Car Finance ToolsCalculate

Auto Affordability Calculator

Updated

We estimate conservative, moderate, and stretch vehicle prices based on a percentage of your gross monthly income.

A common rule is to keep your auto payment at or below 10–15% of your gross monthly income; 20% is a stretch. The right number for you also depends on other debts, savings goals, insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs.

Estimate only. Estimate only. Not a loan offer, lender quote, dealer quote, lease agreement, retail installment sales contract, DMV estimate, or financial advice. Actual rates, payments, taxes, fees, incentives, residual values, insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs may vary.

conservative (10.00% of income)

$41,403.01

  • Max monthly payment: $800.00
  • Estimated all-in monthly: $800.00
  • Estimated amount financed: $40,887.19

moderate (15.00% of income)

$60,689.31

  • Max monthly payment: $1,200.00
  • Estimated all-in monthly: $1,200.00
  • Estimated amount financed: $61,330.67

stretch (20.00% of income)

$79,975.60

  • Max monthly payment: $1,600.00
  • Estimated all-in monthly: $1,600.00
  • Estimated amount financed: $81,774.14

Note

Tiers are estimates

Lender approval depends on credit, debt, employment, and income verification.

Assumptions usedv2026-05-04
  • APR6.50%
  • Term60 months
  • Conservative / Moderate / Stretch10% / 15% / 20% of gross monthly income

How this is calculated

We compute your maximum monthly payment as a percent of gross monthly income (10% conservative, 15% moderate, 20% stretched). We then binary-search the highest vehicle price that fits your budget given APR, term, taxes, and fees.

For a fuller approach, read how much car can I afford.

Frequently asked questions

What payment-to-income ratio is reasonable?
A common rule is 10% of gross monthly income for the auto payment. 15% is moderate and 20% is stretched.

Related calculators

  • Auto Loan Payment

    Estimate your monthly car payment, total interest, and out-the-door cost from price, down payment, APR, term, trade-in, taxes, and fees.

  • Total Cost of Ownership

    Estimate the all-in cost of owning a car: financing, depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, registration, and more.

  • Sales Tax & Fees

    Estimate sales tax, documentation, title, registration, and dealer fees, plus out-the-door price and amount financed.