How much does it cost to commute in Memphis?

It depends on distance and mode. A MATA monthly transit pass runs about $50, while driving an average commute all-in (fuel, wear, and parking) typically costs more once you include the IRS per-mile rate and downtown parking near $60 a month.

Why use the IRS per-mile rate instead of just gas?

The IRS standard mileage rate captures the true cost of driving — fuel plus depreciation, maintenance, tires, and insurance wear — not just gas. Using gas alone understates driving's real cost, so this tool uses the IRS rate for an apples-to-apples comparison and also shows fuel-only as a reference.

How much is a MATA pass in Memphis?

The Memphis Area Transit Authority offers a monthly pass for roughly $50, with discounted fares for students and seniors. If your trips are covered by the bus and trolley network, that flat pass is often cheaper than driving and parking downtown.

How is monthly commute mileage calculated?

The tool multiplies your one-way distance by 2 for the round trip, by your commuting days per week, and by 4.33 weeks per month. That monthly mileage is then priced at the IRS per-mile rate and added to parking for the all-in driving cost.

Does this include depreciation and insurance?

Yes, indirectly. The IRS standard mileage rate bundles depreciation, maintenance, and a share of insurance into a single per-mile figure. Parking is added separately. The fuel-only line is shown for reference but excludes those ownership costs.

Memphis Commute Cost Calculator

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This calculator compares the true monthly cost of commuting in Memphis by car versus the MATA transit pass. Driving is priced all-in with the IRS per-mile rate plus parking, so you see the real trade-off rather than just gas.

How it works

The tool builds your monthly mileage from your commute, prices driving at the IRS rate, and compares it to the flat transit pass:

monthly miles = one-way x 2 x days/week x 4.33
fuel (ref)    = monthly miles / mpg x gas price
all-in drive  = monthly miles x IRS rate + parking
transit       = MATA monthly pass

Whichever total is lower is the cheaper option, and the tool reports the monthly savings.

Example and notes

A 10-mile one-way commute, 5 days a week, is about 433 miles a month. At the $0.67 IRS rate that is $290 plus $60 parking — $350 all-in for driving. A $50 MATA pass is far cheaper, saving roughly $300 a month if the route works for you. The fuel-only figure (around $50 at 26 mpg and $3 gas) is shown for reference but omits depreciation and insurance, which the IRS rate includes.