Commuting to Work Costs New Jersey Residents a Jaw-dropping Amount

Andrew Koole
· 3 min read
Americans spend over $4,500 every year on average to get to work. That’s expensive, especially considering that number doesn’t factor in the potential loss of income that could be accrued in the time people waste getting to the office. 
In New Jersey, the picture is even more dire. Work travel data analyzed by
Jerry
reveals that residents of the Garden State spend nearly $6,000 every year commuting to work, the largest portion of which comes from
car insurance
The situation looks especially grim when considered alongside the mental and physical damage caused by commuting. From the increasing costs to our stress levels and nutritional habits, our daily drive to work can wreak havoc on our finances and health. So what can we do about it?
People in New Jersey are no strangers to annoying commutes.

Why is commuting so expensive in New Jersey?

New Jerseyites don’t have the most expensive commutes in the country, but they’re close. Only Maryland and New York have higher averages. 
Travel time and length play their roles, but the main things causing these states to have such high commuting costs are car insurance and
gas prices
. Residents in all three states spend more on both than the average American.
New Jersey actually has higher average gas and car insurance prices than Maryland. The only reason its residents spend slightly less a year than Marylanders is because they tend to travel shorter distances to get to work.
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Why is commuting so bad for you?

MORE: How Many Miles Do People Usually Commute for and Is Yours Too Long?
It might not be that surprising that driving to work can damage your body over time, but just how many aspects of your health are affected by commuting is shocking. 
Healthline
says all that time spent in your car can increase blood pressure, make you more susceptible to respiratory illness, and deteriorate your posture, your diet, and your mental health.
Not all of these side effects are directly related to driving. A longer commute means less time to exercise, cook healthy meals, and spend time with your family. But the unpredictability, boredom, and posture of driving in rush hour have been proven to lower life satisfaction.
These results aren’t set in stone. Listening to music or
podcasts
, varying your route, keeping your car clean, and preparing good meals can all reduce the negative by-products of a long commute. But they don’t make it any cheaper.

How can New Jersey residents spend less on getting to work?

MORE: Should Your Employer Compensate You for Your Commute?
The best way to cut down on commuting costs is to avoid doing it at all. Schedule flexibility and remote work are more popular than ever before. Landing a job that allows you to stay at home can be a serious money saver.
But of course, this type of work isn’t available to everyone. If you can’t avoid commuting, there are still a few ways to save. Carpooling with neighbors or coworkers can cut costs quickly, as can public transit use. You can also save by shopping around for
car insurance quotes online
Jerry can save you hundreds of dollars a year on car insurance. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy.

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