Buying a car
Car Affordability Calculator
Turn your take-home pay, expenses and target payment into an estimated affordable vehicle price.
Reviewed September 8, 2026
Enter your numbers
Calculate your estimate
Your estimate
Estimated affordable vehicle price$43,485.57
Suggested maximum payment$780.00
Estimated amount financed$39,485.57
Money left after plan$620.00
Estimate only — actual figures may vary.
Quick answer
Set a car budget from monthly cash flow
This calculator converts your available monthly budget into an estimated vehicle price while leaving room for expenses and savings.
The method
A budget, not a borrowing target
The lower of your chosen income allocation and actual monthly surplus is converted into an estimated loan principal, then your down payment is added.
Leave room for insurance and maintenance.
Credit and APR affect the real amount available.
Treat the result as a ceiling.
Car affordability questions
Should I spend the full affordable amount?
Not always. Treat the result as a ceiling and leave room for insurance, maintenance, registration and unexpected costs.
Does credit score affect affordability?
Yes. Credit profile can change APR and approval terms, which changes the realistic vehicle price.