The two costs of a commute
A commute costs money, through fuel, wear and tear, parking, tolls or fares, and it costs time. Fuel and maintenance alone usually run somewhere around 20 to 40 cents a mile for a typical car, while the IRS standard mileage rate, which also includes depreciation and insurance, is higher. A 30-mile round trip five days a week at 35 cents a mile plus $6 parking comes to about $4,000 a year, plus 240 hours in the car.
Putting a value on the time, even a modest one, often shows the commute is one of the biggest costs of a job. That is useful when comparing offers or negotiating remote days.
Common questions
How much does commuting cost per year?
For a 30-mile daily round trip, often $2,500 to $5,000 depending on fuel, wear and parking.
What cost per mile should I use?
Fuel plus maintenance is commonly 20 to 40 cents. Use the IRS standard mileage rate if you want to include depreciation and insurance.
This calculator gives estimates for planning. Real returns, rates and prices change, so treat the result as a guide rather than a promise. Read how we build and check our calculators.