INTERACTIVE CALCULATOR

The True Cost of Your Commute

Your 30-mile commute costs $2,400/year in gas alone.
See what your drive is really costing you.

$3.52 National Avg Gas
25 MPG Avg US Fleet
$1,092+ Avg Yearly Gas Cost
⛽ Fuel prices are surging. UK petrol just hit 150p/liter (up 17p in a month). US gas averaging $3.50/gal. Filling a UK family car now costs £82+ — calculate your real commute cost below. Why prices are rising →

Fuel Cost Calculator

Enter your trip or commute details to see the cost per trip and annually.

$
1 day3 days7 days

Gas vs. Electric vs. Hybrid

Compare the annual cost of the same commute across vehicle types.

VS

Gas Price Trend (2024-2026 Avg)

National average retail gasoline prices over recent years.

Avg Price per Gallon

The 3 Ways to Save on Fuel

Vehicle Efficiency

Switching from a 20 MPG SUV to a 50 MPG hybrid cuts your fuel bill by 60% immediately, regardless of gas prices.

Impact: High

Driving Habits

Smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and removing excess weight can improve your real-world MPG by up to 15%.

Impact: Medium

Alternative Fuel

Going fully electric or plug-in hybrid shifts your energy source to electricity, which is historically cheaper and less volatile than gas.

Impact: Highest

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 30-mile commute cost in gas?

For a typical 25 MPG car at $3.50 per gallon, a 30-mile round trip commute costs about $4.20 per day. Over a working year (260 days), that totals roughly $1,092 in gas alone.

Is it cheaper to drive an electric car or a gas car?

Electric cars are generally cheaper to drive per mile. Charging an EV at home typically costs equivalent to $1 to $1.50 per gallon of gas, saving drivers hundreds to thousands of dollars annually on fuel.

What is a good MPG for a commuter car?

A good fuel economy for a gas-powered commuter car is 30 MPG or higher. Hybrid vehicles often achieve 45-55 MPG, making them excellent choices for long daily commutes.

How do you calculate the cost of a road trip?

To calculate road trip fuel cost, divide your total trip distance by your car's MPG, then multiply by the average price of gas per gallon.

How much does idling waste gas?

Idling can consume half a gallon to a full gallon of fuel per hour depending on engine size and AC usage. Turning off your engine if parked for more than 10 seconds saves fuel and reduces emissions.

Disclaimer: This calculator uses simplified assumptions including constant gas prices and fixed vehicle efficiency. Real-world results will vary based on driving habits, terrain, traffic conditions, and fluctuating energy costs. Electricity costs are estimated at $0.15/kWh for EV comparisons.