Commuting is a major expense for many people. It is also an unavoidable and daily aspect of life that we must live with. We all intuitively understand that costs like fuel, insurance, parking, and maintenance add up quickly for car owners, whereas bikes cost almost nothing to run. However, we wanted to take a closer look at how much you can actually save by swapping your car for a bike on your daily commute.
In this article, we break down the true cost of commuting by car vs. bike, highlighting the long-term financial benefits of choosing pedal power as a low-cost, healthy, and environmentally friendly alternative.
The True Cost of Car Commuting
Car ownership is often seen as a necessity, and there is a prevailing feeling that it is unavoidable and has no alternative. However, for many people, it is not a small expense to scoff at, as the costs go far beyond just fuel and the original price you paid for the car.
There are multiple expenses, many of which will depend on how you use your car, how often and where you live. Many outgoings on the list, however, are not optional but rather legal requirements or simply a reality of owning a car.
A typical driver would spend a few thousand per year. Fuel, of course, can vary greatly and is highly individual, depending entirely on how much you drive. The NTS estimates that the average one-way commute is ~8.6 miles, and the round-trip commute is ~17.2 miles per workday. The current average price per litre is £1.356. Assuming average fuel efficiency, you’d spend approximately £2.95 per day on fuel. This would be £59 a month if you never diverted from your commute to drop off kids, went to the grocery store, visited a friend or used your car on weekends.
| Cost Category | Monthly (£) | Yearly (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (Petrol/Diesel) | £59–£180 | £708–£2,160 |
| Insurance | £50–£100 | £600–£1,200 |
| Road Tax | £10–£30 | £120–£360 |
| MOT & Servicing | £20–£40 | £240–£480 |
| Repairs & Maintenance | £20–£50 | £240–£600 |
Insurance is another non-negociable but more complicated expense. Depending on your age, experience, car, and previous claims, the cost can range significantly but would likely be no less than £50 per month.
Your road tax will be based on the fuel type, emissions, and the year the vehicle was registered, but it is another non-negotiable expense required by law. Similarly, your MOT is another legal requirement you need to pay. Your yearly check itself won’t be expensive, but any faults found in your car must be fixed before you’re allowed to drive it again, so having a budget for servicing is essential.
Lastly, repairs and maintenance would be very individual, and in some years, you might not spend anything, while in others, it might cost you thousands.
Additionally, these costs can increase further if you finance your car or drive in high-traffic urban areas. There are also additional costs that we do not include, such as car washes, parking fees, and low-emission zone fees, which are applicable only in certain areas.
Hidden Costs of Car Commuting
Driving a car for a daily commute is costly, and even if you keep your expenses at a minimum, the costs still run into the hundreds. However, money isn’t the only value you are losing. There are hidden ‘costs’ which we pay when we drive daily.
The time lost in traffic is one of them. According to survey data, UK drivers are losing, on average, 62 hours per year, with conditions worsening each year. The situation is worse in busier places like London, where data highlights Londoners lose about 109 hours annually during rush hours alone—equivalent to 4.5 days for peak-time commuters.
A sedentary lifestyle is another societal cost which we all pay the price for – through our own worsening health or our taxes. A 2016–17 study estimated that prolonged sedentary behaviour (e.g., 6+ hours of sitting daily) costs the NHS approximately £700–800 million per year, covering heart disease, type 2 diabetes, several cancers, and more. The same study estimated around 69,000 deaths annually could be avoided in the UK if sedentary behaviour were eliminated.
The other obvious cost is associated with the environmental impact driving has on higher emissions, pollution and climate change.
The Cost of Commuting by Bike
On the other hand, cycling is one of the most affordable modes of transport. One of the most attractive aspects of using a bike for commuting is that the initial purchase is also significantly more affordable, even if the bike is an electric model with a higher price tag.
Unlike a car commuter, a cyclist wouldn’t spend money on fuel or road tax, and while insurance is a very good idea, it is not legally required. The monthly costs are negligible, even if you need to charge an e-bike. There are occasional repairs which you would need to budget for, but even in the worst-case scenario, they wouldn’t be comparable to the price of car repair services. Additionally, bike parking is rarely paid, and there is very little else you would need to worry about budgeting for.
| Cost | Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Maintenance & Repairs | £50 – £300 |
| Accessories (Helmet, Lock, Lights) | £50–£200 |
| E-Bike Charging (if applicable) | £20–£50 |
Additional Benefits of Cycling
Cycling is cheaper; there is no denying that – no fuel, no parking fees and minimal maintenance. A bike costs a fraction of what it takes to own and operate a car, saving you potentially thousands per year.
Additionally, your bike has many other benefits, such as reduced healthcare expenses by improving fitness, a better mood and mental health, and contributing to lower emissions, less pollution, and greener cities.
Is Cycling a Viable Alternative to Driving?
While not everyone can completely replace their car with a bike, many can significantly reduce their car use.
When Cycling Works Best
Cycling is most effective for commutes under 10 miles, which covers the majority of urban journeys that can typically be completed within 30 to 45 minutes by bike. City dwellers, in particular, benefit from cycling, as it enables them to avoid traffic congestion, parking fees, and the associated costs of public transportation. Additionally, cycling can be combined with public transport for longer or more complex journeys, making it a flexible option for multi-modal commuters.
When a Car Might Still Be Necessary
However, there are situations where a car might still be necessary. For example, long-distance rural commutes that take over an hour one way by bike can be impractical. Jobs that require carrying heavy equipment or large tools daily may also necessitate the use of a car. Additionally, individuals with mobility limitations may find cycling physically challenging or unfeasible.
The key takeaway is that even if completely eliminating car use isn’t possible, cycling just a few days per week can still lead to substantial cost savings and other benefits. Integrating cycling into your travel habits, where possible, can reduce expenses, improve your health, and contribute to a greener lifestyle.
Choosing to commute by bicycle instead of car can lead to significant financial savings, health benefits, and positive environmental impacts. While car ownership comes with many unavoidable and often costly expenses—such as fuel, insurance, maintenance, taxes, and hidden costs like time lost in traffic and health consequences from sedentary behaviour—cycling offers a low-cost, flexible alternative for many commuters. Although cycling may not completely replace the car for everyone, especially for those with long rural commutes or specific job requirements, even reducing car use by cycling a few days a week can substantially cut costs, improve personal well-being, and support sustainable urban living. Embracing cycling as part of your commute is not only a smart economic choice but also a meaningful step toward a healthier, greener future.