Running Cost Calculator
Your car costs far more than its fuel. Add up every line — including the value it quietly loses — to see what owning it really costs.
Free, instant, and currency-agnostic — choose your currency inside the tool.
The cost you can’t see is the biggest one
Ask someone what their car costs and they will mention fuel. Yet for most cars, depreciation and insurance together dwarf the fuel bill. This calculator puts every cost in one place — fuel, insurance, maintenance, tax and depreciation — so the true total stops being a surprise.
Not sure what depreciation to enter? The depreciation calculator gives you a yearly figure to drop straight in.
Cost per mile changes decisions
Once you know your cost per mile, everyday choices get clearer: whether to drive or take the train, whether a cheaper-to-run second car would pay for itself, or how much a long commute is really costing. Compare two cars side by side and the right one is often obvious.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a running cost?
Everything it takes to keep a car on the road: fuel, insurance, servicing and tyres, road tax or registration, plus depreciation — the value the car loses while you own it. Depreciation is usually the largest line of all.
Why include depreciation in running costs?
Because it is real money. A car that drops in value is costing you just as surely as the fuel you burn, even though you do not write a cheque for it each month.
How do I find my cost per mile?
Divide the total annual cost by the miles you drive. This calculator does it for you, which is handy for comparing two cars or deciding whether a trip is worth driving.
How can I lower my running costs?
Choose a model with strong fuel economy and slow depreciation, shop your insurance every renewal, keep up with maintenance to avoid big bills, and avoid unnecessary mileage.