Feeling the financial strain in early 2025? You're not alone. The cost of living is still sky-high, and running a car is one of the biggest expenses for UK drivers.
A new study by Asda Money found that Brits are shelling out nearly £3,800 a year just to keep their cars on the road. Over the 8.8 years that the average driver keeps a car, that adds up to a staggering £33,299.64.
The weekly cost to run a car in every UK region
| Rank | Region | Weekly car running cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North East | £54.86 |
| 2 | Scotland | £66.60 |
| 3 | London | £67.66 |
| 4 | Yorkshire & The Humber | £70.79 |
| 5 | North West | £71.94 |
| 6 | Northern Ireland | £72.94 |
| 7 | South West | £73.72 |
| 8 | Wales | £73.98 |
| 9 | East | £77.88 |
| 10 | West Midlands | £79.37 |
| 11 | South East | £79.95 |
| 12 | East Midlands | £80.70 |
The research broke down costs across the UK, looking at seven key factors—including car payments, fuel, repairs, insurance, and even the cost of accessories. The findings? The East Midlands is the most expensive place to own a car, with drivers spending £4,196.53 per year (or £80.80 per week)—11% above the UK average. With lower-than-average wages in the region, that means 13% of a driver’s salary goes straight into keeping their car running.
At the other end of the scale, drivers in the North East have it easier, spending just £2,852.59 per year (£54.86 per week). That’s 32% cheaper than the East Midlands and 25% below the UK average. With a median salary of £31,200, North East drivers typically spend 9% of their income on car ownership.
But it’s not just about location—car costs across the board have been rising fast. Car insurance has shot up 34% since 2022, while maintenance, including MOTs, repairs, and servicing, now sets UK drivers back £364 per year.
With car expenses climbing, it’s more important than ever to find ways to save. Are you feeling the pinch when it comes to running your car?
