A recent study by Stanford University indicates that the increase in remote work in the US has unexpectedly led to longer commutes. The research highlights a significant rise in “super-commutes” of 75 miles or more, which have surged by nearly a third since the pandemic began.
This trend is largely driven by remote and hybrid work models, allowing employees to live in more spacious and affordable areas far from their workplaces.
The analysis examined two million trips in the nation’s ten largest cities, finding an increase in long commutes since the pandemic. The share of commutes that are 40 miles or longer has risen to 18.5%, up from 15.8% pre-pandemic, with “super-commutes” now comprising about 3% of all commutes.
Additionally, rising housing costs are driving people further from city centers. Homeownership costs have surged by 26% since the pandemic. Cities like Washington D.C. and New York City, with their high cost of living, have seen the most significant rise in super-commutes.
The phenomenon is most notable among younger employees and high-income earners, who are choosing to endure longer commutes for better living conditions.
