This tool uses UK context.
View US version →
Money · Remote vs office
Remote vs Office True Cost
Does working from home save money? Enter commute cost, energy increase, equipment spend, and food difference. Podge returns the real monthly net saving.
Instant result
Plain-English why
Copyable takeaway
What this means
No waffle. Just the number and how it was worked out.
Formula used
Monthly saving = commute cost saved − home energy increase − equipment cost (monthly) − coworking fees + lunch/coffee difference
Worked example
A commuter saving £200/month but spending £50 more on energy, £20 on equipment, and £40 less on lunches gains £170/month net — not the £200 headline saving.
Common questions
Why is the saving smaller than my commute cost?
Working from home adds costs: higher energy bills, home equipment, and sometimes coworking memberships. The net saving is the commute cost minus those new costs.
What about career visibility and isolation?
This tool covers the financial difference. The career and wellbeing trade-offs are real but not quantifiable in the same way — they are factors to weigh alongside the number.
Plain-English summary
The result summary for this calculator will live here.
This section translates the result into a short, direct takeaway rather than leaving the page at a bare number.
Related instruments
Keep going
Percentage Change Engine
Work out the percentage increase or decrease between two values with a clear result and worked explanation.
Open verdictVAT Engine
Add or remove VAT from a price with clear totals, tax breakdown, and net versus gross context.
Open verdictSubscription Shame Index
Find out how much your subscriptions are quietly costing you in money and attention.
Open verdict