Key takeaways
- Commuting to work can be costly, result in faster vehicle depreciation and come with higher insurance costs.
- When budgeting for vehicle costs factor in vehicle maintenance, which can be higher for those with long commutes to work.
- To purchase the best commuter car for your needs focus on reliability not style.
Owning a vehicle is expensive, with the average monthly payment for a new car now at $737, according to third quarter Experian data. Even if your car is paid off, you’re likely feeling the effects of higher insurance and maintenance costs. By the end of 2024, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance was $2,670 per year, while maintenance costs hit an average of $900 per year.
But one cost you may be overlooking is the cost of your daily commute. Once you factor in your extra expenses related to fuel, maintenance, and high mileage, you may realize your vehicle is more expensive than you realize.
How a commute impacts your finances
From higher rates of stress and depression to lower rates of physical activity, your daily commute leaves an impression on your life. It also impacts your finances in four distinct ways:
Lost income
According to data from the Chamber of Commerce, the nationwide cost of commuting is $5,748 per year, or $22.11 per day. If you live in one of the larger cities on either cost, it’s likely you may be paying even more. Each day you travel, you incur direct costs from your trip, such as:
- Fuel costs
- Tolls
- Parking fees
- More frequent maintenance
Faster car depreciation
Many factors impact how quickly your car depreciates, from its make and model to its age. Mileage is a big component of depreciation, since the more you drive, the more wear and tear your car receives and the more costly it becomes to maintain.
Higher insurance rates
Your car’s annual mileage can potentially influence the cost of your car insurance, although how much influence it has depends on your insurer, the state you live in and your vehicle usage. Drivers who spend more time on the road are considered riskier since they have more opportunities to be involved in an accident.
Opportunity cost
Opportunity cost refers to what you miss out on when you make one choice instead of another. The opportunity cost of sitting in traffic is that time spent on your commute cannot be used on things that matter to you like household chores, self-care or making additional money through a second job or side hustle.
Financing your commuter car
Unlike a car you might use primarily for short drives or leisure time, purchasing a car for your long drives to work requires some extra thought. Consider the following tips when buying a commuter car.
1. Shop for reliability, not style
When buying a new vehicle, it is easy to get distracted by all the bells and whistles, but your drive to work doesn’t require an oversized truck or a sports car. Instead, reliability should be top of mind. Remember that your vehicle will likely depreciate much faster due to the miles you clock to and from work.
Monthly payments calculated based on an average auto loan rate of 6.61 percent and a 60-month term.
| Vehicle | MSRP | Expected monthly payment | Stand-out features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota Prius | $29,485 | $578 | Outstanding fuel efficiency, excellent safety rating, voice controls |
| 2025 Hyundai Elantra | $22,150 | $450 | High fuel economy and strong safety features |
| 2025 Honda Civic | $25,400 | $663 | Strong resale value, good fuel economy, array of safety features |
| 2025 Kia K5 Review | $28,365 | $556 | Hands-free driver assistance technology Charging cords included |
2. Budget for vehicle maintenance
The cost to pay off your auto loan each month is just one aspect of vehicle ownership you must consider. Drivers commuting to work can spend up to $900 on vehicle maintenance each year, according to Consumer Affairs. And while maintenance costs are unavoidable in keeping your vehicle safe to drive, choosing the right vehicle can help you save on trips to the mechanic.
The best way to choose the most reliable vehicle requires some research. Check out Kelley Blue Book for vehicle reviews and expected maintenance costs. Remember that luxury vehicles will likely have more expensive parts and overall costs, whereas more economy vehicles generally cost less. It is best to avoid vehicles with a history of issues or recalls, which can be found by checking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For drivers commuting an average of 41 miles a day Monday through Friday, that’s an extra 205 miles per week on top of normal driving patterns. And as your odometer increases, you get closer to having to pay for routine vehicle maintenance.
You can use the price of expected maintenance and regular repairs to inform your vehicle choice. Here’s are some examples with data from Kelley Blue Book’s five-year cost-to-own statistics.
| Vehicle | Maintenance costs | Repairs |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota Corolla | $3,650 | $1,680 |
| 2024 Volkswagon Jetta | $2,774 | $1,231 |
| 2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback | $3,952 | $1,680 |
| 2024 Subaru Impreza | $2,457 | $1,758 |
3. Pay attention to fuel efficiency
The cost of filling your commuter car’s tank can add up. The current gas price national average is $3.11 per gallon in March 2025, according to AAA. The mpg, or miles per gallon, of your vehicle will have a big impact on how much you spend on gas.
Based on data from the U.S. Department of Energy, there is a clear winner between the Honda Civic and Ford F-150 when it comes to saving money at the pump. The 2024 Civic boasts a combined city/highway mpg of 35, going through 5.8 gallons per week to commute 200 miles. That adds up to about $18 in gas. The 2024 F-150, on the other hand, has combined city/highway mpg of 19, so drivers will burn through 10.6 gallons for the same 200 mile commute. That results in paying about $33 to fill the tank.
This simple exercise can be helpful when choosing one car over another. Pay attention to miles per gallon, the measure of fuel economy.
Beyond mpg, many drivers are moving toward driving a fully electric vehicle to avoid any trips to the gas station. Consider taking out a green auto loan to finance your vehicle and exploring available tax credits to save some extra cash.
4. Compare loan options
As with securing any financing, the key is shopping around and comparing several lenders. Outside of normal considerations like interest rate and loan terms, there are other specifics to focus on.
While you might change your playlist often when driving to work, the same flexibility cannot be said for loans. So when choosing the right loan for your commuter car, pay close attention to the length of your loan since it will determine how long until the vehicle will truly be yours — and how much you actually pay in interest.
In addition, be on the lookout for special features that lenders may offer, such as 24/7 support or apps. Tech like this can streamline your loan borrowing process.
Bottom line
Many workers can’t opt out of their commute, so it is important to make choices that make the daily ride enjoyable and affordable. When seeking the right vehicle, pay attention to total cost and how the car can improve your commute. Compare several lender options to ensure you sign off on the best loan terms and rates for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
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