Total Cost of Ownership Calculator — The Real Cost of a Car

A car’s price is only the start. This adds up the five costs that actually drain your wallet — depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and one-time fees — into a total, a yearly figure, and a true monthly cost.

How this calculator works

Depreciation is the price multiplied by the percentage of value it loses over the period — usually the single biggest cost. We add the recurring costs (fuel, insurance, maintenance) across all the years, plus any one-time fees, then divide the total by the years and months for the per-period figures. The bar shows where the money actually goes.

What changes the number

Depreciation, not fuel, is usually the largest cost — which is why a cheaper or value-holding car often wins overall.
Insurance varies enormously by driver, location, and model; get a real quote rather than guessing.
Maintenance climbs as the car ages — budget more in years 4–6 as warranties end and wear parts need replacing.

Frequently asked questions

Why is depreciation counted as a cost?

Because it’s money you lose. A car bought for $32,000 and sold for $19,000 cost you $13,000 in value, whether or not you ever “feel” it as a payment.

What depreciation percentage should I use?

Many cars lose 35–50% of value over five years. Trucks and value-holding brands lose less; luxury and some EVs lose more. Check a valuation tool for your model, or use our depreciation calculator.

Does this include the loan interest?

Not directly — fold financing cost into “fees,” or use the car loan calculator for the interest total and add it here. Cash buyers can leave fees low.