Car vs Taxi Calculator (own a car or use taxis, car sharing & transit?)

How it works

Car per year = depreciation + insurance + tax and registration + parking + maintenance + fuel, where fuel = km per year ÷ km per litre × fuel price. Without a car per year = 12 × (taxi trips × average fare + car sharing + public transport). “Taxi trips the car money buys” = (monthly car cost − car sharing − public transport) ÷ fare: how many taxi rides a month you could take for the same money. Loan interest on the car is not included — add it to depreciation if you have one.

⚠ Estimates for information only — not financial advice.

FAQ

How do I estimate depreciation?

Look up what your car would sell for today and what a similar car one year older sells for; the difference is roughly one year’s loss in value.

What if I need a car only on weekends?

Enter the car sharing or rental you would use for those trips. Many households find renting a few times a month far cheaper than owning.

Checked 11 Nov 2026. Total-cost-of-ownership arithmetic (fixed yearly costs + distance-based fuel). Every default is an editable example.