Vehicle Break-Even Kilometres Calculator
Calculate the annual kilometres at which two vehicles or fuel types cost the same, to help decide which is cheaper for your driving.
Your results
Calculation breakdown
- Break-even
- Break-even km = (price B - price A) / (cost per km A - cost per km B)
Worked example
A $35,000 vehicle at 12c/km versus a $48,000 vehicle at 5c/km breaks even at about 185,714km of driving.
Assumptions
- Excludes differences in resale value between the two vehicles.
- Above the break-even distance, the lower running-cost vehicle becomes cheaper overall.
How this calculator works
Compare two vehicles with different upfront prices and different running costs per kilometre to find the break-even annual distance where total costs converge. Below that distance the cheaper upfront vehicle wins overall; above it, the lower running-cost vehicle becomes the better value.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as running cost per kilometre?
Include fuel or electricity cost per km plus any difference in servicing cost per km between the two vehicles for an accurate comparison.
Does this include resale value differences?
No, this compares purchase price and running costs only; factor in expected resale value separately if it differs significantly between vehicles.
What if I only drive short distances each year?
If your annual kilometres are well below the break-even point, the vehicle with the lower purchase price is generally the cheaper overall choice.
Results are estimates only and are not financial, tax, legal or credit advice.