How Long of a Commute Is Too Long? 49% Have Turned Down a Job Due to the Commute

Nearly half of U.S. workers say commuting costs or commute length have influenced them to turn down a job opportunity, according to Monster’s Career Report. Workers are also putting a significant price on additional travel time: 32% would require at least 20% more pay to accept a job with a commute 20 minutes longer than they prefer.

The findings show how transportation costs, time away from home, and flexibility are factoring into how workers evaluate how long of a commute is too long. 

Key Findings

Almost Half of Workers Say a Bad Commute Can Kill a Job Offer

For many workers, the commute has become part of the job offer itself. Nearly half (49%) say commuting costs or commute length have influenced them to turn down an opportunity.

That calculation is becoming even more important as workers manage rising living expenses. Three-quarters (75%) say rising living costs have made work-life balance or commute flexibility more important when looking for a job, including 37% who say it has become significantly more important.

The findings suggest workers aren’t evaluating an opportunity based on salary alone. The time and money required to get to work can play a significant role in determining whether a job ultimately feels worthwhile.

A Longer Commute Comes With a Higher Price Tag

Workers expect substantial compensation when a job requires significantly more time on the road. When asked what would persuade them to accept a job with a commute at least 20 minutes longer than they prefer, respondents answered as follows:

For 30% of workers, none of these incentives would be enough to make a significantly longer commute worthwhile.

The results highlight the value workers place on their time outside of work. While higher pay is the strongest incentive for those willing to make the trade, flexibility and direct help with commuting expenses can also factor into the decision.

Rising Gas Prices Are Reshaping Job Searches

Not only are transportation costs affecting whether workers accept an offer, but they’re also changing the types of opportunities current job seekers pursue.

Among workers currently searching for a job, 65% say rising gas prices have changed what they look for:

• 23% are prioritizing jobs closer to home.
• 20% are prioritizing remote positions.
• 17% are focusing more heavily on salary or pay.
• 5% are applying to fewer fully in-person roles.
• 35% say rising gas prices have not changed what they look for.

These shifts show how location and work arrangement can carry financial value of their own, particularly when workers are responsible for absorbing the cost of getting to and from work.

Most Workers Want Employers to Help With Commuting Costs

With transportation expenses affecting workers’ finances and career decisions, many believe employers should share at least some of the cost.

More than two-thirds (68%) believe employers should help offset commuting expenses for at least some employees required to work on-site.

Workers differ on who should receive that assistance:

At the same time, 32% believe commuting costs should remain the employee’s responsibility.

Gas Prices Are Increasing Financial Stress for 76% of Workers

The impact of commuting extends beyond workers’ job decisions. More than three-quarters (76%) say current gas prices have increased their financial stress, including 42% who report a significant increase.

To absorb higher costs, workers say they are cutting back in other areas:

Another 22% say gas prices have not changed their spending habits. 

Workers are also changing their behavior on the road, with 31% saying they’ve reduced how much they drive because of rising living costs.

Average Cost of Commute & Average Daily Commute Time

Average daily commute time statistics show U.S. workers spend about 54 minutes on a round-trip commute. The average cost of a commute varies by distance and transportation expenses, but fuel alone can add several dollars per day:

For a full-time worker commuting five days a week year-round, that adds up to a rough average of $910 per year in fuel alone—before parking, tolls, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, and other costs.

How to Evaluate a Commute During Your Job Search: 5 Steps

A job’s salary is only one part of what an opportunity may ultimately cost you. Before accepting an offer, factoring in transportation expenses, travel time, flexibility, and other commuting considerations can help you better understand how long of a commute is too long for your situation and priorities.

• Step 1:

  Calculate Your Full Commuting Costs

  Look beyond gas alone. Consider transportation, parking, tolls, vehicle maintenance, and other recurring expenses associated with getting to work. Comparing those costs with your potential salary can give you a clearer picture of the offer’s financial value.

• Step 2:

  Consider the Time Commitment

  Think about how much time you’ll spend commuting each day and week. A longer commute can mean less time available for family, personal responsibilities, hobbies, and other priorities outside of work.

• Step 3:

  Ask About Workplace Flexibility

  Before accepting an offer, understand exactly how often you’ll be expected on-site. Ask whether the employer offers remote or hybrid workdays or other schedule flexibility that could reduce your commuting time.

• Step 4:

  Review Commuter Benefits

  Find out whether the employer provides gas reimbursement, commuter benefits, parking assistance, or other support for employees who work on-site. These benefits can help offset some of the expenses associated with a commute.

• Step 5:

  Evaluate the Entire Offer

  Consider salary alongside commute time and costs, benefits, flexibility, career growth, and work-life balance. If commuting expenses significantly reduce the value of the offer, you may have room to negotiate your salary or ask for other compensation, such as a commuting stipend or additional remote days.

  Looking at the complete package can help you determine whether the opportunity is worth the financial and personal trade-offs.

How Long Is Too Long of a Commute for You?

A job offer’s salary doesn’t necessarily represent its full value once the cost and time of getting to work are factored in. The findings in Monster’s Commute Report show that commuting considerations can influence everything from where workers apply to whether they ultimately accept an opportunity.

As you evaluate your next role, considering transportation expenses, commute length, workplace flexibility, and employer support alongside compensation can help you better understand what an opportunity is really worth.

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For press inquiries, please contact Shanna Briggs at shanna.briggs@bold.com.

Methodology

This survey was conducted by Pollfish in July 2026 among 1,005 employed U.S. adults. Respondents answered a series of multiple-choice questions examining the effects of rising living and commuting costs on financial pressure, work decisions, job search priorities, and attitudes toward commute flexibility and employer support. 

Demographic Breakdown

The sample included 12% of respondents ages 18–24, 17% ages 25–34, 19% ages 35–44, 15% ages 45–54, 17% ages 55–64, and 20% ages 65 and older. Respondents identified their gender as 52% female, 47% male, 1% nonbinary, and less than 1% preferred not to say. 

About Monster

Monster is a global leader in online job searching, resume building, and employment solutions. For over 30 years, the company has been a trusted authority for both job seekers and companies. Beyond the job search, Monster provides an intuitive Resume Builder and hundreds of resume templates to help candidates stand out against the competition, while offering employers a comprehensive resume database to source top talent. As a G2 category leader, Monster has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, CNN, and USA Today, sharing the career advice needed to bridge the gap between job seekers and hiring managers.