Car Cost of Ownership Calculator
Depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, financing, and registration — itemized per vehicle, adjustable by state, miles, and finance rate.
What makes up the true cost of owning a car?
Six components determine your real monthly burden. The purchase price is just the starting point.
Depreciation
35–50% of TCOThe single largest ownership cost. A new car loses roughly 35–50% of its value over five years. MotiveGrid uses CarEdge retention data — not estimates — to compute depreciation per vehicle.
Insurance
12–18% of TCOAnnual premiums vary by vehicle, driver profile, and state. Our calculator uses a proprietary model that adjusts for vehicle MSRP, safety ratings, and state-level rate factors.
Fuel / Energy
10–15% of TCOGas, electricity, or both. Fuel cost is computed from EPA combined ratings, national-average gas prices (AAA) and electricity rates (EIA), scaled to your annual mileage.
Maintenance
8–12% of TCOScheduled service, brakes, and wear items over five years. Computed by the MotiveGrid maintenance model, segmented by vehicle class and powertrain type.
Financing
8–12% of TCOInterest on a 60-month loan at prevailing rates. Calculated on the post-down-payment balance and included in the cumulative cost schedule.
Registration
2–4% of TCOAnnual registration renewals, state-adjusted using NCSL and DMV fee schedules — these vary significantly by location. EV surcharges included where applicable. Sales tax is not included in the calculator; budget ~4–8% of purchase price separately depending on your state.
All cost data is derived from primary sources — depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, financing, and registration. Full methodology and data sources →
Average cost of ownership by vehicle class
Median monthly TCO for each vehicle class across all trims in the MotiveGrid database. Select a class to see the cheapest vehicle.
| Vehicle Class | Avg Monthly TCO | Vehicles | Cheapest to Own |
|---|---|---|---|
| crossover | $787/mo | 10 | Chevrolet Bolt |
| minivan | $879/mo | 2 | Toyota Sienna |
| sedan | $905/mo | 18 | Honda Civic |
| suv | $1011/mo | 35 | Toyota RAV4 |
| truck | $1017/mo | 10 | Ford Maverick |
Vehicles with the lowest cost of ownership
The 15 vehicles with the lowest estimated monthly cost over five years. Each links to a full itemized breakdown.
See all vehicles ranked by cost: Vehicle Rankings
Frequently asked questions
What is included in the true cost of car ownership?
The true cost of car ownership includes six components: depreciation (typically 35–50% of total cost), insurance (12–18%), fuel or electricity (10–15%), scheduled maintenance (8–12%), loan interest or financing cost (8–12%), and state-level registration fees (2–4%). MotiveGrid calculates all six per vehicle using CarEdge depreciation data, AAA fuel prices, EIA electricity rates, and NCSL registration schedules. Sales tax (typically 4–8% of purchase price) is not included in the calculator and should be budgeted separately.
Why calculate cost of ownership over 5 years?
Five years is the most common ownership period and the typical auto loan term. It captures the steepest depreciation years (1–3), a full set of maintenance cycles, and enough time for fuel and insurance costs to differentiate vehicles that look similar on MSRP alone. A car with a lower sticker price can easily cost more over five years than a more expensive one with better resale value and lower running costs.
What is the single largest cost of owning a car?
Depreciation is the largest cost of car ownership, typically accounting for 40% of the total five-year expense. It is the difference between what you pay and what the car is worth when you sell or trade it in. Depreciation varies widely by make and model — some vehicles retain over 60% of their value after five years, while others drop below 35%. MotiveGrid sources depreciation from CarEdge, which tracks real market retention data.
How much does it cost to own a car per month in 2026?
Across all vehicles in the MotiveGrid database, the median five-year cost of ownership is roughly $700–850 per month including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, financing, and registration. Compact hybrids can dip below $500/month, while full-size trucks and luxury SUVs often exceed $1,200/month. The calculator on this page gives a per-vehicle breakdown adjusted for your state and annual mileage.
Does the calculator work for electric vehicles?
Yes. The MotiveGrid calculator handles EVs, plug-in hybrids, and gas vehicles. For EVs, fuel cost uses EPA kWh/100mi efficiency and state-level electricity rates from the EIA. The calculator also accounts for EV-specific factors like higher curb weight increasing tire wear, and state EV registration surcharges where applicable. The federal EV tax credit is not included — it expired September 2025.
How do I reduce my car ownership costs?
Three levers have the biggest impact: (1) Choose a vehicle with strong resale value — depreciation is the largest cost and varies dramatically by make and model. (2) Compare insurance quotes before buying — premiums can differ $500+/year between similar vehicles. (3) Consider a hybrid or efficient gas model — fuel savings compound over five years and are often underestimated when shopping by MSRP alone.