When is this calculator most useful?

When you already spend meaningfully on ride-hailing and want a clean 5-year decision anchor. Use it first, then sanity-check with the monthly and 5-year cost models to avoid underbudgeting.

← Back to Ownership Guide

Car vs Ride-Hailing Break-Even Calculator (Singapore)

Q: What is the break-even monthly ride-hailing spend?

Break-even is the benchmark 5-year ownership cost divided by 60 months. With a $150,000 benchmark, break-even is about $2,500/month. Your real break-even can shift with COE cycle, car profile, financing, insurance and holding period.

Q: Why isn’t the car loan instalment the true monthly cost?

Instalments are a payment method. The true monthly cost includes depreciation (COE embedded), insurance, fuel, maintenance, parking/ERP, opportunity cost of capital, and loan interest if financed.

Last updated: February 2026

This calculator estimates whether owning a car or relying on ride-hailing is financially cheaper over a 5-year period in Singapore. It compares your ride-hailing spend against a transparent benchmark ownership model.

How to use this properly

Use your real average from the last 8–12 weeks (Grab/Gojek + taxis).
Pick a benchmark profile that matches your likely ownership exposure.
Don’t use instalments as “car cost”. Instalments are a payment method, not the economic cost.
If you are in the grey zone, use the deeper models linked below before deciding.

1) Run the Calculator

Choose a benchmark profile

This does not predict your exact cost. It gives you a clean decision anchor. If you are unsure, start with Typical.

Enter your monthly ride-hailing spend

Tip: If your spend fluctuates, use an average. If multiple family members use ride-hailing, use combined spend.

Your 5-Year Comparison

5-Year Ride-Hailing Cost: $—

5-Year Car Ownership Cost (Benchmark): $—

Difference (Ride-hailing − Car): $—

Break-even monthly ride-hailing spend: $—

Pick a benchmark, enter a number and click “Calculate”.

If you are near break-even, don’t treat this like a “yes/no” button. Timing (COE cycle), holding period, and liquidity stress matter.

2) Benchmark Breakdown (5 Years)

This is a planning benchmark to anchor the decision. Your real ownership cost can be lower or higher depending on COE level, car profile, financing, insurance, mileage, and holding period.

Component	5-Year Estimate (SGD)	Description
Depreciation + COE	$—	Vehicle value loss and COE decay across the ownership horizon
Insurance + Road Tax	$—	Typical premiums and road tax over 5 years (profile-dependent)
Maintenance + Repairs	$—	Servicing, tyres, wear-and-tear (volatility risk exists)
Fuel	$—	Moderate driving profile
Parking + ERP	$—	Season parking + common ERP/usage assumptions
Opportunity Cost	$—	Conservative cost of tied-up upfront capital
Total	$—	Benchmark used for break-even

3) Why Your Break-Even Shifts (Read This If You’re Close)

COE cycle: higher COE usually increases depreciation exposure. See COE cost explained.
Holding period: short holding periods are more timing-sensitive. See buy now vs wait.
Financing: interest drag can be bigger than expected (flat rate ≠ true cost). See car loan rates.
Insurance profile: age/claims/model risk can materially shift cost. See insurance cost.
Used vs new: depreciation vs volatility trade. See used vs new.

4) What To Do After You Get a Result

If ride-hailing is clearly cheaper:

Keep ride-hailing, but track spend monthly so you don’t drift into “car money”.
Use the decision framework: Is it worth owning a car?

If ownership looks cheaper:

Sanity-check monthly realism: true monthly cost model.
Confirm affordability: salary reality check.
If timing-sensitive: buy now or wait.

If you’re close to break-even (grey zone):

Don’t decide on price alone — decide on logistics certainty + liquidity stress.
Consider alternatives: leasing vs buying.

FAQ

What does this calculator compare?

It compares your 5-year ride-hailing spend (monthly spend × 60) against a 5-year benchmark ownership model. The benchmark is a planning reference, not a quote.

What is the break-even monthly ride-hailing spend?

Break-even equals benchmark ÷ 60 months. The benchmark you select changes the break-even. Your real break-even can shift with COE cycle, car profile, financing, insurance and holding period.

Why isn’t the car loan instalment the true monthly cost?

Instalments are a payment method. True monthly cost includes depreciation (COE embedded), insurance, fuel, maintenance, parking/ERP, opportunity cost of capital, and loan interest if financed.