⏰ Time Value Simulator
What is your time actually worth? See the dollar value of every hour, and how spending time on different activities changes your wealth, health, and life over time.
Your Time Value
What is the Time Value Simulator?
The Time Value Simulator helps you put a dollar figure on your time, then shows what your recurring activities actually cost. Most people think of "saving money" as the only path to wealth, but they overlook that time is the most valuable resource they have. Once you see the dollar value of your hours, spending decisions become much clearer.
It's also a powerful tool for life decisions. Should you take a longer commute to save on rent? Should you pay someone to clean your house? Should you hire a virtual assistant? These become easy when you can compare the dollar value of your time to the cost of the service.
How Time Value Is Calculated
The basic formula:
To get true hourly value, you can also add the value of leisure time and uncompensated work. Most planners use 1.5-2× the working-hour value to capture full economic value.
How to Use This Simulator
- Enter your annual income and total working hours per year.
- Set hours per week for a specific activity you want to evaluate.
- Choose the time horizon and click "Calculate Time Value."
- Run scenarios for different activities to compare their cost.
Benefits of Visualizing Time Value
Once you see that your leisure time is worth $40/hour, decisions like "should I pay $20 to have groceries delivered" become obvious. Decisions like "should I take a job that adds 2 hours of commute per day" become clearly negative. The math stops being abstract.
It's also useful for self-reflection. If you spend 10 hours a week on social media, and your time is worth $50/hour, that's $26,000 per year of your life invested in scrolling. The Time Value Simulator makes that real.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about uncompensated time?
Sleep, family time, and hobbies have value but don't generate income. You can value these at whatever rate feels right — many people use the same hourly rate as work for simplicity.
How do I include taxes?
Use after-tax income in the calculation. Effective tax rate is usually 20-30% for middle-class earners in the US.
What if I work variable hours?
Use an average. Estimate the total income and total hours, then divide.
Should I use this for hiring decisions?
Yes. If your time is worth $50/hour and you can hire a cleaner for $25/hour, you come out ahead financially (and reduce stress). If the service costs $75/hour, you lose money.
Is time value the same for everyone?
No. It varies by income, life stage, and personal preferences. A parent might value their time differently than a single professional. Use the calculator as a starting point and adjust.
Related Simulators
- Social Media Cost Simulator — what distraction costs.
- Future Wealth Simulator — total wealth picture.
- Productivity Growth Simulator — work output.
- Decision Outcome Simulator — compare paths.