To budget for a car in Australia, add loan repayments, insurance, registration, fuel or charging, maintenance and the costs of your usual trips. Put these figures on the same weekly or monthly basis, then check that they fit alongside your household bills and savings.
Which costs belong in your car budget?
Separate the money needed to buy the vehicle from the money needed to keep using it. Purchase costs can include your deposit, transfer charges and stamp duty; check what is already included in the price so you do not count it twice.
For ongoing costs, include registration, insurance, servicing, tyres and a repair allowance. Add fuel or charging, parking and tolls based on your actual travel. Moneysmart’s car ownership guide explains why these costs matter before you buy.
Check insurance carefully. Compulsory third party insurance covers injuries to people, not damage to vehicles or property. Moneysmart’s insurance guide explains the different types of cover and why exclusions matter.
Turn annual bills into a weekly figure
For a simple planning estimate, divide an annual bill by 52 to find its weekly equivalent, or by 12 for a monthly equivalent. Convert monthly costs to a weekly estimate by multiplying by 12 and dividing by 52.
For example, an illustrative AUD 2,600 annual allowance for selected car bills is AUD 50 a week. This is an example, not a typical cost or a quote. Add your own loan repayment and any running costs not included in that allowance.
Note when each bill is due: spreading a cost across a year does not mean you can pay the provider weekly. You may need money set aside before the next renewal.
Check the figures before committing
Get insurance and servicing estimates for the specific car. Compare your proposed car budget with take-home income, existing debts and everyday expenses. Leave room for irregular bills and savings; Moneysmart’s budgeting guide recommends checking statements and updating your plan when circumstances change.
Buying second-hand? Use our used-car checklist alongside your budget to check the vehicle and paperwork.
Aussie Loans is a finance broker. Talk to our team about the loan costs and questions to consider before applying.
General information, current at 14 October 2026. This is not a personalised affordability assessment. Finance is subject to lender assessment and approval; rates, fees and eligibility vary.
