Ola/Uber vs Own Car Calculator
Should you buy a car or stick with ride-hailing? Calculate the true cost of car ownership including EMI, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and parking vs Ola/Uber expenses.
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₹ Own Car Wins!
Rs 5,000
Saved with Own Car (per month)
Owning a car makes financial sense! You save Rs 5,000/month compared to ride-hailing.
Monthly Cost Comparison
Own Car
Rs 35,000
Ola/Uber
Rs 40,000
5-Year Analysis
Car (5 Years)
Rs 21L
Ola (5 Years)
Rs 24L
5-Year Savings
Rs 3L
Break-even Point
1,200 km/mo
Monthly Cost Comparison
₹ Car Ownership Breakdown (Monthly)
₹ Ola/Uber Breakdown (Monthly)
Car Ownership Cost Split
Hidden Costs of Car Ownership (Annual)
5-Year Cumulative Cost
How to Use the Ola/Uber vs Own Car Calculator
- Enter Your Daily Commute: Slide to set your typical daily travel distance in kilometers. Include your office commute (both ways).
- Set Work Days: How many days per month do you commute to work? Most people work 20-22 days.
- Add Weekend Trips: Include trips for shopping, visiting family, leisure activities. Each trip averages 15km.
- Choose Car Details: Select car price, type (hatchback/sedan/SUV), and fuel type that you'd consider buying.
- Set Location: Choose your city type - costs vary significantly between metros and smaller cities.
- Review Loan Terms: Adjust loan tenure and down payment to see how financing affects monthly costs.
- Compare Results: See the monthly cost breakdown, 5-year projection, and get a clear verdict!
Why Use This Calculator?
Deciding between buying a car and using Ola/Uber is one of the biggest financial decisions urban Indians face. This calculator helps you make a data-driven decision by considering all costs:
Car Ownership Costs We Calculate
- EMI Payment: Monthly loan installment at current market rates (9.5% p.a.)
- Fuel Cost: Based on your car's actual mileage and current fuel prices in your city
- Insurance: Comprehensive insurance costs vary by car type (Rs 15,000 - Rs 40,000/year)
- Maintenance: Regular servicing, tyre replacement, repairs (Rs 0.8 - Rs 1.8/km)
- Parking: Home parking, office parking, and mall/shopping parking
- Road Tax & Registration: One-time costs amortized over 5 years
- Depreciation: Cars lose 15-20% value in year 1, then 10-12% yearly
Ola/Uber Costs We Consider
- Base Fare + Per Km Charges: Current rates for your city (Rs 10-14/km)
- Surge Pricing Buffer: We add 20% buffer for peak hours and rain
- Cancellation Buffer: 5% buffer for cancellations and rebookings
The Hidden Reality of Car Ownership
Most people only consider EMI and fuel when buying a car. But the true monthly cost of a Rs 10 lakh sedan in Mumbai is around Rs 35,000-40,000 when you include all expenses. For light users (under 1,000 km/month), this often exceeds Ola/Uber costs!
True Car Cost = EMI + Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Parking + Depreciation + Road Tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to own a car or use Ola/Uber in India?
It depends on your usage. For less than 1,000-1,200 km/month travel, Ola/Uber is usually cheaper. For 1,500+ km/month, owning a car becomes more economical. The break-even point varies based on car type, city, and fuel type. Use this calculator to find your specific break-even point.
What are the hidden costs of car ownership in India?
Hidden costs include: Insurance (Rs 15,000-40,000/year), Maintenance (Rs 10,000-30,000/year), Parking (Rs 3,000-8,000/month in metros), Depreciation (15-20% first year, 10-12% thereafter), Road tax and registration (8-10% of car price), and unexpected repairs. Many people underestimate these by Rs 10,000-15,000/month!
How much does it cost to own a car per month in India?
For a Rs 10 lakh sedan in a metro city with 1,000 km/month usage: EMI (Rs 17,000-20,000), Fuel (Rs 4,000-6,000), Insurance (Rs 2,000), Parking (Rs 5,000-7,000), Maintenance (Rs 1,000-2,000), Depreciation (Rs 8,000-10,000). Total: Rs 37,000-45,000/month. Hatchbacks cost Rs 25,000-32,000/month.
At what distance does owning a car become cheaper than Ola/Uber?
The break-even point is typically 1,200-1,800 km/month for a Rs 8-12 lakh car. If you travel more than this, owning a car starts saving money. Electric vehicles have a lower break-even point (800-1,000 km/month) due to cheaper running costs. Diesel cars also break-even earlier due to better mileage.
Should I buy a car if I work from home?
For work-from-home professionals who only travel 500-800 km/month for groceries, outings, and occasional trips, Ola/Uber is almost always cheaper. A car makes sense only if you have regular commitments requiring travel (kids' school, elderly parents, frequent client meetings) or live in areas with poor cab availability.
Is CNG or Electric car more cost-effective than petrol?
Yes! CNG costs 40-50% less per km compared to petrol. EVs are even cheaper at just Rs 1-1.5/km for charging. However, CNG has limited refueling stations and EVs have higher upfront costs (Rs 5-8L more). For high-mileage users (2,000+ km/month), the savings are substantial. EVs break-even on the higher purchase price within 3-4 years for regular users.
What about comfort and convenience of owning a car?
This calculator focuses on financial comparison. Non-financial benefits of car ownership include: no waiting for cabs, personal space, flexibility for impromptu trips, easier travel with family/luggage, and status. Ola/Uber benefits include: no parking hassles, no maintenance worries, can drink at parties, and use travel time productively. Assign a personal value to these factors when making your decision.
How accurate is this calculator?
We use current 2024-2025 data for fuel prices, Ola/Uber rates, insurance costs, and depreciation rates for Indian cities. The calculator accounts for all major cost components. Actual costs may vary +/-10% based on your specific driving patterns, exact location, and negotiated insurance rates. For major decisions, also consult with a financial advisor.