What this calculator does
This calculator compares the monthly cost of commuting in Los Angeles by transit with the full cost of owning and driving a car — payment, insurance, gas, maintenance, parking and tolls. LA Metro's $1.75 fare includes fare capping at $5 a day and $18 a week, but most Angelenos drive. Commutes on the 405, 10 and 101 freeways make gas and car wear a large part of the budget, and ExpressLanes add optional tolls.
How to use it
- Keep the LA Metro transit cost or change it to your actual fare spend.
- Enter your car payment, insurance and typical parking and tolls.
- Enter commute miles, driving days and other driving.
- Compare the totals and the per-mile cost.
The formula
Monthly car cost = payment + insurance + (monthly miles ÷ mpg × gas price) + (monthly miles × maintenance per mile) + parking + tolls. Monthly miles = daily round trip × days per week × 52 ÷ 12 + other miles. Transit cost = pass or fares + occasional rideshare.
Worked example for Los Angeles
| Item | Per month |
|---|---|
| Car payment or lease | $550 |
| Insurance | $275 |
| Gas (733 mi at 28 mpg) | $124 |
| Maintenance and tires | $73 |
| Parking | $150 |
| Tolls | $20 |
| Car total | $1,193 |
| LA Metro pass | $78 |
| Occasional rideshare / car share | $60 |
| Transit total | $138 |
Transit saves you about $1,055 / month.
What changes the answer in Los Angeles
Housing and transportation are the two biggest costs in Los Angeles. Unlike NYC or San Francisco, most households need at least one car. Parking is often the swing factor in dense neighborhoods, while in spread-out areas the lack of transit coverage can make a car necessary regardless of cost.
Common mistakes and tips
- Counting only gas as the cost of driving.
- Ignoring depreciation — even a paid-off car loses value every year.
- Forgetting pre-tax commuter benefits: many employers let you pay transit and parking with pre-tax dollars (up to the IRS monthly limit).
- Comparing without counting time; a longer transit trip can still be worth it if you can read or work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a monthly transit pass cost in Los Angeles?
This page uses about $78 for Metro base fare with fare capping. Fares change — confirm with LA Metro.
Is it cheaper to own a car in Los Angeles or use transit?
With the default inputs, transit saves you about $1,055 / month. Parking, the car payment and insurance usually decide it.
What are pre-tax commuter benefits?
Under IRS rules, employers can let you pay transit passes and work parking from pre-tax pay up to a monthly limit, which lowers the effective cost by your tax rate.
What does a car really cost per mile?
Including fixed costs, often 70 cents to more than a dollar per mile for a financed car, far more than the gas alone.
Sources
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, real estate, or insurance advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.