Parent chiming in here.
Generally, even with commuting prices factored in vs dorm plus meal plan fees, commuting will be much less expensive, though it does vary by college and also if the housing costs are subsidized(state colleges, etc). You must also consider whether or not you would have a car anyway in which case commuting is the obvious choice based upon cost alone, or whether you would use public transportation to go to and from school. Will you also work part-time? More pieces to the puzzle...
Also consider the following: Have you ever lived away from home before, and are you really ready to do so? Living away from home sounds great to many young adults at first, but it isn't unususal even when living within weekend commuting distance for young adults to get homesick. I know, you're saying, "Not me!", but trust me it happens a lot.
One of the biggest challenges during the freshman year is learning how to focus on the school work with all the social distractions going on. You will be pulled at from all sides - often without the time management skills that come with a few more years of maturity. Honestly, this is probably one of the biggest causes of the typically poor freshman retention rates most colleges have. One of our kids adapted quite well, another didn't. Even she will admit that she would have been much better off being able to be home in the evenings WITHOUT the distractions which are a large part of what's labelled the "college experience."
You have to consider your own strengths and weaknesses. Some can go right from HS into a dorm, and balance the course work with the non-academic activities (and partying
) , and do very well. Some would be better off commuting for the first year or two, then living on campus for the remainder.
Whichever you choose, good luck and stay focused on the work. Remember, most of the people you see having lots of fun every night will be gone by next spring.
). Other than that, I dont really see an upside to it. 
