About RealCost
RealCost is a UK cost-decision website built to help drivers understand the real cost of owning, running and using a car.
The aim is simple: help people calculate the cost, compare the options and avoid expensive mistakes.
Why RealCost exists
Car costs are often misunderstood because people focus on the obvious price first. A car might look affordable because the monthly payment is low, the fuel economy looks good, or the purchase price seems cheap.
But the real cost can include insurance, fuel or EV charging, road tax, servicing, MOT, tyres, repairs, parking, finance interest and depreciation.
RealCost exists to make those costs easier to see before a decision is made.
What RealCost focuses on
RealCost is focused on practical UK car cost decisions, including:
- Car ownership costs
- Fuel cost per mile
- Trip and commute costs
- Electric vs petrol running costs
- EV charging costs
- Insurance budgeting
- Maintenance and repair planning
- Depreciation and used-car decisions
- Road tax and yearly running costs
The site is not a general calculator directory. The focus is UK car cost decisions and helping users understand the financial trade-offs behind them.
How the calculators should be used
RealCost calculators are free to use and are designed to give practical estimates, not exact quotes.
The results depend on the numbers entered by the user, such as mileage, MPG, fuel price, electricity price, insurance cost, maintenance allowance or estimated resale value.
The calculators are best used as decision tools. They help compare options, test assumptions and spot costs that are easy to miss.
Important disclaimer
RealCost does not provide financial advice, insurance advice, tax advice or vehicle buying advice tailored to your personal circumstances.
Calculator results and guides are provided for general information and planning only. Actual costs can vary depending on your vehicle, location, driving style, insurance profile, fuel prices, charging prices, tax rules, repair costs and market conditions.
Before making a major financial decision, always check the exact figures that apply to your situation.
Commercial links
Some pages may include affiliate links, sponsored links or advertising now or in the future.
RealCost’s aim is to keep guidance calculator-led and decision-led. Commercial links should support relevant user decisions, such as insurance, breakdown cover, servicing, tyres, used-car checks or EV charging, without changing the purpose of the page.
Contact and privacy
You can contact RealCost through the Contact page.
You can also read how information may be collected and used on the Privacy Policy page.