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Do You Really Need a Car in Boston?

Last updated: 1/16/26

Compare the cost of owning a car in the City of Boston.

Living in Boston, having a car can be either a helpful convenience or a significant expense. This page helps you understand the real cost of living with a car versus without one, based on how you actually travel day to day. You can explore example lifestyles such as students, families, and frequent commuters to see how transportation costs differ. You can also use the interactive calculator to estimate your own costs using your address and travel habits. The goal is to help you make a decision that fits your lifestyle, budget, and daily needs.

Transportation Cost Calculator

First, let's establish your travel habits and needs!

Please use the stepper below to input your details. Choosing a lifestyle will fill in typical numbers automatically, which you can adjust.

Your city Commuting per week Work, school, etc. Typical non-commute trips per week Groceries, gym, errands Day trips (highway) per year Examples: Salem, Concord, Cape Ann Out-of-town / multi-day trips per year Examples: Cape Cod, New Hampshire, Vermont

Car ownership costs

Do you currently own a car?

Yes No

Average fuel/electricity cost per month (USD)

Enter your typical monthly average.

Estimated annual fuel/electricity cost (USD)

Use the AFDC calculator to estimate annual fuel or charging costs for a car you might buy.

Boston fixed costs

What would you rely on for parking?

Off-street parking (garage or private lot)

Monthly cost varies by location.

Monthly parking cost (USD)

Resident street parking permit

Free for eligible Boston residents; availability varies by neighborhood.

Resident permit annual (USD)

Annual insurance premium (USD) Your estimated yearly auto insurance cost Annual excise tax (USD) From City of Boston bill / estimate Annual registration & inspection total (USD)

Ownership cost Loan / Lease Paid-off / Cash

Monthly payment (USD) Months per year paying

Annual Variable (AFDC): $0.00

Annual Fixed: $0.00

Total Car Annual: $0.00

Monthly: $0.00

Car-Free Transportation Mix

MBTA

Your monthly MBTA cost (USD) Enter your actual or estimated monthly spending on MBTA (subway, bus, commuter rail, ferry, etc.)

Regional bus (outside Boston)

Your monthly Regional bus cost (USD) Enter your actual or estimated monthly spending on regional buses (e.g., MBTA express, MWRTA, LRTA, etc.)

Rideshare

Your monthly Rideshare cost (USD) Enter your actual or estimated monthly spending on rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Rental cars

Your ANNUAL rental car cost (USD) Enter your actual or estimated ANNUAL spending on rental cars (Zipcar, Hertz, Enterprise, etc.)

MBTA annual: $0.00

Regional buses: $0.00

Rideshare annual: $0.00

Rental annual: $0.00

Total No-Car annual: $0.00

Assumptions for calculations can be found here.

Need help deciding? Ask our AI Agent!

DISCLAIMER: AI-generated content may not always reflect the most current information or policies. Please verify any critical information independently.