Car cost per month calculator
What does your car really cost? The car cost per month is usually higher than expected because depreciation, insurance and upkeep run unseen. Enter your numbers and see cost per month, per year and per kilometre – and from which mileage owning a car beats public transport, car sharing or taxis.
Source: Wikipedia – Break-even point (Kreuzungspunkt zweier linearer Kostenfunktionen). Updated: .
How it is calculated
Car cost per month is made up of fixed costs (depreciation, insurance, tax, maintenance, parking) and running costs (fuel or electricity). The calculator spreads everything over one month and one kilometre.
How it is calculated
- Depreciation = (purchase price − resale value) ÷ (years × 12).
- Fixed costs = depreciation + insurance, tax, inspection and maintenance ÷ 12 + parking.
- Running cost per km = consumption ÷ 100 × price per litre or kWh.
- Total per month = fixed costs + running cost × kilometres per month.
Car or alternative: the break-even point
A car has high fixed but low running costs; transit, car sharing or taxis are usually the opposite. The two cost lines cross at a certain number of kilometres per month. Below it the alternative pays off, above it your own car. The chart shows where you stand.
Good to know
The presets are example values, not averages. Real numbers are on your insurance bill and in resale listings. Automobile club cost tables work on the same principle of fixed costs, running costs, workshop costs and depreciation. Not included are finance interest, parking fees on the road, tolls and fines. For a financed car, interest comes on top of the fixed costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a car cost per month?
It depends mostly on purchase price, depreciation and mileage. Enter your numbers: the calculator adds depreciation, insurance, tax, upkeep and fuel to the total per month.
How do I calculate the cost per kilometre?
Total cost per month divided by the kilometres driven that month. At $400 and 1,000 km that is $0.40 per km.
Which costs belong to the cost of owning a car?
Depreciation, insurance, registration or road tax, inspections, maintenance and repairs, tyres, parking and fuel or electricity. Finance interest and parking fees can be added if they apply.
What share of car costs is fixed?
For cars that are rarely driven often more than two thirds. The more you drive, the bigger the running-cost share – the calculator shows your split.
From which mileage does owning a car pay off?
The break-even point shows it: enter the cost of your alternative (e.g. monthly pass plus car sharing per km). From the calculated kilometres per month on, your own car is cheaper.
Where do I find the resale value?
In used-car listings: search for the same model at the age yours will be when you sell, and take a cautious middle value.
Sources and legal basis
As of: · Editorial policy
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