How much does it cost to run a car in 2026?

“A car is a money pit” — we all say it, but few know exactly how deep. The trouble is that costs are scattered over time. Line them up and they tell a precise figure. Let’s go item by item.

How much does fuel cost per year?

For an average car driving 12,000-15,000 km a year, fuel is €1,500-2,000 per year. Estimate it with:

(km ÷ 100) × consumption (L/100 km) × price per litre

Real consumption is on average 10-25% higher than the official figure. Estimate yours with the car cost calculator.

How much is car insurance?

Mandatory liability insurance averages €400-500 per year but varies hugely by region, no-claims class and driver age. Adding theft, fire and comprehensive cover pushes it to €700-1,000.

How much is road tax?

Road tax depends on power (kW) and emissions class — roughly €150-250 per year for a small car, rising quickly with power. Some regions exempt EVs for the first years.

How much does maintenance and servicing cost?

A car in good condition needs €400-700 per year of routine maintenance: service, oil, filters, brake pads and tyres. Older or high-mileage cars cost more; EVs, with fewer moving parts, tend to cost less.

How much is the roadworthiness inspection?

The mandatory roadworthiness inspection is due every two years and costs a modest fee — small per month, but worth planning so you don’t forget it.

The hidden item: depreciation

The cost nobody “sees” but often the biggest: a new car loses 15-35% of its value in the first year. Buy used and this shrinks. It isn’t a direct payment, but it’s real money — which is why total cost of ownership always includes depreciation. Estimate yours with the car depreciation calculator, and see typical maintenance costs by car age.

How to control (and cut) the costs

• Track everything: you can’t cut what you don’t measure. Seeing the monthly cost changes habits.
• Compare insurance every year at renewal — the difference between insurers is large.
• Drive smoothly: hard acceleration and high speed spike consumption.
• Pick the right fuel type: if you charge at home, an EV or plug-in can halve your “fill-up” cost. CarBudget tracks petrol and electric together, so you see the real saving.
• Don’t skip maintenance: a delayed service costs more than one done on time.

Sources & methodology

Figures in this guide are based on public motoring-cost data:

• Average annual running cost and cost per km: national motoring associations (e.g. ACI in Italy).
• Average insurance premium: insurance regulators and market observatories.
• Real-world vs official (WLTP) consumption: typical 10-25% gap.
• Depreciation: used-car market valuations.