Ownership Cost Calculator
The purchase price is just the entry fee. This calculator adds up what a vehicle actually costs to keep running over five years — fuel, insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and registration — so you can compare two cars honestly instead of just comparing their stickers.
Your Numbers
Depreciation is usually the single largest ownership cost — often larger than fuel and insurance combined — and it's the easiest one to underestimate. A vehicle with a lower purchase price but a steep depreciation curve can end up costing more over five years than a slightly pricier vehicle that holds its value well.
Total Cost Over 5 Years
Average cost per month
$0 / mo
Where it goes
Frequently asked questions
What counts as "total cost of ownership"?
Total cost of ownership adds fuel or charging, insurance premiums, routine maintenance, expected repairs, registration and applicable taxes, and depreciation — the gap between what you pay and what the vehicle is worth when you eventually sell it. Depreciation is usually the biggest single line item, which is exactly why comparing two cars by sticker price alone can be misleading.
Why does fuel type change the ownership cost so much?
Fuel type affects several categories at once: electric vehicles typically cost less per mile to "fuel" via charging but can carry higher insurance and less predictable resale value; hybrids sit in between with better fuel economy than gas vehicles and a smaller reliability gap than full EVs; diesel and gasoline vehicles have the most predictable maintenance costs but the highest per-mile fuel cost of the group. The calculator adjusts its estimate based on which one you select.
How accurate is the 5-year estimate?
It's a realistic estimate built from typical figures for that price range, fuel type, and mileage — genuinely useful for comparing two vehicles or setting a budget expectation, but your actual costs will vary with your driving habits, location, insurance history, and the specific vehicle's condition. For a model-specific estimate, check that vehicle's individual review page, which uses sourced reliability and repair-cost data rather than general averages.
Does this include state taxes and registration fees?
It includes a general estimate for registration, since exact sales tax rates and registration fees vary significantly by state. For state-specific numbers — including doc fee caps and exact sales tax rates — check our state buying guides, which cover the details for each state we've published so far.