Petrol Vs Transit Monthly
Calculator

Inputs

Car cost per month
167.916

Results

Car cost per month
167.916
Transit cost per month
95
Monthly difference
72.916
Annual difference
874.992
Fuel litres per month
45.36
Distance per month (km)
630

Household and budget results

Car cost per month167.916
Transit cost per month95
Monthly difference72.916
Annual difference874.992
Fuel litres per month45.36
Distance per month (km)630

formula-map diagram

Car cost per month
167.916
Transit cost per month
95
Monthly difference
72.916
Annual difference
874.992
Fuel litres per month
45.36
Distance per month (km)
630

Cost breakdown

Formula

car cost = distance × days × (L/100 km ÷ 100) × fuel price + parking × days

= 167.916

Note

This is a simplified model. It applies the stated arithmetic to the figures you enter and ignores inflation, taxes, seasonal variation, interest and any local rules. Use it as a rough guide, not as financial advice.

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Frequently asked questions

What costs should I include on the driving side of the comparison?+

Include fuel based on your commute distance and vehicle's fuel economy, plus parking fees, tolls, and a reasonable share of maintenance and insurance tied to commuting mileage — fuel alone usually understates the true cost of driving.

Does this account for the value of my time?+

The base calculation compares direct monetary cost only; if transit takes noticeably longer than driving, you should weigh that time difference separately, since it's a real cost but not one measured in dollars by default.

Why is driving often more expensive than it feels day to day?+

Costs like insurance, depreciation, and maintenance are paid periodically rather than at the pump, so they don't feel connected to each individual commute, even though they're a direct consequence of the miles you drive to work.

How does a monthly transit pass change the comparison?+

An unlimited monthly pass has a fixed cost regardless of how many trips you take, so the more you ride, the lower your effective cost per trip — compare the pass price against your total monthly driving cost rather than a single trip's fare.

What if I only commute by car part of the week?+

Prorate both sides of the comparison to the actual number of commuting days rather than a full month, and consider whether a hybrid approach — transit some days, driving others — beats committing fully to either option.