The cost of getting to work is on the rise, and it’s not just about fuel prices. In addition to sitting in traffic for 43 hours each year, the average U.S. commuter spends an average of $2,400 annually on gas, according to Empower data.¹ 

For some people, as employers adjust remote work policies and call their workers back to offices, commutes may become longer and more expensive. More in-office work can also bring new or increased expenses. 

The good news: There are plenty of ways to minimize some of those costs — whether through carpooling, flexible work arrangements, or employer-backed transit perks. Here’s how to make commuting less of a budget buster and more of an opportunity to save.

Fuel up on savings: Making every drop count

Gas prices may rise and fall, but fuel-efficient choices can help hedge against this unpredictability. Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) help cut down on fuel costs, and some states offer cash incentives or tax breaks to encourage greener driving.^2,3 Even smaller changes — like keeping tires properly inflated and avoiding sudden accelerations — may help stretch a tank of gas.⁴ With traffic congestion consuming around 3.3 billion gallons of fuel annually, these small adjustments can add up — both for consumers’ wallets and the environment.⁵ 

For those who may not be looking to swap cars, there are other practical strategies to chip away at costs and maximize fuel efficiency:

• Use apps like GasBuddy or Waze to find the cheapest gas prices along your route.
• Combine trips to reduce the number of miles driven. For example, stopping at the grocery store on the way home from work instead of making a separate trip.
• Lighten the load by removing unnecessary items from the car to improve fuel efficiency.
• Drive during off-peak hours to avoid stop-and-go traffic, which burns more fuel.

Read more: Circling back to work: Strategies to save throughout your career

Life in the carpool lane

Sharing a ride isn’t just a throwback to grade school — it’s a serious money-saver. Carpooling can reduce travel costs, traffic, and parking demand. In cities such as Chicago, where drivers spend 102 hours stuck in traffic annually, carpooling not only saves money but can at least lessen some of the responsibilities that come with driving.6 

Some local and regional governments provide incentives to encourage ridesharing, such as access to high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, discounted tolls, preferred parking privileges, or even tax incentives for employers that promote carpooling.^7,8,9 Cutting the number of cars on the road helps reduce congestion, too, which means less time stuck in traffic and more money saved on gas.

These approaches can help make carpooling work:

• Team up with colleagues or use ridesharing apps like Scoop or Waze Carpool to find others heading in the same direction.
• Set clear expectations for pickup times, shared costs, and other logistics.
• Rotate driving duties to share the burden and ensure everyone contributes equally.

Employers may offer more information about carpooling incentives, such as designated parking spots or financial perks for participating in rideshare programs.

All aboard for public transit

Taking the train or bus is easier on the wallet — and offers a chance to reclaim some personal time. Instead of gripping the steering wheel in frustration, commuters can catch up on reading, podcasts, or just relax. In 2019, Americans took 9.9 billion trips on public transportation, with 34 million boardings each weekday.¹⁰ That’s often more restorative than sitting in gridlock. Households that rely on public transit instead of owning a car can save up to $10,000 a year, according to the American Public Transportation Association. 

Many employers offer pre-tax transit benefits, allowing workers to set aside part of their paycheck for public transportation before taxes. The Internal Revenue Service has set the monthly pre-tax limit for transit and vanpool benefits to $325 in 2025, up from $315 in 2024.¹¹ This can make public transit an even more cost-effective option for many commuters.

Read more: Savoring the moment: More Americans embrace slow travel

The undeniable savings of walking and biking

For those who live close enough, walking or biking to work isn’t just free — it can also be a built-in workout. Even for those with longer commutes, combining biking with a public transit hub could help reduce costs. Some cities offer bike-share programs or employer-backed incentives to encourage alternative commuting methods.¹² Active transportation can also come with health benefits, making it a win-win for both budgets and well-being.

Employers can help — and many already are

Companies have a vested interest in making commuting easier. Some offer stipends for transit passes, while others are embracing flexible work schedules to ease rush-hour congestion. Transportation flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow employees set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified commuting expenses. Businesses that prioritize commuter benefits may not only support their workforces, but can also boost staff morale and retention.

More options, fewer costs

Commuting costs may be on the rise, but so are the creative solutions to tackle them. Whether it’s carpooling, public transit, biking, or utilizing employer-backed benefits, there are plenty of ways to make the journey to work a little less expensive — and maybe even a little more enjoyable.