True Cost to Own Calculator: What a Car Really Costs Per Month
The sticker price is the smallest part of what a car costs. Depreciation, interest, insurance, fuel, and upkeep decide the real monthly figure — this breaks it down by component so you can see which one to attack first.
Your numbers
This car costs about $739/month to own over five years — depreciation is the biggest line.
- True cost per month (5-year average)
- $739
- Five-year total
- $44,353
- — Depreciation
- $297/mo · $17,801
- — Loan interest
- $88/mo · $5,266
- — Insurance
- $158/mo · $9,500
- — Fuel
- $121/mo · $7,286
- — Maintenance & repairs
- $75/mo · $4,500
- Loan payment (cash flow, not a cost)
- $554/mo
- Estimated value after 5 years
- $14,199
How we calculated this
- Depreciation: 15% of remaining value lost per year, leaving about $14,199 after 5 years.
- Financing: $28,000 at 7% APR over 60 months ($554/mo); only the interest counts as a cost, and only the first 60 months are included.
- Fuel: 12,000 miles/yr at 28 MPG and $3.40/gal.
- Insurance $1,900/yr and maintenance $900/yr, flat for five years.
- Not included: registration and taxes, parking, tolls, and the opportunity cost of the down payment. Insurance is what you enter — we don't rate it.
Is your premium competitive?
Your carrier re-prices you every renewal. A 60-second check shows whether your rate is in line — no account, and nothing changes on your policy.
Estimates for education only — not a quote, not insurance or financial advice. Rates depend on your carrier and state.
CarCoverage Basics is an informational website and advertising-supported lead-generation service. We are not an insurance agency, broker, or carrier, we do not sell insurance, and we do not guarantee any quote, rate, or coverage. Availability, rates, and eligibility vary by state and insurer.