How we calculate mobility costs
Transparent, data-driven methodology for comparing transport options across European cities
Our approach
Kalkumo calculates the true total cost of mobility — not just the obvious expenses, but all hidden costs including depreciation, insurance, parking, and maintenance. We use publicly available data from official sources and update it regularly. Our goal is to make transport cost comparisons honest and actionable for real European households.
Cost formulas by transport mode
🚗Car ownership▾
Monthly cost = Depreciation + Insurance + Fuel + Parking + Maintenance + Tax
- •Depreciation: average new car price €28,000, 15-year lifespan = €156/mo
- •Insurance: €80–150/mo depending on city and driver profile
- •Fuel: based on annual mileage × avg consumption 7 L/100 km × fuel price €1.65/L
- •Parking: €50–200/mo depending on city (highest in Amsterdam, lowest in smaller cities)
- •Maintenance: €80/mo average (tyres, service, repairs)
Sources: ADAC Autokostenrechner, KBA statistics, CBS Netherlands
📋Car leasing▾
Monthly cost = Lease rate + Insurance + Fuel + Parking
- •Lease rate: market average for compact segment (VW Golf / Toyota Corolla class)
- •Insurance: typically included partially; gap insurance is extra
- •Fuel and parking: same assumptions as ownership
Sources: Leaseweb.nl, LeasePlan market reports, AutoScout24
🔄Car subscription▾
Monthly cost = Subscription fee (all-inclusive) + Fuel
- •Subscription fee covers: insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, tyres
- •Fuel is not included in most subscription services
- •Flexibility premium: typically 20–40% above equivalent leasing
Sources: Finn.auto, Clyde.nl, Bipi pricing data
🔑Carsharing▾
Monthly cost = (Annual mileage ÷ 12) × per-km rate
- •Per-km rates from major providers: SHARE NOW, Miles (DE); MyWheels, Greenwheels (NL); Cambio (BE)
- •Includes fuel and insurance; excludes parking
Sources: Provider pricing pages, ADAC Carsharing report
🚕Taxi / Ridehail▾
Monthly cost = (Annual mileage ÷ 12) × per-km rate
- •Per-km rates from Uber, FreeNow, and local taxi operators
- •Based on average trip distance and city-specific surge patterns
Sources: Uber price estimates, FreeNow, local taxi associations
🚌Public transport▾
Monthly cost = Monthly pass (flat rate)
- •Berlin: €86 (Deutschlandticket, valid nationwide)
- •Munich: €57 (MVV Innenraum Monatskarte)
- •Hamburg: €86 (Deutschlandticket)
- •Amsterdam: €100 (GVB maandkaart, all zones)
- •Rotterdam: €100 (RET maandkaart)
- •Brussels: €55 (STIB maandabonnement)
Sources: Official transit operator websites: BVG, MVV, HVV, GVB, RET, STIB
Data updates
We review and update pricing data quarterly. Last updated: Q1 2025. City-level data is sourced from official transit operators, ADAC (Germany), ANWB (Netherlands), and major mobility providers.
Limitations & assumptions
- —Costs are estimates based on average usage patterns
- —Individual costs may vary based on driving style, car model, and insurance history
- —Subscription and carsharing availability varies by city and neighbourhood
- —Public transport costs assume a full monthly pass; occasional users may pay less
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