon, $0.15/mile depreciation, 250 working days. Parking/tolls vary by metro area.
Commuting Modes Compared
| Mode | Avg Monthly Cost | Avg Annual Cost | Avg Time (20 mi) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive alone | $600–$1,200 | $7,200–$14,400 | 30–45 min | Flexibility, suburban areas |
| Carpool | $300–$600 | $3,600–$7,200 | 35–50 min | Split costs, HOV lanes |
| Public transit | $75–$200 | $900–$2,400 | 45–75 min | Urban areas, no parking stress |
| E-bike / bike | $20–$50 | $240–$600 | 40–80 min | Short commutes, good weather |
| Remote work | $0 | $0 | 0 min | Everyone (when available) |
The Hidden Costs Most People Miss
| Hidden Cost | Annual Impact | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle depreciation | $2,000–$5,000 | Every mile reduces your car's resale value |
| Opportunity cost of time | $5,000–$15,000 | Time spent commuting = time not earning/resting |
| Health effects | Hard to quantify | Long commutes linked to stress, back pain, weight gain |
| Extra meals / coffee | $500–$2,000 | Grab-and-go meals on the commute add up |
| Work clothing / dry cleaning | $300–$1,500 | In-office dress codes cost more than WFH attire |
| Pet care / childcare extensions | $1,000–$5,000 | Longer days = more care hours needed |
Remote Work Savings — How Much You Save Per Day at Home
Working from home eliminates gas, tolls, parking, and wear-and-tear for each remote day. For a 25-mile commuter driving a 28 MPG car, each remote day saves about $15–$25 in direct costs (more if you pay for parking or tolls). Over a year, working from home just 2 days per week saves $1,500–$2,500 in variable driving costs alone — not counting time, meals, and clothing savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a shorter commute worth paying more rent?
Often yes. If you commute 30 miles each way (costing ~$10,000/year in driving costs + 500 hours of time), moving 15 miles closer saves roughly $5,000/year and 250 hours. That means you could pay up to $400/month more in rent and still break even on cash — and gain 250 hours of your life back. Factor in the stress reduction and health benefits of shorter commutes, and most financial planners agree that paying more for a shorter commute is one of the best "investments" you can make in your quality of life.
Can I deduct my commute on taxes?
No — your regular commute from home to your primary workplace is not tax-deductible, even if it's 100 miles. This is considered a personal expense by the IRS. However, you can deduct mileage for travel from your workplace to a different work location (client site, second office), travel for self-employment, and medical travel over 2% of AGI. If you have a qualifying home office, your commute from home to a client site may be deductible. The 2026 IRS standard mileage rate is $0.70 per mile.
At what point should I consider moving closer to work?
Consider moving if your annual commute cost (including time value) exceeds 10–15% of your gross income, or if your commute is longer than 45 minutes each way. Research consistently shows that commutes over 30 minutes significantly reduce life satisfaction, and the happiness impact is equivalent to a substantial pay cut. Calculate your full commute cost with this calculator, then compare it against the rent or mortgage premium of living closer.
See also: Cost of Living Calculator and 50/30/20 Budget Calculator.