Study Reveals The Most Expensive Countries To Own A Car In Europe

Netherlands tops the list with drivers facing over £4,000 in annual costs, while Turkey offers the cheapest motoring at under £1,200

Key Findings:

• New study reveals which European countries are the most and least expensive for car ownership, analysing six key cost factors including fuel, parking, and insurance
• The Netherlands leads as Europe’s most expensive country for drivers, while Turkey ranks as the cheapest 
• Car parts expert warns that vehicle maintenance costs vary dramatically across Europe, with some countries charging four times more for inspections than others

Owning a car represents one of the largest ongoing expenses for millions of Europeans, but the true cost varies dramatically depending on where you live. From fuel prices and parking fees to insurance premiums and vehicle taxes, the financial burden of motoring can differ by thousands of pounds, even between neighbouring countries.

To help drivers understand these variations, Ovoko, one of Europe’s largest online marketplaces for used car parts, conducted a comprehensive study examining car ownership costs across the continent. The analysis evaluated six key expense categories: fuel costs, parking fees, vehicle maintenance, vehicle tax, insurance and breakdown services, and car washing expenses.

Ovoko’s research team gathered data from official sources across Europe for 2025, calculating annual costs for each category based on typical driving patterns of 12,000 kilometres per year. The data was then combined into a Driver Expense Score, with higher scores indicating more expensive countries for car ownership. The study covered major European markets while excluding some smaller nations due to insufficient data availability.

Table 1: The Top 10 Most Expensive European Countries To Own A Car

Netherlands Takes the Crown for Most Expensive Driving

The Netherlands claims the top spot with a Driver Expense Score of 66.76, driven primarily by the continent’s highest parking costs at £1,464 annually. The country also imposes substantial vehicle taxes at £467 per year, which reflects its dense urban environment where parking space comes at a premium.

Iceland’s Sky-High Insurance Costs

Iceland ranks second with a score of 65.16, largely due to astronomical insurance and breakdown service costs reaching £1,133 annually – nearly double the European average. The island nation’s challenging weather conditions and remote location contribute to these elevated premiums.

“Iceland’s harsh winter conditions and limited infrastructure network mean vehicles face more wear and require specialised parts,” explains Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko. “When breakdown services need to travel long distances in difficult terrain, those costs inevitably get passed on to drivers.”

Norway’s Parking Nightmare

Norway secures third place with a score of 60.33, posting Europe’s highest parking costs at £1,912 annually. The country also charges £197.54 for vehicle inspections – the highest on the continent.

“Norwegian vehicle inspection standards are among the strictest in Europe,” notes Urbonas. “While this drives up costs, it also means Norwegian vehicles typically maintain higher quality standards, which can extend their lifespan and reduce long-term maintenance expenses.”

United Kingdom Ranks Fifth

The UK lands in fifth position with a score of 58.92, standing out for having Europe’s highest car wash costs at £299 annually – double that of most other countries. British drivers also face significant parking expenses at £1,554 per year.

Table 2: The 10 Least Expensive European Countries To Own A Car

Turkey Offers Europe’s Cheapest Motoring

Turkey leads the affordability rankings with a remarkably low Driver Expense Score of 6.85. The country offers minimal vehicle taxes at just £31 annually and the lowest inspection costs at £25. Even fuel costs remain relatively modest at £685 per year.

Eastern European Nations Dominate Budget-Friendly List

Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova occupy positions two through five, all scoring below 15 on the expense scale. These countries benefit from low vehicle inspection costs, typically ranging from £25 to £49, and minimal taxation on vehicle ownership.

“The lower inspection costs in these markets often reflect different regulatory standards,” observes Urbonas. “While this reduces immediate costs for drivers, it can sometimes mean vehicles require more frequent maintenance or replacement parts as issues aren’t caught as early.”

Lithuania Represents Value in the Baltics

Lithuania ranks seventh with a score of 23.35, offering some of Europe’s lowest parking costs at £408 annually. However, the country’s car wash expenses at £149 are notably higher than its regional neighbours.

Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, commented:

“The data reveals patterns that directly impact the automotive parts industry. Countries with stricter inspection standards like Norway and Germany typically generate higher demand for quality replacement parts, as vehicles must meet rigorous safety and emissions criteria. This creates opportunities for premium component suppliers but also drives up costs for consumers.

“What’s particularly interesting is the correlation between vehicle inspection costs and long-term reliability. While drivers in countries like Turkey and Belarus pay minimal inspection fees, this often translates to higher unexpected repair costs down the line when issues aren’t identified early. From a supplier perspective, we see increased demand for emergency parts in markets with less stringent inspection regimes.

“The parking cost variations also influence vehicle choices significantly. In high-cost parking areas like Norway and the Netherlands, drivers increasingly opt for smaller, more efficient vehicles, which affects the entire parts ecosystem. Compact car components become more valuable while larger vehicle parts see reduced demand. Understanding these regional patterns helps us optimise our inventory across Europe’s diverse markets.”