
Rising costs of transportation, housing, and fuel make daily commutes a financial hurdle in many US cities. As commuters endure higher costs, these expenses weigh heavily on monthly budgets. For residents in these cities, the daily journey to work adds up quickly, leading to some of the priciest commutes in the nation.
New York

The city that never sleeps also never stops charging its commuters! In NYC, the cost of a monthly MetroCard is already steep, but it’s only part of the equation. Living outside the city? Commuter trains can nearly double your monthly expenses. And if you’re a driver, simply parking in Manhattan can run you upwards of $600 monthly.
San Francisco

In San Francisco, commuting costs climb as steeply as the city’s hills. A BART monthly pass for those coming from areas like Oakland or Berkeley isn’t cheap. Driving isn’t much better—parking is scarce and can cost around $300 monthly, while high gas prices and congestion fees add to the burden.
Washington, D.C.

The D.C. Metro can quickly drain the wallet, especially for those coming in from Maryland or Virginia. A monthly pass can cost $200+, and for those driving, limited parking and congested highways add time—and money—to every trip. Peak-hour Metro fares can hit over $6 per trip, and for drivers, can be as high as $25 daily.
Boston

Beantown might be small, but the commuting expenses pack a big punch. The MBTA’s commuter rail pass can cost more than $400 monthly. Traffic congestion is notorious, with many drivers idling away both time and fuel. Parking fees near downtown average around $30 daily, and if you’re relying on rideshares, expect peak-hour surge pricing.
Los Angeles

Sunny LA’s car culture drives up the costs of commuting. With average gas prices consistently above the national average, Angelenos spend a fortune just keeping their tanks full. Despite its expanding transit system, LA’s bus and metro options are limited for many neighborhoods, which leaves most residents paying the price in fuel and time.
Seattle

Commuting by car in Seattle means dealing with some of the highest gas prices, plus parking rates that can top $350 a month downtown. Seattle’s Link light rail offers some relief, but those needing to cross the city’s many bodies of water often pay hefty tolls. With limited affordable housing in the city, many Seattleites endure long commutes.
Chicago

Chicago’s CTA system can add up fast. A monthly “L” pass alone costs over $100, and suburban commuters using Metra trains pay even more. Drivers face pricey parking rates, averaging $35 daily near the Loop. Add in fuel and tolls, and the financial impact is substantial. The notorious winter weather may also lead to maintenance costs for drivers.
Honolulu

Living in paradise comes at a price. Since Hawaii’s public transit system is still developing, many residents drive, dealing with lengthy travel times and high costs. Parking downtown is no bargain, either. For residents commuting from outlying areas, the commute time and gas expense can feel like anything but island living.
Philadelphia

In Philly, commuting costs can take a big bite out of budgets. The SEPTA transit pass for bus, trolley, and subway costs over $100 monthly, but riders needing additional regional rail passes often pay far more. Gas prices and daily parking downtown also add up fast for those driving. Moreover, rideshare costs can double during peak times.
Miami

Miami’s sunshine may be free, but commuting? Not quite! Limited public transit means most rely on cars, facing pricey gas, $200-a-month parking, and gridlock on I-95. Biking sounds great—until you factor in the heat and scarce bike lanes. Henceforth, the tropical charm may be priceless, but the daily commute sure isn’t.