Calculate the true cost of your commute and see how it affects your effective hourly rate.
Effective Hourly Rate
$13.87/hr
-$4.13 from stated rate
Weekly Commute Cost
$51
3.5 hours of travel
Yearly Commute Cost
$2,652
Including gas & wear
Captures one-way miles or transit fare, days per week worked, and your gross hourly rate. Returns: daily commute cost, monthly cost, annual cost, and effective hourly rate after subtracting the time cost (unpaid commute hours at your hourly rate).
When comparing two job offers with different commutes, when deciding between a higher-paying long commute and lower-paying short commute, or when negotiating remote work flexibility.
Direct costs: gas (or transit fare), parking, tolls. Indirect: vehicle depreciation (~13¢/mi), maintenance (~10¢/mi), insurance pro-rata. Plus time cost: each unpaid hour spent commuting at your hourly rate.
Depends on your alternative use of that time. If you'd otherwise work and earn that rate, yes. If you'd otherwise be in personal time (most cases), value it at ~50-75% of your hourly rate — the calculator defaults to 60% with an override.
Generally no for W-2 employees (commuting between home and regular workplace is personal). For 1099 contractors or W-2 employees with a qualified home office, business mileage between home and a client site is deductible (62¢/mi for 2026). Parking and tolls for business trips are also deductible.
Enter '3' for days per week. The calculator multiplies the per-day cost by your office days only. Remote days carry zero commute cost.
Out of scope for this calculator, but the math: divide the cost difference (new lease/mortgage payment minus current) by the annual commute savings. Most car-purchase decisions for commute reduction take 3-7 years to break even.
No — the calculator is dollar-focused. Long commutes correlate with worse health and life satisfaction outcomes per multiple studies; that's a real cost but not in dollars.
Estimate Only
This calculator provides estimates for educational and planning purposes only. Results are based on general data and may not reflect your specific situation. Tax laws, rates, and regulations change frequently. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor before making financial decisions.
Last updated: 2025-01-10
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Decide between options when money is involved.
