How much is your car costing you?
Australians love their cars.
In a country that is as vast as it is diverse, being able to get behind the wheel is not only a convenience, but often a necessity.
But while we’re keen on driving, our vehicles are burning a hole in our pockets, not to mention the environment.
By working out how much you’re spending on your car each week, you might be less inclined to rev the engine and more included to get behind the handlebars to cycle instead.
According to the Transport Affordability Index undertaken by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), weekly and annual spending on operating a car are significant.
Here’s how much we’re forking out per week broken down by state:
Sydney
$419
Brisbane
$375
Melbourne
$348
Perth
$300
Canberra
$299
Darwin
$286
Adelaide
$285
Hobart
$271
That equates to a big output when you calculate the annual cost:
Sydney
$21,788
Brisbane
$19,500
Melbourne
$18,096
Perth
$15,600
Canberra
$15,548
Darwin
$14,872
Adelaide
$14,820
Hobart
$14,092
Unless you’re living in a remote area, where cars are a necessity to get from A to B, we should be considering times where we can reach our destination easily on a bike or by foot. Whether it’s a trip to the local supermarket, riding to work, or walking to the gym, there are effective ways to save on the cost of running a car – and reduce your carbon footprint in the process!
If you’re in the market to buy a new home, it’s worthwhile considering how well connected a potential property is to local amenities and cycle-ways.
Connectivity is a key part of masterplanning across many Green Star Communities. For the likes of Bowden, Alkimos Beach and Barangaroo, walkability and proximity to public transport are integral parts to building enlivened, sustainable communities.
So when you're thinking about moving into your next home, consider the savings you'll make in a connected community and the time you'll save behind the wheel.
Who likes being stuck in traffic anyway?