How much car can I afford on a $60,000 salary? Free calculator
On a $60,000 salary you can afford a car of about $21,683, with a loan payment of up to $400 a month. Change any number below to fit your situation.
Car price you can afford on a $60,000 salary
Gross monthly income: $5,000. Assumes 7% APR, $350 a month for insurance, gas and upkeep, 7% sales tax and no other debts.
| Car budget | Down payment | 48-month loan | 60-month loan | 72-month loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% of income ($500/mo) | $0 | $5,854 | $7,080 | $8,223 |
| 10% of income ($500/mo) | $3,000 | $8,658 | $9,883 | $11,026 |
| 10% of income ($500/mo) | $5,000 | $10,527 | $11,753 | $12,895 |
| 15% of income ($750/mo) | $0 | $15,611 | $18,879 | $21,927 |
| 15% of income ($750/mo) | $3,000 | $18,415 | $21,683 | $24,731 |
| 15% of income ($750/mo) | $5,000 | $20,284 | $23,552 | $26,600 |
The 20/4/10 rule
Put 20% down, borrow for no more than 4 years, and keep all car costs under 10% of gross income. On $60,000 that points to a car of about $7,200 (loan payment $150 a month, $1,440 down).
Monthly payment on common car prices
Payment for a loan of the full price at 7% APR, compared with the $400 a month that fits a $60,000 income.
| Loan amount | 48 months | 60 months | 72 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $479 ✗ | $396 | $341 |
| $30,000 | $718 ✗ | $594 ✗ | $511 ✗ |
| $40,000 | $958 ✗ | $792 ✗ | $682 ✗ |
| $50,000 | $1,197 ✗ | $990 ✗ | $852 ✗ |
Frequently asked questions
How much car can I afford on a $60,000 salary?
About $21,683, if you spend 15% of gross income on the car (payment plus $350 a month running costs), put $3,000 down and take a 60-month loan at 7%. The cautious 20/4/10 rule gives a lower figure.
How much car can I afford on a 60k salary?
On 60k ($60,000) a year, a car of about $21,683 keeps all car costs within 15% of income. A stricter 10% budget points to a cheaper car; see the table above.
What car payment can I afford on $60,000 a year?
$60,000 is $5,000 a month before tax. With 15% for all car costs and $350 for insurance, gas and upkeep, that leaves about $400 a month for the loan payment.
Know the payment you want instead? See how much car you can afford for $400 a month, or work out a loan with the car payment calculator.
Other salaries
Guidelines only, not a lending decision. Figures use gross (pre-tax) income.