Work

Should I commute or work remote?

Calculate the true cost of commuting including gas, car wear, parking, and your valuable time.

By ShouldICalc Team

Updated January 2025 · See our methodology

Your Numbers

25 mi
5 mi 60 mi
5
1 5
$3.5
$2.5 $6
28
15 50
$0
$0 $40
$35
$15 $100
30
10 90

Your Results

Annual Savings

$0 – $0

per year

5-Year Savings

$0 – $0

Break Even

— months

💡 Calculating...

Enter your numbers above to see personalized results.

Trade-offs to Consider

Every decision has pros and cons. Here's what to weigh:

  • Money

    Remote work eliminates gas, parking, wear, and lunches out. But may require home office investment.

  • Time

    Commuting can consume 1-3 hours daily. That's 250-750 hours per year - like a part-time job.

  • Quality

    Office offers collaboration and social connection. Remote offers focus and flexibility.

  • Convenience

    Office has immediate in-person access. Remote offers schedule flexibility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the IRS mileage rate for commuting?
Commuting is not tax-deductible. The IRS considers it a personal expense. However, the rate (67 cents/mile in 2024) gives a good estimate of total vehicle operating costs including depreciation.
How do I negotiate remote work with my employer?
Focus on productivity and results rather than cost savings. Propose a trial period, offer to come in for key meetings, and document your output. Many employers found remote workers are as or more productive.
What about the home office tax deduction?
Unfortunately, the home office deduction is only available to self-employed individuals, not W-2 employees. This changed with the 2017 tax law.
Should I factor in car depreciation?
Yes! Every mile on your car reduces its value. We use about 35 cents/mile for wear, depreciation, and maintenance - on top of gas costs.

The Hidden Costs of Commuting

Commuting costs more than most people realize:

Direct Costs

  • Gas - Biggest obvious expense
  • Parking - Can add $200-500/month in cities
  • Tolls - Highway tolls add up quickly
  • Vehicle wear - Tires, brakes, oil changes

Opportunity Costs

  • Time - Hours spent driving could be productive
  • Meals - Eating out near work vs cooking at home
  • Wardrobe - Office clothes cost more than remote

What We Calculate

  1. Fuel costs - Based on your MPG and gas price
  2. Vehicle wear - Using IRS rate minus fuel (about 35 cents/mile)
  3. Parking - Your daily rate × days worked
  4. Time cost - Your commute hours × hourly rate

The Value of Time

If you earn $35/hour and commute 30 minutes each way:

  • Daily time cost: 1 hour × $35 = $35
  • Annual time cost: $35 × 240 days = $8,400

That’s like a part-time job’s salary just spent in the car.

Hybrid Work Considerations

Many companies now offer hybrid arrangements. Even reducing from 5 to 3 days in office cuts your commute costs by 40%.

Home Office Investment

Some commute savings should go toward:

  • Quality desk and chair
  • Good lighting
  • Video call equipment
  • Climate control

A $1,000-2,000 home office setup pays for itself quickly.