Is a Long Commute Really Worth the Extra Cash?

People are often willing to drive farther for a better job or business opportunity. In fact, the number of people commuting 75 miles or more has gone up by 32 percent in recent years. Even shorter commutes, between 50 and 75 miles, have increased by 18 percent. On average, employees now travel 27 miles to work, up from just 10 miles in 2019. Those earning over $250, 000 tend to drive the farthest. But is the extra money worth the long drive? Research suggests it might not be. If your commute adds an extra hour, your income would need to increase by at least 40 percent to make it worthwhile in terms of happiness and fulfillment. This applies to starting a business far from home too.Long commutes can also affect relationships. Couples where one person commutes more than 45 minutes are 40 percent more likely to get divorced. However, if a couple has been dealing with a long commute for five years or more, the risk of divorce is only 1 percent higher than those with shorter commutes. So, before taking a job with a long commute, think about the real costs. The extra money might not make up for the time spent driving and the stress it can cause. It's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.