Car Running Cost Calculator UK
Calculate the total cost of running your car in the UK, including fuel, insurance, road tax and maintenance. See your annual and monthly cost plus the cost per mile based on your mileage and MPG.
Calculator
What this means
The cost of running a car goes well beyond fuel. Insurance, road tax (VED), servicing and repairs all add up. Working out your cost per mile and monthly total helps you budget and compare driving with other transport options.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your fuel costs, insurance, tax, servicing and other costs.
- Add your annual mileage.
- See your total cost of ownership per year and per mile.
Worked example
Fuel £1,500, insurance £600, tax £190 and servicing £400 a year.
- Add all annual running costs together.
- £1,500 + £600 + £190 + £400 = £2,690.
Your car costs around £2,690 a year to run, before depreciation.
Who this is for
- Car owners budgeting for the true cost.
- People comparing petrol, diesel and electric.
- Anyone deciding whether to keep or change a car.
The real cost of running a car
Fuel is only part of the story. Insurance, road tax (VED), servicing, MOT, tyres and repairs all add up — and depreciation (the value the car loses) is often the biggest hidden cost of all.
Electric cars usually cost less per mile to fuel and tax but may have higher upfront prices. Working out cost per mile makes different cars and fuel types easier to compare.
Frequently asked questions
Divide your annual mileage by your MPG to get gallons used, convert to litres (1 gallon = 4.55 litres) and multiply by the price per litre. This calculator does it for you.
Fuel, insurance, road tax (VED), servicing, MOT, tyres and repairs are the main running costs. Parking, breakdown cover and cleaning can add more.
No. This tool covers running costs only. Depreciation — the value your car loses over time — is often the biggest cost of ownership and should be considered separately.
For most newer cars it's depreciation — the value lost over time — followed by fuel and insurance. Buying a slightly older car can dramatically cut the depreciation hit.
Usually cheaper per mile for fuel and often for tax and servicing, but the purchase price can be higher. Compare total cost of ownership, including depreciation, over how long you'll keep it.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for guidance only. It is not financial, legal or tax advice. Always check official sources or speak to a qualified professional before making decisions.
Related tools
Direct Debit Budget Planner UK
See if your direct debits and essentials fit your monthly income.
Open calculator →Monthly Budget Planner UK (50/30/20)
Split your take-home pay into needs, wants and savings.
Open calculator →Energy Bill Estimator
Add up electricity, gas and standing charges for monthly and annual totals.
Open calculator →