Find out how much car you can afford in Maryland, DC, or Virginia
Use this free calculator to estimate how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a car payment. Simply enter your monthly income and housing costs, and we'll show you a recommended payment range along with estimated loan amounts for different terms.
Before taxes and deductions
Rent or mortgage payment
Rates vary by credit score. Prime: 5-8% | Average: 8-12% | Subprime: 12-20%+
How we calculate
We use the 43% debt-to-income ratio guideline that lenders commonly use. Your combined housing and car payment should stay under this threshold for comfortable affordability.
Enter your income to see results
Consider all car costs
Budget for insurance, gas, maintenance, and registration fees beyond just the monthly payment.
Shorter terms save money
A 48-month loan has higher payments but you'll pay less interest overall than a 72-month loan.
Make a down payment
Putting money down reduces your loan amount and can help you qualify for better rates.
Shop for rates
Interest rates vary significantly. Our dealer network can help you find competitive options for your credit situation.
Whether you're in Prince George's County, Montgomery County, or anywhere in the DMV area, DMV Car Credit can help you find financing options that fit your budget. Our dealer partners work with all credit situations, including bad credit and no credit.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual loan amounts, rates, and terms depend on your credit profile, the lender, and other factors. DMV Car Credit is not a lender.