Atlanta Commuters Outspend the Rest of the Country

The commute costs Atlanta residents more than in any other city, according to new analysis by Educated Driver.

1 minute read

January 5, 2019, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Gwinnett County

Ken Lund / Flickr

New analysis by Educated Driver found Atlanta to be the most expensive city for commuters over their lives.

Researchers at Educated Driver "calculated how much time drivers spend commuting, how much money is spent and how many miles commuters log in 100 major U.S. cities." According to their estimation, the average American "will spend $108,727 on gas and vehicle maintenance costs associated with commuting, while driving 173,203 miles to and from work in their lifetime," in the words of the online post promoting the analysis.

"Atlanta drivers, however, don’t get off that easy. Commuters will spend $182, 886 and 288,000 miles over the course of a lifetime — more than any other city in the survey," according to Clanton.

Educated Driver's cost analysis expands on an earlier study that revealed the time spent commuting in cities around the country.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 in Atlanta Journal Constitution

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog