Question 1

Does this tool use real fuel or ticket prices?

Accepted Answer

No. This tool does not use real fuel prices, transit fares, or any live data. It uses the numbers you enter yourself. You need to look up current fuel prices, transit pass costs, and ridehailing rates in your area and enter them into the calculator. The tool then performs simple math based on your inputs.

Question 2

Why might my real costs be different from these estimates?

Accepted Answer

Many factors can affect actual costs: fluctuating fuel prices, seasonal transit pass discounts, surge pricing for ridehailing, unexpected car repairs, changes in your driving or transit usage, parking rate changes, insurance rate changes, and many other variables. This tool provides a snapshot comparison based on the numbers you enter at one point in time. Real costs will vary month to month and year to year.

Question 3

Does this include car depreciation or resale value?

Accepted Answer

No. This tool does not account for car depreciation, resale value, or the long-term financial impact of owning a car. It only compares monthly operating costs (payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance, etc.) versus monthly public transport and ridehailing costs. For a complete financial picture, you would need to consider the total cost of ownership over time, including depreciation, which this tool does not calculate.

Question 4

How can I make a more accurate comparison with my own data?

Accepted Answer

To make a more accurate comparison, gather your actual numbers: recent fuel receipts to calculate average fuel cost, your actual car payment and insurance statements, maintenance records, parking receipts, your transit pass cost or recent ticket purchases, and recent ridehailing receipts. Enter these real numbers into the calculator. Keep in mind that even with accurate data, costs can change, and this tool is still only an educational comparison, not financial advice.

Question 5

What if I only use one option (car or public transport)?

Accepted Answer

You can still use this tool by entering zero for the option you don't use. However, the comparison will be incomplete. The tool will show a warning if one side has all zeros. For a meaningful comparison, try entering realistic estimates for both options based on what you might use if you switched.

Question 6

Does this account for time savings or convenience?

Accepted Answer

No. This tool only compares monetary costs. It does not account for time savings, convenience, flexibility, environmental impact, or other non-monetary factors. A car might be faster for some trips, while public transport might allow you to work or relax during your commute. These factors are important but outside the scope of this cost comparison tool.

Monthly Public Transport vs Car Ownership Comparison

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Car Ownership and Usage

Public Transport and Ridehailing

Compare Transport Costs

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