A commute is a recurring cost, not a fixed one
Multiplied across a full working year, a modest daily fuel spend adds up fast. If a job or home search has you weighing trade-offs, run the salary side through the Cost of Living Calculator alongside this.
Frequently asked questions
Why 48 weeks instead of 52?
It roughly nets out vacation, sick days and holidays when you're not commuting. Adjust it to match your actual work calendar for a more precise number.
What about wear and tear on the car?
This covers fuel, parking and tolls directly. For a fuller picture including depreciation, insurance and maintenance, layer in the Car Cost of Ownership Calculator.
How do I use this for a job offer decision?
Subtract the commute cost from the salary difference between offers — a higher-paying job with a much longer commute can end up costing more than it pays, once fuel and time are counted.
Last updated: June 2026