Commute cost
Houston Commute Cost
Average one-way commute in Houston is about 18 miles. With local gas at $2.85/gal, here's what driving to work actually costs.
One-way distance
18 mi
36 mi round-trip
Daily gas cost
$3.66
28 MPG · $2.85/gal
Monthly gas cost
$81
22 workdays
Annual gas cost
$916
~250 workdays
Gas vs EV vs transit
| Mode | Monthly | Annual | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas car | $81 | $916 | 28 MPG · $2.85/gal |
| EV | $31 | $350 | 3.6 mi/kWh · $0.14/kWh |
| Public transit | $110 | $1320 | Limited transit options |
Switching from gas to EV saves an estimated $566/year on this commute. Refine with the fuel cost calculator or EV charging calculator.
Best commuter vehicles for Houston
Lucid Air
134 MPGe combined
See fuel costTesla Model 3
132 MPGe combined
See fuel costHyundai Ioniq 6
127 MPGe combined
See fuel costTesla Model Y
122 MPGe combined
See fuel costTesla Model S
120 MPGe combined
See fuel costChevrolet Bolt EV
120 MPGe combined
See fuel costCheapest to commute
Local context:
Texas gas prices → · Best road trips in Texas → · All Texas routes →
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FAQ
How much does it cost to commute in Houston?
With an average 18-mile one-way commute, expect about $3.66/day, $81/month and $916/year in fuel at 28 MPG and $2.85/gal.
Is an EV cheaper than gas for Houston commuters?
Yes — at 3.6 mi/kWh and $0.14/kWh, the same commute costs about $31/month, a savings of $50 over a comparable gas car.
Is public transit cheaper?
A typical urban transit pass is around $110/month. If you live near a route and don't need a car for other trips, transit can beat both gas and EV commuting.
What MPG should a good commuter car have?
Aim for at least 35 MPG combined for a gas commuter, 45+ MPG for a hybrid, or 3.5+ mi/kWh for an EV.