---
title: "How much does a car cost?"
description: "A car costs 18,000–60,000 $. Figures by type, how that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/cost/car/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How much does a car cost?

**Typical cost: 18,000–60,000 $**

A four-wheeled passenger road vehicle, most commonly a five-seat sedan or hatchback.

> New. The US average transaction price has been around $48,000 recently; the global median new car is far cheaper.

## By type

*Cars vary by type, so a single figure would be misleading.*

| Type | Typical cost |
| --- | --- |
| compact car | 17,000–32,000 $ |
| mid-size sedan | 25,000–40,000 $ |
| electric car | 30,000–80,000 $ |

## How that compares

*Car against things of a similar money.*

- Tractor: 15,000–600,000 $
- Pickup truck: 30,000–95,000 $
- SUV: 27,000–90,000 $
- Minivan: 35,000–60,000 $
- Forklift: 20,000–80,000 $
- Car: 18,000–60,000 $
- Harp: 1,500–60,000 $
- Church bell: 5,000–150,000 $

## How to read this figure

This is a typical purchase price, not a quote. Actual prices move with specification, brand and where you buy.

> Prices are in US dollars and are indicative only. They date faster than anything else on this site — treat them as an order of magnitude. Installation, delivery and tax are excluded unless the note above says otherwise.

## More about a car

- [How much does a car weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/car/) — 1,100–2,100 kg
- [How long does a car last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/car/) — 8–20 yr
- [Car vs SUV](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-suv/) — Side by side
- [Car vs Pickup truck](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-pickup-truck/) — Side by side
- [Car vs Minivan](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-minivan/) — Side by side
- [Car vs Hippopotamus](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-hippopotamus/) — Side by side
- [Car vs Tractor](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-tractor/) — Side by side
- [Car vs Orca](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-orca/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How much does a car cost?

A car costs 18,000–60,000 $. New. The US average transaction price has been around $48,000 recently; the global median new car is far cheaper.

### Which type of car is the heaviest?

Of the types listed here, electric car is the largest at 30,000–80,000 $.

## Related pages

- [How much does a car weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/car/)
- [How long does a car last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/car/)
- [How much does a bicycle cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/bicycle/)
- [How much does a SUV cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/suv/)
- [How much does a pickup truck cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/pickup-truck/)
- [How much does a cruise ship cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/cruise-ship/)
- [How much does a motorcycle cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/motorcycle/)
- [How much does a school bus cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/school-bus/)
- [How much does a semi truck cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/semi-truck/)
- [How much does a fire truck cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/fire-truck/)
- [How much does a forklift cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/forklift/)
- [How much does a tractor cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/tractor/)
- [Car vs SUV](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-suv/)
- [Car vs Pickup truck](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-pickup-truck/)
- [Car vs Minivan](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-minivan/)
- [Car vs Hippopotamus](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-hippopotamus/)
- [Car vs Tractor](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-tractor/)
- [Car vs Orca](https://atoneplace.net/vs/car-vs-orca/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)