It was one of those idyllic summer evenings—low sunlight casting golden shadows, laughter spilling from porches, kids darting between chalk drawings on the pavement. I sat comfortably in a lawn chair right in the middle of the street, sipping a generous homebrew, celebrating with neighbors at our annual block party. It was the kind of evening that makes you feel like you’re living inside a Norman Rockwell painting.
A couple I’d just met wandered over and marveled at the charm of the neighborhood. “We didn’t even know this part of town existed,” the man said. “It’s like stepping back in time—with the big trees and everyone hanging out together.” His partner chimed in, “It’s perfect. We should move here!”
Then came the fateful twist. Both of them work and live in Broomfield—roughly 19 miles away and a solid 40-minute drive in traffic. They casually dismissed the commute. “Eh, 40 minutes isn’t too bad.”
But here’s the truth: yes, it is that bad.
The Commuting Illusion
This seemingly harmless 40-minute drive is one of the most damaging misconceptions people carry. In the U.S. and Canada, tolerating a long commute is often seen as normal—even admirable. But behind the wheel of this illusion lies a silent destroyer of wealth, health, time, and joy.
Let’s break down what this couple is actually signing up for. A 38-mile round trip at the IRS’s estimated driving cost of $0.51 per mile amounts to $19 per day in vehicle expenses. That includes fuel, wear and tear, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. Since they drive newer, financed cars, they’re not skimping on costs.
Now factor in time—a far more precious resource. At 80 minutes a day, that’s nearly seven hours a week, or almost an extra workday. Over ten years, this routine will cost each of them over 1.3 years of their lives sitting in traffic and $125,000 in missed investment opportunities or mortgage payments.
And remember, this is all to maintain a lifestyle they believe is “not too bad.”
The Cumulative Cost of “Normal”
Most 30-somethings in America haven’t accumulated $125,000 in net worth—and it’s no mystery why. Car-dependent lives, expensive vehicles, and long commutes drain resources that could otherwise be building wealth or paying down debt. That shiny SUV and the oversized mortgage in the suburbs often come at the cost of early retirement, freedom, and peace of mind.
A Better Way to Live
Had that couple asked for my advice, I’d have offered a radically simpler solution: live within biking distance of work. Sell the shiny financed cars, buy one reliable used hatchback for around $5,000, and redirect the savings into living life—really living.
A well-maintained older car costs as little as 17 cents per mile if you play your cards right. Even then, you’re still paying more than walking, biking, or taking public transit. Plus, every mile closer you live to work adds tangible value. In fact, based on average costs, each mile you shave off your commute is worth about $795 per year—a figure that combines both the time and financial costs of driving. That’s enough to justify paying $15,900 more for a house just one mile closer to work. Over a 30-mile commute, we’re talking about $477,000 in hidden savings.
Double the numbers for a commuting couple, and the long-term losses are staggering.
The School Excuse and Other Myths
People often claim they’re sacrificing for “better schools” or “nicer neighborhoods.” But unless you’ve rigorously compared schools near your workplace, including talking to teachers and administrators, this tradeoff may not be in your children’s best interest.
Would your kids benefit more from slightly higher test scores—or from having two more hours with mom and dad each day? What about an extra $300,000 available for their future education instead of being spent on gas and car repairs?
Work Near Home, Or Home Near Work
Sometimes, you can’t move closer to work. In that case, find work closer to where you want to live. Most towns have both inbound and outbound commuters, many of them passing each other on highways every morning in a bizarre, energy-wasting dance. There’s likely a job that suits your skills just down the road—if you’re willing to look.
I’ve never chosen a home that required a car commute to work, and I never will. It’s not just about the money—it’s about reclaiming control over your day, your life, and your mental bandwidth.
The Real Commuting Alternative
If biking to work isn’t feasible, public transportation is a decent second choice—at least you can read, think, or work during the ride. But if you can bike or walk, the cost drops to nearly zero. Better still, it adds exercise to your day, slashing your need for gym memberships, medical bills, or stress relief strategies.
When my wife and I moved to Colorado, we sold one of our cars, invested the savings, and committed to biking year-round—even for groceries and school drop-offs. We use bike trailers and dress for the weather. It’s not hardship—it’s freedom, with a dash of adventure.
The Path to Financial Independence Is Paved by Pedals
Living near your work and ditching the daily drive won’t make you rich overnight—but it’s likely the single most powerful shift you can make to transform your financial trajectory. It was the catalyst for our early retirement, and it remains the most overlooked wealth-building strategy in modern life.
So if you’re weighing the charm of a neighborhood against a “not-too-bad” commute, stop. Rethink. Recalculate.
Your time is valuable. Your money is hard-earned. Don’t spend both idling in traffic.
Trade your commute for a community—and you might just retire a decade early with a smile on your face and a bike under your feet.
