The Real Monthly Cost of Owning These 12 Popular Cars

One of the challenges after finding a great vehicle that fits your needs is to figure out the real monthly cost of owning it.

After all, the monthly payments are only part of what you need to budget for when it comes to smart money moves if you own a car. You also need to consider insurance, maintenance, gas, and likely other little things.

To help you figure out your finances, here's a breakdown of the real monthly cost of 12 highly popular cars.

Editor's note: Average costs sourced from Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book, and U.S. News. All car payments are based on a 36-month term and a 10% down payment.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes

Currently Insured?

Yes

No

Multiple Cars?

Yes

No

Homeowner

Yes

No

Age

30-39

• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80+

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Great News! We’ve located some excellent quote options just for you.

Where can we send you info and recommendations?

Enter Email

Bundle Home & Auto to Save More?

Yes

No

Active Military?

No

Yes

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Average car payment: $842

Average auto insurance: $220

Average maintenance: $45

Average gas cost: $121

With the MSRP of just over $28,000, the 2024 is an affordable compact crossover. According to some reviewers, the Forester is a comfortable and practical crossover, but it may lack some driver engagement. The average car payment is $842, making the real monthly cost of owning this vehicle $1,228.

Average car payment: $910

Average auto insurance: $240

Average maintenance: $63

Average gas cost: $114

The Honda CR-V may have a higher starting price ($30,895) than some of its competitors, but drivers have said it has a smooth ride and a fuel-efficient powertrain. Passengers may appreciate the spacious and comfortable interior. With the average monthly payment at $910, the real monthly cost for owning the 2024 Honda CR-V is $1,327.

Average car payment: $688

Average auto insurance: $259

Average maintenance: $61

Average gas cost: $98

For drivers who're more into safety than looks, the Corolla may be a solid choice. It has a ton of standard safety features and a nice look, though the driving dynamics may not be jazzy. With the MSRP of $23,185 and average monthly car payments of $688, the Corolla is a good choice for many driving budgets. The real monthly ownership cost is $1,106.

Average car payment: $867

Average auto insurance: $241

Average maintenance: $45

Average gas cost: $116

Simple and affordable. Those are two words that've been used to describe the 2024 Subaru Legacy. With the MSRP of $27,980, the Legacy offers a good value and serves as a dependable vehicle. However, it may not offer the excitement some drivers seek. Still, with a real monthly ownership cost of $1,269, it's a solid choice for many drivers.

Average car payment: $780

Average auto insurance: $280

Average maintenance: N/A

Average gas cost: $112

If you know someone who's a fan of the Malibu, they may have good reasons. For starters, it's a comfortable vehicle with a reasonable price tag (MSRP of $26,995) and average monthly car payments of $780. In total, the real monthly cost is about $1,200.

Along with decent fuel economy, the Malibu provides a reliable and spacious ride. On the negative side, the Malibu isn't the most powerful or refined option in its class.

Average car payment: $928

Average auto insurance: $279

Average maintenance: $74

Average gas cost: $67

It may be time to give the Toyota Camry another look. Reviewers have noted the new hybrid-only lineup has improvements across the board, most notably in the powertrain and interior. It has an MSRP of $29,895 and an average monthly car payment of $928, making your real monthly cost of owning this vehicle $1,348.

Average car payment: $988

Average auto insurance:$319

Average maintenance: $86

Average gas cost: $135

If you love the Mustang, you probably love the Mustang. Even with advancements to keep up with modern times, this Ford classic remains just that. Depending on what you choose, the MSRP ranges from $33,915 to more than $65,000. When you factor in auto maintenance, auto insurance, and gas, your real monthly cost is $1,528.

Average car payment: $873

Average auto insurance: $232

Average maintenance: $42

Average gas cost: $66

Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of the LEAF is that it's an easy and affordable way to get into an electric vehicle. The MSRP starts at $29,280. With the average monthly payment at $873, the actual monthly cost is $1,213.

If you're looking for the best electric experience, you may want to check out other options. The LEAF lacks range and is slow to charge.

Average car payment: $1,233

Average auto insurance: $224

Average maintenance: $53

Average gas cost: $70

Whether you're a long-time Volkswagen fan or just want something different, give the ID.4 a look. It offers generous space and great comfort, though some have said it gives an inadequate driving range from the standard battery. The MSRP is $41,160, and the monthly cost of ownership is $1,580.

Average car payment: $898

Average auto insurance: $242

Average maintenance: $59

Average gas cost: $90

The 2025 Ford Maverick delivers a solid driving experience in a truck that's great for maneuverability and space. If you don't need full-size pickup capability, take a look at the Maverick.

The MSRP starts at $29,840, which makes the Maverick a fuel-efficient option at a good price. If you want a vehicle with a real monthly cost of ownership below $1,500, the Maverick comes in at $1,289.

Average car payment: $1,170

Average auto insurance: $258

Average maintenance: $97

Average gas cost: $172

First off, you may want to lower your expectations for luxury with the GMC Sierra 1500. It's been described as not offering the luxurious experience drivers would expect. However, it offers great configurability and has a high tow rating for its class.

Though the MSRP starts around $39,000, the price can quickly go up depending on how you want to style your GMC Sierra 1500. The overall real monthly cost of owning the GMC Sierra 1500 is $1,697.

Average car payment: $1,806

Average auto insurance: $267

Average maintenance: $86

Average gas cost: $206

If you want to get the job done, the full-size Tahoe should have the capacity and capability you need. Awkward cabin controls and V-8 powertrains that aren't fuel-efficient are some things to watch out for with the Tahoe.

The MSRP starts at $58,195, and with an average monthly car payment of $1,806, the real monthly cost of owning the Tahoe is $2,365.

Take into account factors such as monthly payments, monthly auto insurance costs, and your monthly fuel budget when looking at buying a popular car.

While you can't control gas prices in your area, you can help your budget if you compare auto insurance rates. In fact, drivers have reported saving hundreds of dollars a year by shopping for lower insurance costs.