Salary-Based Car Affordability Calculator

Find out how much car you can afford based on your salary, commitments, and savings using Singapore's TDSR framework.

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Salary-Based Affordability Calculator

Find out how much car you can afford based on your salary, existing commitments, and savings using Singapore's Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework.

Your Finances

S$
S$
S$
1 yr 5 yrs 10 yrs

Max Monthly Car Instalment

S$2,100

TDSR limit S$3,600/mo − S$1,500 commitments

Budget Summary

Max Loan Amount S$147,664
Down Payment (savings) S$30,000
Max Total Car Budget S$177,664

Affordability by COE Category

Cat A Cars up to 1600cc
Affordable
COE Premium
S$118,000
Typical Total Cost
S$159,000 – S$195,000
Est. Monthly
S$2,091/mo
Cat B Cars above 1600cc
Over budget
COE Premium
S$121,000
Typical Total Cost
S$186,000 – S$263,000
Cat C Goods vehicles & buses
Affordable
COE Premium
S$80,001
Typical Total Cost
S$133,001 – S$193,001
Est. Monthly
S$1,891/mo
Cat D Motorcycles
Affordable
COE Premium
S$10,000
Typical Total Cost
S$21,000 – S$41,000
Est. Monthly
S$14/mo
Cat E Open (any vehicle)
Over budget
COE Premium
S$121,001
Typical Total Cost
S$174,001 – S$248,501

Estimates only. TDSR limit of 60% is set by MAS. Actual loan eligibility depends on credit assessment. OMV ranges are typical estimates and vary by model.

How Much Car Can You Afford in Singapore?

Singapore consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places in the world to own a car. Between the COE premium, Additional Registration Fee, dealer markup, and insurance, the upfront cost alone can exceed several years of savings. That is why budgeting based on your salary — not just the sticker price — is essential before you step into a showroom.

Beyond the purchase, ongoing costs like loan repayments, petrol, parking, road tax, and maintenance add up quickly. This calculator uses Singapore's TDSR framework to estimate a realistic budget ceiling. For a complete picture of what you will actually spend over your ownership period, pair it with the total cost of ownership calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What salary do I need to afford a car in Singapore?
As a general rule, your total monthly car expenses (loan repayment, insurance, petrol, parking, road tax) should not exceed 20–25% of your gross monthly salary. For a typical new car with COE, this means a household income of at least $5,000–$8,000/month depending on the car category and loan terms.
What is the 30% TDSR rule for car loans?
The Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework limits your total monthly debt obligations to 55% of gross income. For motor vehicle loans specifically, banks typically cap instalments at around 30% of monthly income, though this can vary. The calculator above factors this into its affordability estimate.
Should I include COE renewal costs in my budget?
Yes — if you plan to keep the car beyond 10 years, factor in the PQP renewal cost. If not, include the depreciation cost (purchase price minus expected resale value) spread over your ownership period. The total cost calculator helps with this.
Is it cheaper to buy a new or used car in Singapore?
Used cars have a lower upfront cost but come with a shorter remaining COE period and potentially higher maintenance costs. New cars benefit from full PARF rebate eligibility and manufacturer warranty. Use the renew vs scrap calculator to compare total cost of ownership.

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