Vehicle Cost Calculator
Enter the purchase price, expected resale value, years of ownership and your yearly driving, fuel, insurance and maintenance costs to see what the vehicle really costs to own.
Last updated October 23, 2026
Result
Total cost = $33,500.00
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Depreciation (price minus resale) | $15,000.00 |
| Fuel per year | $1,400.00 |
| Insurance and maintenance per year | $2,300.00 |
| Cost per year | $6,700.00 |
| Cost per month | $558.33 |
| Cost per distance | $0.558 per mile |
Estimate only. Excludes loan interest, taxes, parking, tolls and repairs beyond the upkeep you enter.
Show the work
Formula: total = (price - resale) + (fuel + insurance + maintenance) x years
- Entered: purchase $30,000.00, resale $15,000.00, 5 years, 12,000 miles per year, 30 MPG, $3.5 per gallon, insurance $1,500.00 and maintenance $800.00 per year.
- Depreciation: $30,000.00 - $15,000.00 = $15,000.00.
- Fuel per year: 12,000 miles / 30 MPG x $3.500 = $1,400.00.
- Running cost per year: $1,400.00 + $1,500.00 + $800.00 = $3,700.00.
- Total: $15,000.00 + $3,700.00 x 5 = $33,500.00.
- Per year: $33,500.00 / 5 = $6,700.00. Per month: $33,500.00 / (5 x 12) = $558.33.
- Per mile: $33,500.00 / (12,000 miles x 5) = $0.558.
Result: Total cost = $33,500.00
How total ownership cost is calculated
total = (price − resale value) + years × (fuel + insurance + maintenance per year)
Depreciation is the purchase price minus what you expect to sell the vehicle for. Fuel per year is annual distance ÷ MPG × fuel price. Add insurance and maintenance for each year you keep the car, then add the depreciation.
Dividing the total by the years, months or miles driven gives the cost per year, per month and per distance. This estimate leaves out loan interest, taxes, registration, parking, tolls and unexpected repairs, so add those to the maintenance figure if they apply to you.
See how we calculate for the formulas, sources and review schedule behind every calculator.
How to use the Vehicle Cost Calculator
- Choose US or metric units.
- Enter the purchase price, expected resale value and years you will own the vehicle.
- Enter yearly distance, fuel economy, fuel price, insurance and maintenance.
- Read the total and per-year, per-month and per-distance costs, then use Copy, Print or Share.
Worked example
A $30,000 car sold for $15,000 after 5 years, driven 12,000 miles a year at 30 MPG and $3.50 a gallon, with $1,500 insurance and $800 maintenance per year. Fuel is 12,000 ÷ 30 × $3.50 = $1,400 a year, so the total is $15,000 + 5 × $3,700 = $33,500, about $6,700 a year, $558 a month or $0.558 per mile.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Depreciation | $15,000 |
| Fuel (5 years) | $7,000 |
| Insurance (5 years) | $7,500 |
| Maintenance (5 years) | $4,000 |
| Total | $33,500 |
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to own a car?
Depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance are the main costs. Enter your own figures to see the total and cost per mile.
How do I estimate resale value?
Look up similar used vehicles of the age and mileage you expect to have when you sell. Many cars lose about half their value in five years.
Does this include a car loan?
No. Loan interest is not included. Add interest paid per year to the maintenance field if you want it counted.
Can I use metric units?
Yes. Choose Metric to enter kilometers, L/100 km and price per liter.
Are my numbers stored or sent anywhere?
No. The calculation runs in your browser and nothing you enter is saved or uploaded.