Is it cheaper to use Uber than to own a car?
For many city dwellers who ride less than once a day, yes. With AAA's average costs for a new car and 5-mile trips in Columbus, rideshare costs less up to about 34 rides a month, tip included. Above that, a car is cheaper, before counting parking, which can tip the balance back toward riding.
How much does it cost to own a car per month?
AAA's 2025 study put the average new car at $11,577 a year, about $965 a month, for 15,000 miles of driving. Its 2026 study puts the figure higher, at $12,863 a year. Depreciation is the largest single cost.
What costs does this calculator include?
For the car: depreciation, loan interest, insurance, registration and taxes, parking, fuel, and maintenance, repairs and tires. For rideshare: the typical price of each ride in your city from our estimates, plus your tip. It leaves out things that vary too much to average, such as tolls, tickets and the value of your time.
What if I already own my car outright?
Then set the depreciation and loan amounts lower. A paid-off older car loses value slowly and has no loan, so its monthly cost is mostly insurance, fuel and repairs, which makes keeping it hard to beat unless you rarely drive.