Commute Cost Calculator
Example: Round-trip commute distance: 30 mi · Commute days per week: 5 days · Fuel economy: 28 mpg · Gas price: 3.5 $/gal · Vehicle wear cost per mile: 0.2 $/mi · Hours spent commuting per day: 1 hrs · Value of your time per hour: 25 $/hr
| Total annual commute cost | $9,035 |
| Fuel + wear cost | $2,535 |
| Value of time | $6,500 |
| Cost per commute day | $35 |
Worked example
A 30-mile round trip five days a week is 260 commute days a year. Fuel at 28 MPG and $3.50 costs about $3.75 a day, and 30 miles of wear at $0.20 adds $6, so driving costs about $9.75 a day, or $2,535 a year. One hour of commuting at $25 an hour is $25 a day, another $6,500 a year. The full commute costs about $9,035 a year, or roughly $35 a day, most of it the value of your time.
Frequently asked questions
Should I really count the value of my time?
If your commute time has a genuine alternative use, such as extra work, rest, or family time, then yes, it has value. Set the hourly figure to what an hour is worth to you. If you would not trade money for that time, set it low or to zero and read the driving cost alone.
What is a reasonable wear-per-mile figure?
Beyond fuel, maintenance, tires, and depreciation add roughly 15 to 30 cents per mile for many cars. Use a cost-per-mile calculator on your own vehicle for a precise number, or start with $0.20 as a middle-of-the-road estimate.
How does this help me evaluate a job or a move?
Compare the annual commute cost of two options. A job that pays a bit less but halves your commute can leave you better off in both money and time. Likewise, the annual figure shows what moving closer to work is worth per year.
Does this include parking or tolls?
Not directly. If you pay for parking or tolls, add them to your daily driving cost by increasing the wear-per-mile or treating them as part of your fuel figure for a complete daily total.