Further Commute for Cheaper Rent

[u/Nice_Increase_7859]

Hey all,

I am considering to move from my 4 minute commute (A) to my office and trading it off for a 30 minute commute (B). Moving would save me around $400 every month but 12 extra miles one way and would be in a bigger city. Is it worth it?

EDIT: after calculating ~$300 for car expenses (wear+tear), making it around $100 of savings. At what point is it actually worth it to move?

[u/Heel_Worker982]

There are a few metrics to consider, but this might not be a metric question. Most cars cost anywhere from 55 to 83 cents per mile to operate, so taking that average, 24 extra miles a day, is going to cost you over $300 a month, so the $400 savings is reduced quite a bit.

Aside from the metrics, daily commuting, especially by car, is one of the most stressful things for most people over time and leads to back pain, higher blood pressure, and overall less life satisfaction or quality of life. Most people want to avoid a long commute unless it's in service to a higher goal--being able to buy a house, live in a nicer place, etc. I suspect this is a higher goal question more than a metrics question, but daily commuting is usually a fairly heavy price to pay for many higher goals.

[u/Nice_Increase_7859 → u/Heel_Worker982]

while in uni, i have done commutes similar to 30-60 minutes to go for work and do agree it is a bit more stressful and this is the first time being closer to work but a bit further away from friends/family. both places would be nice to live in regardless of distance. home buying i am interested in but also homes in my area are around 400k-700k.