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The valuation of changes in commuting distances: an analysis using georeferenced data

Author

Listed:
  • Dauth, Wolfgang

    (Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg, Germany ; Univ. Würzburg)

  • Haller, Peter

    (Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg, Germany)

Abstract

"We analyze the causal effect of commuting on wages, using a large sample of German job changers. Information on their home and workplace addresses in combination with road navigation software allows us to calculate exact door-to-door commuting distances with an unprecedented degree of precision. We use a theoretical model on spatial job search to motivate our empirical strategy. By focusing on job moves, we can use panel data techniques and control for unobserved individual heterogeneity. We find an asymmetric valuation of distance changes. Job changers value a reduction of their commuting distance higher than an increase. Apparently, individuals are not able to capitalize the full costs of commuting in their wages. A large part of this effect can be explained by sorting into certain firms at different distances and the rest by individual wage bargaining." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Suggested Citation

  • Dauth, Wolfgang & Haller, Peter, 2016. "The valuation of changes in commuting distances: an analysis using georeferenced data," IAB-Discussion Paper 201643, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany].
    • Handle: RePEc:iab:iabdpa:201643
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    Cited by:

    1. Dauth, Wolfgang & Haller, Peter, 2018. "Berufliches Pendeln zwischen Wohn- und Arbeitsort: Klarer Trend zu längeren Pendeldistanzen (Commuting between home and workplace: Trend towards longer commute distances)," IAB-Kurzbericht 201810, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany].
    2. Heuermann, Daniel F. & Assmann, Franziska & vom Berge, Philipp & Freund, Florian, 2017. "The distributional effect of commuting subsidies - Evidence from geo-referenced data and a large-scale policy reform," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 11-24.
    3. Ina Blind & Matz Dahlberg & Gustav Engström & John Östh, 2018. "Construction of Register-based Commuting Measures," CESifo Economic Studies, CESifo Group, vol. 64(2), pages 292-326.
    4. Georg Hirte & Ulrike Illmann, 2019. "Household decision making on commuting and the commuting paradox," Empirica, Springer;Austrian Institute for Economic Research;Austrian Economic Association, vol. 46(1), pages 63-101, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bundesrepublik Deutschland ; Berufspendler ; Einkommenseffekte ; Integrierte Erwerbsbiografien ; Lohnfindung ; Lohnhöhe ; Lohnzulage ; Work-Life-Balance ; Arbeitsplatzwahl ; Arbeitsplatzwechsel ; Arbeitsuche ; Arbeitsweg ; Arbeitszufriedenheit ; 2007-2009;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • R40 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - General

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