TrueCommute — The True Cost of Your LA Commute
TrueCommute is a free calculator that reveals the real monthly cost of commuting in Los Angeles. Most Angelenos spend $400-900/month just getting to work — money that never shows up in a rent comparison.
How It Works
- Enter your home and work addresses
- Choose your vehicle type (gas, hybrid, or EV) and optional details
- View monthly cost comparisons across driving, LA Metro, e-bike, and rideshare
Current LA Commute Costs (January 2025)
- LA gas price: $4.89/gallon
- IRS mileage rate (wear, depreciation): $0.67/mile
- LA Metro TAP card (30-day unlimited): $110/month
- Downtown LA parking: $250/month average
- Santa Monica parking: $180/month average
- E-bike monthly cost: ~$38 (maintenance + charging)
Frequently Asked Questions
How are driving costs calculated?
We use current LA gas prices ($4.89/gal), the IRS standard mileage rate ($0.67/mile for wear, tires, and depreciation), average parking costs, and your vehicle type to calculate monthly driving expenses.
What does "time cost" mean?
If you enter your salary, we calculate what your commute hours are worth as lost earning potential. For example, 1 hour per day at $50/hr means your commute has a hidden cost of over $1,000/month.
Can I write off my commute on taxes?
No. Regular commuting costs (home to work) are not tax-deductible for W-2 employees — the IRS considers it a personal expense regardless of distance.
Is my address data stored or shared?
No. Your addresses are sent to Google Maps solely for route calculation and are never stored on our servers.
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