Car cost of ownership calculator
The price is only the start. See what a car costs you per year, per month and per mile, with your own numbers.
Example numbers are filled in, not averages. Replace them with your quotes and your car: the result updates as you type. Don't know the MPG? Use the fuel cost calculator with official EPA figures.
What this car costs you
– over 5 years
- Per year–
- Per month–
- Per mile–
Where the money goes
How to lower the cost
- Cars that keep their value lose less money: compare resale prices of 3 to 5 year old cars of the models you like.
- Get insurance quotes before you buy: the price can differ a lot between models.
- A used car has already lost its first, biggest drop in value. Check its history and open recalls with the free VIN decoder.
Cost of ownership questions
What is the total cost of owning a car?
Everything you pay while you own it, minus what you get back when you sell: the loss in value (depreciation), sales tax, loan interest, fuel, insurance, maintenance and repairs, and registration.
Where does the gas price come from?
It is the US average for regular gasoline published by fueleconomy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy), read on Nov 13, 2026. Prices differ a lot by state, so enter your local price.
How do I estimate the resale value?
Look at asking prices for the same model, a few years older, with the mileage you expect to have. Enter that as a percentage of today's price. This is your own estimate: no calculator can know the future price.
Why is depreciation the biggest cost?
A car loses value every year, and it is a real cost even though you do not pay it month by month: you see it when you sell or trade in the car.
Does it include repairs?
Put repairs into the maintenance line. Older cars and cars out of warranty usually need more.