Commute Profitability Calculator

Is it worth
the drive?

Find the exact gas price that makes commuting to work a financial net loss — factoring in fuel, vehicle wear, and the value of your time.

P* = (MPG / 2D) × (H × R − Tc × W − 2D × Cm − Other)    P* = break-even gas price  |  D = one-way miles  |  H = hrs worked  |  R = pay rate  |  W = time value  |  Tc = commute hrs  |  Cm = wear ¢/mi
01 — Job & Pay
Hourly pay rate $25/hr
Hours worked per day 8 hrs
Value of your time $25/hr
02 — Commute
One-way distance 15 mi
Fuel economy (MPG) 28 mpg
Round-trip commute time 0.75 hrs
03 — Vehicle & Other Costs
Vehicle wear cost (¢/mile) 21¢/mi
Daily parking / tolls $0
Results — Daily Summary
Break-even price
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Wages earned
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Commute cost
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Net take-home
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Net take-home vs. gas price per gallon
Cost Breakdown — At Current US Avg Gas Price ($3.50/gal)
Gross wages earned
Fuel cost
Vehicle wear & depreciation
Value of commute time lost
Parking / tolls
Net daily take-home
Notes: "Value of your time" is separate from pay — set to $0 if you don't count commute time as a cost (e.g. you enjoy the drive). Vehicle wear default of 21¢/mi covers maintenance, tires, and depreciation beyond fuel. IRS 2025 total mileage rate is ~$0.70/mi; subtract your fuel cost per mile to get wear-only. Commuting 5 days/week? Multiply results by 260 for annual impact. Partial remote work reduces your effective commute days — factor accordingly.