How much does it cost to have a car a month - and how to save yourself the hassle?

Owning a car sounds like freedom – grab the keys and go wherever, whenever you want.
But the reality is often different: expenses, repairs, deadlines, and endless admin tasks.
Have you ever asked yourself, “How much is my car actually costing me each month?”
And have you thought about how you could avoid some of these headaches?

In this article, we break down the true monthly costs of owning a personal car – and introduce you to a smarter alternative.

What are the real monthly costs of owning a car?

1. Depreciation and Loan/Lease Payments
If you’re paying for your car through a loan or lease, that’s your biggest monthly cost – typically between BGN 500 and 1500, depending on the model and terms.
Even if you bought it outright, your car loses value every year – that’s still a cost, just not one you pay upfront.

2. Insurance

• Third-party liability: BGN 300–600 per year (around BGN 25–50/month)
• Casco (comprehensive insurance): BGN 800–2000+ per year, depending on the model and coverage (around BGN 70–170/month)

3. Annual Fees and Inspections

• Vehicle tax: BGN 100–800 per year (approx. BGN 10–70/month)
• Technical inspection: around BGN 50–100 per year
• Annual vignette: BGN 87 (≈ BGN 7.25/month)
   These may seem small individually, but they add up quickly.

4. Fuel
If you drive about 1,000 km/month at 7L/100km and fuel costs BGN 2.80/L, that’s roughly BGN 196/month.

5. Maintenance and Repairs
The most unpredictable cost – oil changes, filters, brake pads, tires, battery, and sometimes more serious repairs.
On average, expect at least BGN 100–150 per month, even without unexpected breakdowns.

6. Parking, Fines and Other Costs

• Paid parking zones: BGN 100+ per month in some areas
• Fines: for speeding, expired vignette, missed inspections
• Roadside assistance: when your car breaks down unexpectedly

The hidden stress of car ownership

It’s not just about money – personal cars come with ongoing responsibilities:

• Time wasted at the repair shop or chasing mechanics
• Insurance renewals always pop up at the worst moment
• Missed technical inspections lead to fines
• Tire changes eat up hours during peak season
• A breakdown happens just when you’re heading to something important

All of this takes a toll – on your time, focus, and peace of mind.

So how can you avoid it all?

Long-term rental with Simpl – a smarter alternative
Forget the hidden costs and the hassle. With Simpl’s long-term rental, you get:

• Fixed monthly pricing with no surprises
• Everything included – insurance, maintenance, tires, vignette, roadside assistance
• A mobile app that reminds you of everything and stays with you
• A personal assistant to handle all the tasks you don’t want to deal with
• A replacement car if something goes wrong
• Flexible terms – swap cars or end the contract easily

Who is this service for?

• People with busy schedules and limited free time
• Expats and temporary residents in Bulgaria
• Freelancers, business owners, and anyone who values predictability
• Anyone who wants to drive a new, reliable car without the stress of ownership

Owning a car isn’t just a privilege – it’s a commitment.
 Every month, you’re spending not just money, but also time, energy, and effort.

If you want the convenience of a car without everything that comes with it, Simpl is the solution.

Visit our website to browse available cars or download the Simpl mobile app to experience what it’s like to have a personal car assistant.