Car Affordability Calculator (Singapore, 2026)

Last updated: February 2026

Not financial advice. This is a simplified decision model (not quotes/approvals). Use it to avoid instalment illusions.

What this calculator does

Baseline models: true monthly cost · 5-year ownership breakdown · instalment trap.


Inputs

Planning band (used across the site): Comfortable ≤ 20% of gross income · Stretch 20–25% · High-stress 25%+

Use household gross if sharing costs.

Mortgage/rent, childcare, loans, family support, etc.

Optional but recommended (prevents “afford but stagnate”).

Used for a sanity hint (not a full break-even tool).

Build true monthly car cost

If you already know your all-in monthly number, use “Direct mode”. Otherwise use “Components mode”.

Including COE (because it’s embedded in price).

Be conservative. Optimism breaks decisions.

Short holds are timing-risk heavy.

If yes, we estimate interest drag monthly.

Enable financing to edit.

Flat → EIR conversion is an estimate.

If flat, we estimate EIR internally.

Used for payment math. Holding can be shorter.

This is a buffer, not an “average fantasy”.

Downpayment + fees you lock up.

Simple monthly opportunity cost = capital × r / 12.

Stress tests

These are intentionally basic. The goal is to catch fragile plans early.

If you want the actual transport break-even tool, use: Car vs Ride-Hailing Calculator.

Results

SAFE
$0

Car cost ratio (of gross)
0%
Comfort ≤ 20% · Stretch 20–25% · Stress 25%+
Disposable after car + commitments
$0
After fixed commitments + car cost (before lifestyle spend)
Component breakdown (monthly)
Depreciation: $0
Interest drag: $0
Insurance: $0
Fuel: $0
Maintenance buffer: $0
Parking + ERP: $0
Opportunity cost: $0
Stress view
No stress toggles active.

Next steps (use this in order)


How to Interpret “Safe / Grey / Fragile”

If you’re “Grey Zone”, don’t try to win by optimism — win by structure: lower depreciation profile (cheapest-to-own profiles), or validate timing risk (buy now vs wait).