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Car Running Cost Calculator

Estimate your car's monthly and annual running costs based on fuel, insurance, maintenance, tax and mileage.

Your Details

Overview

This car running cost calculator estimates how much it may cost to run a car over a month and a year. Enter your annual mileage, fuel economy, fuel price and regular yearly costs such as insurance, maintenance and tax to get a practical ownership estimate.

How it works

The calculator first estimates how much fuel you use each year from your annual mileage and fuel economy. It converts mpg into litres used, multiplies that by the fuel price, and then adds your yearly insurance, maintenance, tax and other ongoing costs. The total is then shown as an annual running cost, monthly average and cost per mile.

How to use this calculator

  1. 1Enter your expected annual mileage.
  2. 2Add your car's average fuel efficiency in mpg.
  3. 3Enter the average fuel price per litre.
  4. 4Fill in your yearly insurance, maintenance, tax and other running costs.
  5. 5Review the estimated monthly cost, annual cost and cost per mile.

Example Calculation

Annual mileage

12000

Fuel efficiency

40

Fuel price

$2

Annual insurance

$800

Annual maintenance and repairs

$600

Annual vehicle tax

$180

Other annual costs

$300

Estimated monthly running cost

$327

With 12,000 miles per year, 40 mpg fuel economy and the costs shown above, the estimated running cost is about 319 per month, or around 3822 per year, with fuel making up roughly 1942 of the total.

Frequently asked questions

What does this car running cost calculator include?

It includes fuel, insurance, maintenance, vehicle tax and other annual costs you choose to add.

Does this calculator include depreciation or finance payments?

No. It focuses on ongoing running costs and does not include depreciation, loan payments or the purchase price of the car.

Why is fuel efficiency entered in mpg and fuel price in litres?

Many drivers know their car's economy in mpg, while fuel is usually sold by the litre. The calculator converts between the two.

Can I use this calculator for electric cars?

Not accurately in its current form, because it is designed around fuel economy in mpg and fuel price per litre.

What is cost per mile?

Cost per mile is your estimated annual running cost divided by the number of miles you drive in a year.

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Assumptions and warnings

Assumptions

  • Fuel efficiency stays fairly consistent over the year.
  • Fuel price is an average and does not account for price changes over time.
  • Maintenance, tax, insurance and other costs are entered as yearly estimates.
  • Results exclude car finance, depreciation, purchase price and unexpected one-off costs.

Warnings

  • This calculator provides an estimate only and is not financial advice.
  • Actual running costs can vary with driving style, fuel prices, location and vehicle condition.