Commute Gas Cost: Daily, Weekly, Monthly (Formula + Examples)
- Cost per mile (fuel) = gas price per gallon ÷ your real-world MPG.
- Daily commute cost = (miles per day ÷ MPG) × price per gallon.
- Weekly and monthly totals are just multipliers (days per week, weeks per month).
What We Know (Sourced)
The EPA fuel economy label includes an estimated annual fuel cost. The interactive gasoline label explains that this estimate is based on standardized assumptions (including annual miles and a city/highway mix) so shoppers can compare vehicles on a consistent basis.
The EPA label also includes gallons per 100 miles as an alternative fuel-consumption metric, and EPA notes that fuel consumption relates directly to fuel used and therefore to fuel expenditures.
For a broader overview of how fuel economy connects to cost, the U.S. Department of Energy provides consumer guidance on fuel economy fundamentals and common ways drivers can reduce fuel use.
The 3 Inputs You Need
- Miles per commuting day (round trip).
- Your real-world MPG for that route (or at least EPA Combined MPG as a starting point).
- Fuel price per gallon (or per liter).
If you already know your fuel cost per mile, you can skip directly to the weekly and monthly multipliers. Related: Cost per mile (fuel) formula.
Daily Commute Cost Formula
The same idea can be written as cost per mile:
If you prefer using fuel consumption (which maps directly to fuel expenditures), you can compute a fuel cost per 100 miles instead. Related: Fuel cost per 100 miles.
Weekly, Monthly, and Annual Totals
Once you have daily cost, the rest is multiplication:
- Weekly commute fuel cost = daily cost × commuting days per week
- Monthly commute fuel cost = weekly cost × average weeks per month (about 4.33)
- Annual commute fuel cost = weekly cost × 52 (or daily cost × commuting days per year)
If your schedule varies (hybrid work, seasonal hours), consider estimating two scenarios (for example, 3 days/week and 5 days/week) and taking a range.
Which MPG Should You Use?
If you have your own MPG logs, use that first. If you do not, EPA label values are the best standardized starting point because they are produced using defined test methods and are intended for vehicle-to-vehicle comparisons.
- Mostly stop-and-go? Start with EPA City MPG and adjust using your observed results over time.
- Mostly steady freeway miles? Start with EPA Highway MPG.
- Mixed driving? Use EPA Combined MPG as the baseline.
For what "Combined" actually means (and why the EPA uses a 55/45 weighting), see: Combined MPG explained.
Worked Examples
Example A (simple daily math): 30 miles per commuting day, 28 MPG, $3.50/gal.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per mile | $3.50 ÷ 28 | $0.125/mi |
| Daily commute cost | 30 × $0.125 | $3.75/day |
| Weekly (5 days) | $3.75 × 5 | $18.75/week |
Example B (compare two vehicles): If you are shopping, compute cost per mile for both MPG values and compare the difference. Related: break-even MPG payback.
Want the fast version?
Use our Commute Gas Cost Calculator to get daily, weekly, monthly, and annual estimates in one step.
Try the Commute CalculatorWhat's Next
- Measure your MPG for 2–4 weeks using the tank-to-tank method so your budget reflects your driving and your route.
- Update your fuel price (even a small change moves a monthly budget).
- Track one lever at a time if you want to reduce commuting cost (speed, idling, tire pressure, unnecessary cargo).
If you want to compare commuting cost to an EV, start here: gas vs electric cost per mile and EV charging cost per mile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use City MPG, Highway MPG, or Combined MPG?
Use the MPG that best matches your commute. If your route is mixed, Combined MPG is the baseline. For better accuracy, replace label MPG with your own measured MPG over time.
How many weeks are in a month for budgeting?
A simple budget uses about 4.33 weeks per month (52 weeks ÷ 12 months). If your pay cycle is biweekly, budgeting in 2-week blocks is often easier.
Does idling during my commute materially change cost?
It can, especially with long school drop-offs or winter warm-ups. If you're unsure, model two scenarios: one with your normal route and one with reduced idling. Related: idling fuel use per hour.
How do I estimate commute cost for an EV?
Replace gallons with kWh: cost per mile (EV) = kWh per mile × $/kWh. Use your charging mix (home vs public) if rates differ. Start with kWh/100 miles explained.