Car Affordability Calculator by Income – Free & Client-Side
Find out exactly how much car you can afford based on your income, using the 10% gross income rule, 15% net take-home rule, and the conservative 20/4/10 benchmark.
Mathematical Formula
Conservative Payment = Gross Monthly × 8%; Balanced = Net Monthly × 10%; Max Price = Loan Amount from Payment + Down Payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of my income should go to a car?
Financial consensus recommends that total vehicle expenses (loan payment + insurance + gas + maintenance) should not exceed 10% to 15% of your take-home pay.
How does down payment amount change what car price I can afford?
Every $1,000 you provide in cash down payment or trade-in equity increases your total vehicle purchasing power by $1,000 without increasing your monthly payment or interest expense.