Car Comparison Calculator — United States
Compare two cars side by side: purchase price, fuel, tax, insurance and 5-year running cost. For United States drivers this uses real local figures where we have them — a state inspection costs about $0 per test and annual state vehicle fees is not charged for private cars. Prices default to USD and miles per US gallon.
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Why cost of ownership matters
The purchase price is only the beginning. Fuel or electricity, insurance, state vehicle fees, the state inspection, servicing, tyres, repairs and depreciation together usually cost more than the car itself over a few years. Use this tool to see the full picture before you buy.
How to use this calculator
Enter realistic figures for your situation — what you actually pay for insurance, what you expect to drive in a year — and the tool breaks the total down into monthly, weekly, yearly and per-distance costs. Adjust any figure and the results update instantly.
Frequently asked questions
What can I compare?
Two cars side by side: purchase price, fuel or energy cost, state vehicle fees, insurance, servicing, depreciation and the five-year total, in USD.
How do I choose between two similar cars?
Enter your own mileage and the prices you would actually pay. The five-year total usually separates models that look almost identical on the forecourt.
Should I compare new against used?
Yes — that is where the tool is most useful, because the cheaper car up front is not always the cheaper car overall once depreciation, state vehicle fees and the state inspection are included.
Are the results estimates?
Yes. They depend on the figures you enter and on prices that change, so treat the comparison as a guide rather than a quote.
Estimate only: results depend entirely on the inputs. Prices and rates change; check current official sources before committing.