Nearly Half of Workers Reject Jobs Due to Long or Costly Commutes, Survey Reveals
A survey by the Monster Research Institute found that nearly half (49%) of workers have rejected a job offer due to long or costly commutes. With gas prices up significantly and remote work becoming more common, employees are increasingly factoring in commuting time and costs when evaluating job offers. The study, which surveyed 1,005 U.S. adults in July 2026, also found that rising fuel costs have influenced the job search for two-thirds of respondents (65%), with many narrowing their focus to local opportunities. Some workers are even accepting lower salaries or declining incentives if it means avoiding an unfavorable commute. Monster Career Expert Vicki Salemi notes that candidates now view a job offer holistically, considering not just salary but also the impact on health and work-life balance.
Topics: commute impact job search remote work work-life balance