1. New York City, New York
Living in New York City often feels like a constant balancing act between rent and subway fares. Many residents in outer boroughs spend hours commuting into Manhattan, which can easily rack up hundreds of dollars monthly. The combination of tolls, parking, and public transit costs makes commuting a significant chunk of their budget. For those in Brooklyn or Queens, the commute can sometimes cost as much as a modest studio apartment.
Aside from financial strain, the time spent on the road can be exhausting. Crowded subways and unpredictable delays add a mental toll to the physical one. Commuters often find themselves budgeting not just money but patience. Even for New Yorkers who love the city’s energy, the commute can feel like a daily investment in stress.
2. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is notorious for its sprawling layout and car dependency. Traffic congestion on freeways like the 405 or 101 can turn a 20-minute drive into an hour-long ordeal. Many Angelenos find themselves spending more on gas, tolls, and car maintenance than on rent, especially in pricier neighborhoods. Owning a car in LA is less a choice and more a necessity, which inflates commuting costs.
Public transportation options are limited, so residents often have no alternative but to drive. Ride-sharing services add convenience but also extra monthly costs. The sheer distance between work, school, and leisure spots compounds the problem. It’s not just money—it’s the hours lost sitting in traffic that make LA commutes feel brutal.
3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco residents are used to high rents, but commuting costs can rival those numbers. With many people living in the East Bay or South Bay, BART fares and bridge tolls add up quickly. Driving isn’t much cheaper when parking in the city is so expensive and scarce. Commuters often pay hundreds each month just to get to work.
The city’s hilly streets and heavy traffic make every commute feel longer. Public transit can be crowded and unpredictable, adding another layer of frustration. Many tech workers opt for longer commutes to afford bigger living spaces. In San Francisco, paying for transportation is almost a lifestyle choice rather than a simple necessity.
4. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. has a unique commuting challenge due to its sprawling metro area. Residents in Virginia or Maryland suburbs spend a lot on Metro fares, toll roads, and parking. Even with relatively affordable housing in some areas, commuting expenses can overshadow rent payments. For many, the cost of getting to Capitol Hill is a significant portion of their monthly budget.
Traffic is another factor, with the Beltway notoriously congested during rush hours. Commuters often leave home early to avoid gridlock, which reduces personal time. The combination of tolls, gas, and wear on vehicles makes driving a costly alternative. D.C. is a city where time and money spent commuting can feel surprisingly disproportionate to housing costs.
5. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s charm comes with a price: its complex commute. The MBTA system is extensive but not always reliable, leading commuters to drive or combine multiple modes of transport. Bridge tolls, parking, and fuel costs in the greater Boston area can add up quickly. Even residents with moderate rent can find themselves shelling out equally for transportation.
Suburban commuters from places like Worcester or Lowell face long daily trips. Old roads and frequent traffic jams make driving stressful and expensive. Public transit users pay not just with money but also with time spent on crowded trains. In Boston, commuting often feels like a second mortgage.
6. Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s tech boom has driven up housing costs, but commuting remains a pain point. Many residents live outside the city and rely on highways that are regularly congested. Tolls, gas, and frequent car maintenance are constant financial burdens. Public transit exists but often isn’t enough for the city’s sprawling population.
The infamous “Seattle traffic” is real, especially for people heading into downtown from the suburbs. Long commutes can mean leaving home at dawn and arriving back at night. The combination of time and money spent can feel like a hidden tax on working in the city. For many, living slightly farther from the city center is only feasible if they budget heavily for commuting.
7. Miami, Florida
Miami’s urban sprawl makes commuting a real expense. Many residents live far from downtown or business districts, relying on cars to get around. With high gas prices, tolls on expressways, and frequent maintenance costs, transportation often rivals housing costs. Traffic jams during peak hours are a daily frustration.
Public transportation options, like the Metrobus and Metrorail, exist but are limited in coverage. Commuters often have to combine multiple modes of transit, which increases costs and complexity. Parking downtown is another hidden expense that adds up over time. For Miamians, commuting is a financial and logistical puzzle.
8. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is famously car-dependent, with long stretches between suburbs and the city center. Residents spend significant amounts on gas, tolls, and car maintenance just to get to work. The MARTA system exists but is limited in coverage, making driving almost unavoidable. Even moderate housing costs can be outweighed by commuting expenses.
Traffic congestion on interstates like I-285 and I-75 is legendary. Many people schedule their day around peak-hour delays. This can make the commute feel not only expensive but draining. Atlanta’s mix of sprawling suburbs and limited transit options makes it a commuter’s challenge.
9. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s residents often face a split between housing affordability and commuting costs. Living in the suburbs and commuting downtown by train or car can be costly, particularly with parking and tolls added in. CTA passes are relatively affordable, but those with longer commutes may find themselves spending as much on transportation as on rent. For some, the commute is nearly as expensive as a modest apartment.
Winter weather adds another layer of difficulty, increasing fuel usage and sometimes forcing longer detours. Trains can be delayed, and roads can become hazardous. Time spent commuting can feel like a slow drain on energy and finances. Chicagoans know that convenience often comes at a steep price.
10. Denver, Colorado
Denver’s rapid growth has led to sprawling suburbs and long commutes for many residents. People living in Aurora, Lakewood, or Littleton often spend significant amounts on gas, tolls, and car maintenance to reach downtown jobs. Public transit exists, but the light rail and bus system doesn’t cover all commuting needs. Even with moderately priced housing, commuting costs can feel like a second mortgage.
Traffic congestion on I-25 and I-70 can make rush hour painfully slow. Many commuters leave early to avoid bottlenecks, cutting into personal time. Parking fees downtown add another layer of expense. For Denverites, commuting is both a financial and time-consuming challenge.
11. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is notorious for its car-dependent culture and wide distances between home and work. Many residents spend hundreds on gas and car upkeep each month, which can rival housing expenses. Public transit options are limited, so driving is almost always necessary. Even neighborhoods with affordable rent may come with steep commuting costs.
The city’s heat and long stretches of freeway make commuting both uncomfortable and expensive. Peak-hour traffic on the I-10 and Loop 202 can turn short drives into lengthy trips. Residents often plan their day around traffic patterns, sacrificing time for efficiency. In Phoenix, commuting can feel like a hidden—and costly—part of city living.
12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia combines moderate housing costs with unexpectedly high commuting expenses. Many residents live in the suburbs and rely on SEPTA trains or buses, which can become costly over time. Tolls and parking fees for those driving into the city center add up quickly. Commuting costs can rival or exceed what some pay for rent each month.
Traffic congestion is another factor that worsens costs. Public transit delays can make commuting times unpredictable. Residents often weigh housing location against commuting expenses carefully. In Philly, even a short commute can be expensive when calculated over months.
13. Portland, Oregon
Portland has a growing population and limited transit coverage, which pushes many to drive. Gas prices, bridge tolls, and car maintenance can rival housing costs for some residents. Even with a smaller city footprint, the commute can be surprisingly expensive. Many Portlanders spend hours daily on the road to reach work or school.
Public transit exists but isn’t always convenient for outer neighborhoods. Bikes and scooters help, but they can’t replace the need for a car in many areas. Long-term commuting costs add up, making residents rethink where they live. Portlanders quickly learn that the cheapest apartment may come with the highest commuting price.
This post 13 Cities Where People Spend More on Commuting Than Housing was first published on American Charm.
