How much does your commute cost you?

By Christina Lorey

March 27, 2025

Five years after COVID sent workers around the world packing, companies big and small are tightening their return-to-office policies. As a result, employees used to working from home are now scrambling to once again carve out time in their day to commute.

But what’s the actual cost for those who find themselves trapped in traffic without getting paid for it?

To answer that question, Chamber of Commerce compared the average commute time in 170 US cities with the median income for full-time, year-round workers.

Here’s what they found…

San Francisco has the costliest average commute, $12,650/year, due to sitting in traffic.

Nationwide, commuters spend nearly $5,800/year commuting, which is equivalent to $22/day.

New York City has the longest average commute time, 1 hour and 20 minutes, which costs workers about $11,000/year.

Here’s the full list

What about Wisconsin?

A pattern across the midwest, the price of commuting in the Badger State is among the country’s more affordable options, with all commute times and costs well under the national average.

Madison is the highest-ranking Wisconsin city on the list, with an average daily commute time (round trip) of 37 minutes, and an average annual commute cost of $4,700/year, or $18/day.

Milwaukee, the only other Wisconsin city on the list, came in at #138 (out of 170), with an average daily commute time of 43 minutes, and an average commute cost of $4,000/year, or $15/day.

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Author

Christina Lorey

Christina Lorey is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and former UpNorthNews newsletter editor. She previously worked as a producer, reporter, and TV anchor for stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, Christina volunteers with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and several mental health organizations.

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CATEGORIES: LOCAL CULTURE

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