Sample data. These numbers are illustrative placeholders and have not been verified against a source.
How much does it cost to own a car per year?
The full yearly cost includes fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes and the value the car loses.
The typical cost is $10,000, with a range of $6,000 to $15,000 (US, 2026).
Per year
US · 2026$10,000 typical
Source: PLACEHOLDER: replace with a verified source
People often count only fuel and the loan payment. Insurance, registration, repairs, tyres and especially depreciation add up to a large share.
A newer car costs more in depreciation but less in repairs, an older one the other way round. Mileage and your local insurance rates matter a lot.
More in Cars
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Charging time ranges from under an hour at a fast public charger to overnight at home.
Typical: 8 hours
How much does an oil change cost?
The price depends on conventional versus synthetic oil, the size of your engine and where you go.
Typical: $80
Last updated · How we get these numbers