How is the driving cost calculated?

Driving cost combines fuel — round-trip miles divided by your MPG times the gas price — plus parking, plus an optional IRS per-mile figure that approximates depreciation, maintenance, and wear so you see the true cost of car ownership, not just gas.

What is the IRS per-mile rate for?

The IRS standard mileage rate (about $0.70 per mile for 2026) bundles fuel, depreciation, insurance, and maintenance into one number. Including it captures the real cost of driving beyond the price at the pump.

How much does a WMATA pass cost?

WMATA SmarTrip Metrorail fares are distance-based, typically $2.25 to $6.75 per trip, and monthly unlimited passes run around $100 or more. Enter your actual pass price or a per-ride estimate for an accurate result.

Does this include time cost?

No. This calculator compares out-of-pocket dollars only. A faster but pricier option may still be worth it once you value your time; weigh the dollar gap against the minutes saved.

Are these figures exact?

No. Gas prices, fares, and parking change frequently and vary by station and garage. Use current local figures for the best estimate; all math runs in your browser.

Washington DC Commute Cost Calculator

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Commuting in Washington DC can mean a WMATA Metrorail pass, a daily drive plus a pricey downtown garage, or a mix. The cheapest option is rarely obvious because driving costs hide in fuel, parking near $275/mo, and per-mile vehicle wear. This free calculator totals both options so you can compare the true monthly cost of transit versus driving in DC.

How it works

The calculator builds two monthly totals:

Transit — your monthly pass, or per-ride fare times two times round trips per month.
Driving — fuel plus parking plus optional per-mile cost:
- Fuel = round_trip_miles * trips_per_month / MPG * gas_price.
- Parking = your monthly garage or lot cost.
- Optional IRS per-mile = round_trip_miles * trips_per_month * 0.70, approximating depreciation and maintenance.

Round-trip miles equal one_way_distance * 2. The tool then names the cheaper option and the monthly gap.

Example

A 6-mile one-way drive, 22 round trips, 28 MPG, gas at $3.50, parking $275: round-trip miles are 12, so monthly fuel is 12 * 22 / 28 * 3.50 ≈ $33. With parking that is $308, and adding IRS per-mile 12 * 22 * 0.70 ≈ $185 pushes driving toward $493. A $100 Metro pass is far cheaper.

Notes

Fares, gas, and parking change often and vary by station and garage. Time cost is not included — weigh the dollar gap against minutes saved. All math runs locally in your browser.