VerCalc
Finance
Car Tco Calculator

The TRUE Cost of Your Car

Your $400 payment is just the tip of the iceberg. Factoring in depreciation and lost investment opportunities, your car might be your biggest wealth killer.

Insurance
Maint/Repairs
Parking

Do you drive in Congestion Zones?

Adds ~$400/mo

Total Monthly Cost

$1,065

$4,800/yr lost to depreciation

Cost Per Mile

$1.06

Every mile you drive

The 'Invisible' Bill

Monthly Depreciation Loss

-$438

Lost Investment Earnings (6%)

-$175

ModeMonthly CostVerdict
Your Car$1,065Baseline
Ride-Share$2,500MORE EXPENSIVE
Transit Pass$120CHEAPEST
1

TCO Methodology 2026

We calculate the True Cost of Ownership by adding 15% annual depreciation and 6% annual opportunity cost (money you could have earned investing) to your daily fuel and fixed expenses.

2

Metodologia

The Hidden Wealth Killer: Depreciation & Opportunity Cost

Most people only count gas and insurance. But your biggest cost is invisible. A $35,000 car loses ~$430/mo in value (Depreciation). Plus, that $35k tied up in metal could be earning $175/mo in a safe bond (Opportunity Cost). You pay for these every single day, even if the car sits parked.

2026 Reality Check: Costs vs. Alternatives

With rising insurance premiums (AI-driven rates) and new congestion pricing in major cities, owning a car is becoming a luxury service. Compare your TCO below:

When Should You Sell?

  • Low Mileage: If you drive under 5,000 miles/year, your 'Cost Per Mile' is astronomical due to fixed insurance and depreciation. Uber is likely cheaper.
  • City Dwellers: Parking + Congestion Fees often exceed the cost of daily ride-shares.
  • Financial Goals: If you need to save for a house, freeing up the $25k-$50k locked in a car is the fastest way to a down payment.

The TRUE Cost of Your Car

Your $400 payment is just the tip of the iceberg. Factoring in depreciation and lost investment opportunities, your car might be your biggest wealth killer.

The Hidden Wealth Killer: Depreciation & Opportunity Cost

Most people only count gas and insurance. But your biggest cost is invisible. A $35,000 car loses ~$430/mo in value (Depreciation). Plus, that $35k tied up in metal could be earning $175/mo in a safe bond (Opportunity Cost). You pay for these every single day, even if the car sits parked.

2026 Reality Check: Costs vs. Alternatives

With rising insurance premiums (AI-driven rates) and new congestion pricing in major cities, owning a car is becoming a luxury service. Compare your TCO below:
CategoryYour Car (Est)Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft)Public Transit
Flexible Capital$0 (Tied up in asset)High (Cash stays in bank)High
Maintenance/StressHigh (Repairs, Tires)ZeroZero
Parking/Tickets$100-$500/moZeroZero
Cost PredictabilityLow (Unexpected repairs)Medium (Surge pricing)High (Fixed pass)

When Should You Sell?

  • Low Mileage: If you drive under 5,000 miles/year, your 'Cost Per Mile' is astronomical due to fixed insurance and depreciation. Uber is likely cheaper.
  • City Dwellers: Parking + Congestion Fees often exceed the cost of daily ride-shares.
  • Financial Goals: If you need to save for a house, freeing up the $25k-$50k locked in a car is the fastest way to a down payment.

Najczęściej zadawane pytania (FAQ)

Q:What is 'Opportunity Cost' in this calculator?

It's the money you LOSE by having cash tied up in a car instead of investing it. If you put $35,000 into a 6% bond, you'd make $175/mo. By owning the car, you give up that income. That is a real cost.

Q:Are these insurance rates accurate for 2026?

Our baseline uses 2026 US averages, which have risen due to more expensive vehicle repairs (sensors/cameras) and AI-risk modeling. Your actual rate depends on your record.

Q:Does this account for EV tax credits?

This calculator focuses on ongoing TCO. You can subtract tax credits from your 'Purchase Price' input to get a more accurate depreciation baseline.