Walking to work -- how much is it worth?

[hammerton]

Currently I live downtownish Hamilton and my commute to work is 15 minutes by car.

I have a job opportunity in downtown and would be able to walk to and fro. The only catch is the job pays $5,000/year less.

What should I do???

[block43]

Walking to and from work is part of the best part of my day.

You could calculate how much it costs you to drive to and from work over a year here: http://www.costtodrive.com/ This doesn't appear to factor in maintenance costs. According to AAA, driving a medium sedan 15,000 miles per year costs $9,641 (based on 2006 costs) plus you lease/loan payment.

Plus there are the added health benefits of walking more everyday. Difficult to quantify but definately worth something.

All and all it is a decision you would have to make and could be swayed based on whether the job was more interesting than your current job and if there are additional eductation/promotion benefits.

[mattgrande]

It's totally worth it. It's the biggest thing about working in Hamilton. I took a huge jump when I changed jobs, an extra $20,000 a year, and it's almost (almost) worth losing it to go back.

[Jon Dalton]

Holy shit Grande, that's a nice raise - now I can sort of understand why you made that move.

I guess it depends what that $5K is coming off of. How much does the commute contribute to your overall mileage? If you could sell your car and switch to carshare for the rest of your automotive needs, that would save you way more than 5K a year. If you drive a lot for other stuff it's not really a question of cost savings, more a question of the psychological benefit of a different routine.

I would personally take a pay cut of 5K in a heartbeat to work downtown, but that's just me. I hate commuting. A 9-5 job downtown would give me 2 more hours every day to sleep better and accomplish more - and that is priceless.

[bornagainbiking]

If the $5000 is off your gross, then factor in that you are paying less on taxes, so 5000 is at the correct rate minus 30%.
Factor in a free exercise program,(cancel gym).
I used to live in a small town and gave my car to my family. I rented when I needed one and used the same company and they were good to me.
No car payment, winter tires, seasonal oil changes, wipers, worn out parts or repairs. INSURANCE.............. Plus the deductible.
Parking etc etc etc. I think you won't miss much and have more in your pocket at the end of the week.
You can pick up your groceries on your way home and less waste from over stocking.
Good for you and good luck.

[hammerton]

Thanks for your replies, I took them all into consideration. Car costs, insurance, gym, downtown awesomeness cancels out the salary difference and then some.

[matt602]

Bike to work? Take the HSR? Do both, since the HSR is fully bike rack equipped?

[DC1983]

I also walk to work every day and love it! Also took a small pay cut to work Downtown Hamilton over my past suburban employer.
Besides the $80/month I save on transit, I've never been in better shape and have never had more free time after work to just chill (15 min walk).

So YES! It's VERY worth it