Could Higher Gas Prices Make That Long Commute No Longer Worth the Salary?

A long commute can cost far more than gasoline alone, with extra mileage adding fuel, maintenance, tire wear and vehicle depreciation to the real cost of earning a salary – Shutterstock

A higher salary can look very different after the commute gets its own line in the household budget. With U.S. regular gasoline averaging $4.47 per gallon, every extra mile now deserves a closer look.

That does not mean a long commute automatically makes a job a bad deal. It means the salary comparison needs more than the number printed on the offer letter. Fuel is only one part of the cost, and a long drive can also pile miles onto a vehicle, increase maintenance needs and consume hours that never appear on a paycheck.