How Much Should My Car Payment Be?
While financial planners often suggest spending no more than 10% of your monthly take-home pay on your car payment—and keeping related expenses including gas, insurance, and maintenance under 15% to 20% of your budget—this guideline can feel restrictive given high vehicle prices in the current market.
According to a recent Cox Automotive report shared by the American International Automobile Dealers Association, U.S. new-vehicle retail sales are expected to dip in 2026 due to employment stagnation, a bifurcated consumer, and other factors. While analysts do expect relief from lower interest rates and more inventory, most agree buyers should plan carefully especially those financing a new vehicle.
The good news? With a little flexibility and smart budgeting, you can plan for a payment fitting within your financial goals before heading to your local dealership. This article will help you do just that.
Use the 50/30/20 rule to set your budget
Balance is everything when it comes to a realistic car payment, with the 50/30/20 rule pegged as an easy way to go about it. This common budgeting method breaks down as follows to help you prioritize what matters most without overcomplicating things:
50% for needs
Half of your take-home pay should generally go toward essentials including housing, groceries, and transportation (with your car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance all falling within this category).
30% for wants
Roughly a third of your take-home can go toward lifestyle choices such as dining out, streaming subscriptions, travel, or anything else that makes life a little more enjoyable.
20% for improving your bottom line
You should reserve the remaining portion (around one-fifth) for saving and paying down debt with retirement contributions, credit card payments, and an emergency fund all relevant here. Because your car likely helps you earn a living or simply just manage daily life, it belongs in the “essentials” group. Remember, though, that these percentages are meant to guide rather than restrict.
If your rent is low or you share expenses with a partner, you might have room to put a bit more toward your car payment; though making this more manageable can help you stay on track if you’re juggling student loans or saving for a home (for example). The goal here isn’t perfection but balance. When your budget feels sustainable, your car payment becomes one more achievable piece of the puzzle rather than a financial burden.
Pro tip
Before you buy, plug your income and expenses into a car affordability calculator so you can actually see the numbers to help set a realistic budget and prevent sticker shock later on.
Look beyond the monthly payment
It’s so easy to get caught up in the car payment number that feels most manageable: the monthly amount. Dealers know this too, which is why many emphasize “low monthly payments” to make a car seem more affordable. What really matters isn’t just what you pay each month, though, but what you pay overall. Here’s the catch: stretching your loan term to make your payment smaller often means paying thousands more in interest over time. Check out this quick (and simplified) example:
That’s almost $1,500 more in interest just for extending the term by two years! While longer loans make a car feel more affordable in the short term, they keep you in debt longer and boost the chance you’ll owe more than the car is worth (a situation referred to as being “upside down” on your loan). Aim for a shorter term if you can—ideally 36 to 60 months—for a new car and even less than that for a used vehicle; despite higher monthly payments, you’ll save on interest and build equity more quickly this way.
How your credit score affects your car payment
Your credit score plays a huge role in what you’ll pay for a car, not just with respect to the sticker price but the total cost of financing. Why? Because it directly impacts your loan’s APR (annual percentage rate), determining how much interest you’ll owe over time. Even a small difference here can add up quickly, a one- or two-point change translating to hundreds or even thousands more over the life of the loan. If your score isn’t where you want it to be, consider waiting a few months before buying. Paying bills on time, lowering credit card balances, and checking your credit report for errors can all help raise your score.
Pro tip
Compare rates from several lenders before heading to the dealership. If you do so within a short window of time (typically 14–45 days), such loan inquiries are treated as one so rate shopping won’t significantly impact your credit score.
2026 car prices and payments
Tariffs are a big reason why car prices remain stubbornly high, as Cox Automotive analysts report they’ve added an average of $2,500 in extra costs to each vehicle for automakers. While higher production costs haven’t fully passed through to consumers yet, retail prices are expected to rise by 4–8% in 2026 as new models arrive.
The market isn’t all doom and gloom, though, with the Cox Automotive reporting new-vehicle sales were up nearly 2% from last year, thanks in part to buyers rushing to the market this past spring to beat expected higher prices in the wake of announced tariffs, and again before the EV tax credits expired in September.
Experts note that while tariffs are reshaping the industry, most automakers are working hard to absorb some of the extra costs and keep sticker prices somewhat stable (at least for now), but it’s still smart to compare lenders, seek preapproval, and budget carefully especially if you’re financing a new car in this ever-changing market.
What to do if your car payment is high
If your monthly payment feels like it’s eating up your entire budget, you’re not alone. The average new-car payment now hovers around $748 a month according to Experian, a record high that’s left many drivers rethinking what they can truly afford. The good news? You have options including…
Refinancing your loan
If your credit score has improved or interest rates have dropped since you first financed your car, refinancing could save you money. Even shaving one or two percentage points off your rate can reduce your monthly payment by $50–$100.
Trading in or downsizing
If you’re driving a newer or luxury vehicle, selling or trading it for a more affordable model can immediately lower your payment—knowing it’s perhaps a good time to make this switch with used car values still relatively strong.
Increasing your down payment
If you’re preparing to buy again soon, saving up for a bigger down payment can help you borrow less and pay less interest over time.
Waiting it out
If you can delay your purchase at all, more inventory and potential rate cuts down the road could land you a better deal.
Above all, try not to buy in the heat of the moment. Taking time to compare lenders, run the numbers, and look at total costs (beyond the monthly payment) can make all the difference between feeling stressed or financially secure behind the wheel.
Your ideal car payment: key takeaway
The best car payment is one that fits your life rather than stretches it. While following the 50/30/10 rule can help balance your finances, every budget is different. What matters most is understanding the full picture: your income and expenses and how much car you really need. With prices still elevated and tariffs shaping the market, approaching your timing, down payment, and loan terms in an intentional way can save you thousands in the long run. Whether you’re shopping for your first car or your next one, aim for a payment that supports your goals so you can focus on the road ahead and enjoy the drive knowing your finances are in gear.
Have questions about the car-buying process or budgeting for the same? Schedule a free consultation with one of our CFP® professionals to get them answered.
People also ask
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Most financial experts recommend spending no more than 10% of your take-home pay on your monthly car payment and no more than 15–20% on total car expenses including gas, insurance, and maintenance.
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It all depends on your income and overall budget. For many households, $700 exceeds the 10% guideline—making it too high unless your take-home pay is ~$7,000 or more per month.
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With tariffs and production costs pushing new-vehicle prices up, a used or certified pre-owned vehicle might indeed offer better value. Improving inventory and potential rate cuts, however, may make new cars more affordable this year.
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Yep! If your credit score has improved or interest rates have dropped, refinancing could reduce your monthly payment or shorten your loan term.
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It’s simple: get preapproved for financing before you shop, set a clear budget, and look beyond monthly payments to the total loan cost. Planning ahead is the best way to drive off the lot with confidence!
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Vision Retirement is an independent registered advisor (RIA) firm headquartered in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Launched in 2006 to better help people prepare for retirement and feel more confident in their decision-making, our firm’s mission is to provide clients with clarity and guidance so they can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free retirement. Schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our financial advisors today!
Disclosures:
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
