Average car running costs in Australia

Car running costs in Adelaide

Adelaide’s car loan payments were an average of $213.44, while fuel costs and comprehensive car insurance premiums were $88.45 and $45.46 respectively.⁶Australian Automobile Association – Transport Affordability Index, December Quarter 2025 Overall, the South Australian capital sits comfortably in the middle to lower range when it comes to car running costs, going against the national trend even when it comes to the top 3 car-related expenses in capital cities.

Average weekly car running costs per household in Adelaide

Note: These figures reflect indicative car running costs per week per household in Adelaide, based on the Australian Automobile Association’s Transport Affordability Index data dated 1 October to 31 December 2025 excluding costs associated with public transport. Estimates include iSelect calculations applied to this data. Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances, car usage, make and model and location.

Car running costs in Brisbane

In the last quarter of 2025, Brisbane households paid the most for fuel on average at $95.21 per week, balanced against the lowest average car loan payments ($212.38) across Australia, as well as only the fourth-highest comprehensive car insurance premiums ($46.98). Tolls came up to $26 while servicing and tyres cost $31.44, and rego, CTP cover and driver’s licence costs were $33.45.⁷Australian Automobile Association – Transport Affordability Index, December Quarter 2025

Average weekly car running costs per household in Brisbane

Note: These figures reflect indicative car running costs per week per household in Brisbane, based on the Australian Automobile Association’s Transport Affordability Index data dated 1 October to 31 December 2025, excluding costs associated with public transport. Estimates include iSelect calculations applied to this data. Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances, car usage, make and model and location.

Car running costs in Canberra

Canberra’s household rego costs in the last quarter of 2025 (along with CTP insurance and driver’s licences) were the highest among Australia’s capital cities at $43.02 per week. The costs of servicing and tyres were also the highest at $48.03. The bush capital ranked second for average car loan payments at $215.77. That said, average comprehensive car insurance premiums ranked at a comfortable sixth place, at $45.08 per week.⁸Australian Automobile Association – Transport Affordability Index, December Quarter 2025

Average weekly car running costs per household in Canberra

Note: These figures reflect indicative car running costs per week per household in Canberra, based on the Australian Automobile Association’s Transport Affordability Index data dated 1 October to 31 December 2025, excluding costs associated with public transport. Estimates include iSelect calculations applied to this data. Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances, car usage, make and model and location.

Car running costs in Darwin

Darwin was the third on the board for average fuel ($94.36 per week per household) and comprehensive car insurance costs ($52.79 per week per household) in the last quarter of 2025, but was below the national averages in all other categories – especially in car loan repayments, which ranked seventh, at $212.81. Servicing and tyres cost $37.03 and rego, CTP insurance and driver’s licence costs were $33.14 per household.⁹Australian Automobile Association – Transport Affordability Index, December Quarter 2025

Average weekly car running costs per household in Darwin

Note: These figures reflect indicative car running costs per week per household in Darwin, based on the Australian Automobile Association’s Transport Affordability Index data dated 1 October to 31 December 2025, excluding costs associated with public transport. Estimates include iSelect calculations applied to this data. Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances, car usage, make and model and location.

Car running costs in Hobart

Households in Hobart paid an average of $38.76 per week for comprehensive car insurance in the last quarter of 2025 – the lowest among the capital cities. The same rank applies to its rego, CTP insurance and driver’s licence costs over the same period. Car loan payments were $213.51, close to the national average, while fuel cost households $90.47 per week. Overall, Hobart was the least expensive capital city to own and run a car in.¹⁰Australian Automobile Association – Transport Affordability Index, December Quarter 2025 

Average weekly car running costs per household in Hobart

Note: These figures reflect indicative car running costs per week per household in Hobart, based on the Australian Automobile Association’s Transport Affordability Index data dated 1 October to 31 December 2025, excluding costs associated with public transport. Estimates include iSelect calculations applied to this data. Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances, car usage, make and model and location.

Car running costs in Melbourne

Melbourne households paid the highest average comprehensive car insurance premiums in Australia in the last quarter of 2025 at $69.95 per week. In comparison, most other car running costs in the Garden State’s capital were closer to national averages. Fuel costs were on the higher side at $94.17 per week, while toll charges were $26.16, similar to Brisbane’s. Servicing and tyres cost households $38.10 per week on average. Rego, CTP insurance and driver’s licence costs were $36.70 combined.¹¹Australian Automobile Association – Transport Affordability Index, December Quarter 2025

Average weekly car running costs per household in Melbourne

Note: These figures reflect indicative car running costs per week per household in Melbourne, based on the Australian Automobile Association’s Transport Affordability Index data dated 1 October to 31 December 2025, excluding costs associated with public transport. Estimates include iSelect calculations applied to this data. Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances, car usage, make and model and location.

Car running costs in Perth

Perth claimed top spot for the car loan payments ($217.26 per week per household) in the last quarter of 2025. On the other hand, comprehensive car insurance premiums and fuel costs over the same period were the second lowest across Australia, at $43.77 and $89.03, respectively. Households spent an average of $39.53 per week on servicing and tyres, while rego, CTP cover and driver’s licence costs were not far behind at $38.95 per week.¹²Australian Automobile Association – Transport Affordability Index, December Quarter 2025

Average weekly car running costs per household in Perth

Note: These figures reflect indicative car running costs per week per household in Perth, based on the Australian Automobile Association’s Transport Affordability Index data dated 1 October to 31 December 2025, excluding costs associated with public transport. Estimates include iSelect calculations applied to this data. Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances, car usage, make and model and location.

Car running costs in Sydney

Sydney households paid an average of $215.29 per week towards repaying their car loans, $94.93 towards fuel costs and $64.31 for comprehensive car insurance cover per week. Rego, CTP insurance and driver’s licences cost households $42.26 per week and servicing and tyres cost an average of $37.61. Notably, Sydney’s average toll charges per household were $60.00 per week, higher than Brisbane’s and Melbourne’s combined.¹³Australian Automobile Association – Transport Affordability Index, December Quarter 2025

Average weekly car running costs per household in Sydney

Note: These figures reflect indicative car running costs per week per household in Sydney, based on the Australian Automobile Association’s Transport Affordability Index data dated 1 October to 31 December 2025, excluding costs associated with public transport. Estimates include iSelect calculations applied to this data. Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances, car usage, make and model and location.

Car type, make and model

Your car’s make and model can factor heavily into its running costs. Think about it – an Audi might not be anywhere near as cheap to run as a less fussy Toyota Camry or Yaris. It’s not just about the brand though, a work ute might consume more fuel and have higher car insurance costs than an everyday hatch. Your car’s price tag can also be a key indicator of running costs, with imported or luxury models potentially costing more to insure and maintain.

Car insurance premiums

Car insurance premiums are determined by several cost-related factors tied to the vehicle, including its market value, expected repair costs, and ongoing running expenses such as parts, servicing, and fuel use. Cars that are more expensive to repair or replace can attract higher premiums because they present a greater financial risk to insurers. A comprehensive car insurance policy might offer the most coverage but also comes with higher premiums, while third-party property and third-party property, fire and theft car insurance is cheaper overall but offers limited cover.

Fuel costs

The more fuel a car needs to get from point A to point B, the more it’s going to cost to run the car – the same goes for electric vehicles and their charging costs. The amount of fuel a car consumes can depend on the vehicle’s engine size and overall condition, how it’s driven and its maintenance history. And let’s not forget, changes in fuel prices can also impact your car’s running costs.

Car loan payments

Paying off your car loan could easily be the highest (and most painful!) cost of owning a car. The amount you borrow, the loan’s interest rate and term and other lender charges can heavily impact your car’s ownership and running costs. Some lenders might also require you to get comprehensive car insurance as part of the loan’s terms and conditions.

Car registration and driver’s license fees

Car rego costs can vary depending on your state or territory, whether you live in a metro or regional area and the type of vehicle you drive. Your state or territory will also inform your driver’s licence fees, as will the type of licence (learner, provisional or full/unrestricted) and how long you renew it for (one, 3, 5 or 10 years).

Service and maintenance costs

Cars need regular servicing and maintenance so they’re roadworthy, safe to drive and to help keep them from breaking down, while preserving their resale value. If you’re thinking of skipping a couple of services to help lower your car running costs, it might just come back to bite you, because the chances of a car breaking down or needing repairs are higher when it doesn’t get the regular care it needs.

Tolls and parking fees

Only Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and their surrounding areas have toll roads. If you’re in one of these areas, using them can add to your motoring expenses. Similarly, parking charges can vary depending on where you park. Parking in a central business district almost anywhere in Australia can be costlier than in outer suburbs or regional areas where parking fees are less common.

Where you live and drive

Where you park and drive your car can factor into your car running costs. For instance, an area with a higher rate of car-related crimes, denser traffic or extreme weather might attract higher car insurance premiums because of the level of risk involved.

Your driving habits

A sensible driving style (as opposed to a more aggressive one) can result in better fuel efficiency and less wear on the car’s parts, helping keep the vehicle in better shape. Driving patterns such as long commutes, time spent in traffic, and frequent braking or acceleration can increase fuel consumption and maintenance costs. It can also reduce the risk of accidental damage, helping preserve your car’s resale value and avoid insurance claims that could lead to higher premiums.

Depreciation

Depreciation can be the highest ‘expense’ when it comes to owning a car in Australia, according to Consumer Affairs Victoria. Though it’s not exactly a running cost (more of an incurred cost), depreciation can affect your car’s market value, which in turn impacts your car’s resale value or your insurance payout in the event of a write-off.

Look after your ride

Keep an eye on your car’s warning lights and do regular spot checks on parts such as tyres, wipers, external lights and indicators. Also, listen for any unusual sounds as these could potentially indicate the start of potentially bigger issues with your vehicle. On top of this, regular servicing and maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected expenses related to repairs or replacements.

Drive sensibly

Keep your acceleration, braking and turning smooth to avoid excessive wear and tear on the car’s parts, or you’ll likely be spending more than you should on repairs and replacements. Driving sensibly not only prolongs your car’s life, but also helps increase its fuel efficiency, prevent accidents and keep your car insurance premiums lower.

Consider a used car

An effective way of avoiding some car depreciation costs, particularly the higher depreciation rates early in a new car’s life, is to simply consider buying a used car instead. A used car has a lower rate of depreciation than a new car, which loses between 20–25% of its value in its first year of ownership.

Compare car insurance

Your car insurance premium is one of the most consistent costs of running your car, so it makes sense to seek out ways to help lower your car insurance costs. You could compare car insurance before buying or renewing a policy to help ensure that you’re not missing out on a better deal (we can help you with this). Paying for your car insurance yearly instead of monthly could also help lower your premium.