Car Affordability Calculator

Most car calculators start with a price or a payment. This one starts with your budget, then shows you what a lender might approve, what actually fits your finances, and the real total monthly cost of owning the vehicle, not just financing it.

1Your Income & Trade-In

Start with what you actually bring home, what you already owe each month, and anything you're putting toward this purchase.

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After taxes, what actually lands in your account
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Rent or mortgage — lenders count this as debt when weighing a new loan
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Credit cards, student loans, other loans, not including housing or this car
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What a dealer would give you for your current vehicle
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Leave at $0 if it's paid off or you have no trade-in

2Loan Details

These apply to any financing estimate below.

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Many states credit your trade-in value against the taxable price; check your state's rule
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Title, doc fees, and anything else rolled into the loan

3Estimated Ongoing Costs

The loan payment is only part of what a car costs every month. These estimates power your real total monthly transportation cost.

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Oil changes, tires, brakes, and a buffer for surprises
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Monthly equivalent, e.g. an annual fee divided by 12
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Optional, if it applies where you live or work
Total estimated ongoing costs (before the loan payment) $0

4Check a Specific Price (optional)

Already have a vehicle in mind? Enter its price to see exactly how it stacks up against your numbers below.

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This tool provides general estimates for educational purposes only and isn't personalized financial or lending advice. Read our full disclaimer →

What You Can Afford

Enter your income above to see your results.

Your Real Total Monthly Transportation Cost

The payment is never the whole story. Here's what it actually costs to own and drive the vehicle each month, based on your Step 3 estimates.

The Effect of a Longer Loan Term

A longer term lowers your monthly payment, but stretches out how long you owe money and increases total interest paid.