You're about to be more car conscious. The results below highlight not only the out-of- pocket costs to own and operate your vehicle, but also the hidden costs, like the depreciation in your vehicle's value over time.
Beyond that, there are non-monetary costs that are easy to overlook, but underscore the impacts that car ownership has on our environment and our society.
Along with these costs for your consideration, you'll find a number of ways to save - and to begin to shift your driving habits as well.
Cost to you
How much does it cost to own and operate your primary vehicle for one year?
Your out-of-pocket cost per year:
National average cost per year:
Source: AAA
The national average cost to own a car accounts for 16.4% of the average household's budget and 26.9% for the lowest income households.
That's the second-highest expense after housing!
Your work commute alone costs you approximately:
What is depreciation costing you?
If you sold your vehicle today it would be worth:
Your loss in value since you purchased your car is:
Costs to everyone
Your greenhouse gas from driving:
of carbon dioxide per year*
*This figure is based on a conventional internal combustion vehicle.
US Environmental Protection Agency
As a car user , you take up
3.5x more public space
Source:
Transport Reviews
Driving costs us time:
Americans spend an average of 18,615 minutes per year behind the wheel.
That's nearly 13 days every year!
Source: AAA Newsroom
