Commute vs Rent Calculator
Is that cheap house in the suburbs really saving you money? Calculate the true financial and time cost of commuting.
Commute vs Rent Calculator
Is it cheaper to live near campus, or commute from further away?
Option A: Living Close
Assuming walking/biking distance (0 commute cost).
Option B: Living Far
Living Close
Living Far
The Hidden "Time" Cost
Living far means you spend 8 hours commuting every week. If you spent that time working a part-time job at $23.23/hr, you would earn $185.84.
True Cost of Living Far: $428.24 / week
How to use the Commute vs Rent Calculator
Enter the weekly rent for a place close to campus, and a place further away.
Enter your daily transport costs (e.g. Myki cap) and how many hours you spend commuting each day.
The tool compares the total financial cost and reveals the "hidden" cost of your lost time.
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Open toolFrequently Asked Questions
Should I live close to campus or far away?
Living far away often looks cheaper on paper due to lower rent. However, once you add daily public transport or fuel costs, the gap closes. The biggest hidden factor is the time you lose commuting, which could be spent studying or working.
How do I value my time?
A good benchmark is the minimum wage (e.g. $23.23 in Australia). If you commute 10 hours a week, that is 10 hours you could have theoretically spent doing paid work.
What about fuel and parking?
If you drive to campus, make sure to set the Daily Transit Cost to include fuel, vehicle wear-and-tear, and exorbitant campus parking fees. Public transport is usually a flat daily cap.