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While there’s no official guideline on what makes a salary “good,” a $20,000 salary is not typically enough for a household to live comfortably in most parts of the United States. Certainly, each person’s situation is unique in terms of their assets and expenses, but an individual making $20K a year may have a hard time making ends meet. They might need to rely on assistance from family, friends, and/or the government to afford basic necessities.

A $20,000 salary puts a single person above the poverty threshold for 2024. An individual supporting themselves plus one or more people on $20K a year, however, will live below the poverty threshold. With the record-high inflation we’ve seen in recent years, affording basic needs on a $20,000 salary has become even more challenging.

So is $20K a year good? While a $20,000 salary averages out to more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour for full-time work, it is likely not an adequate income for anyone living independently and especially those with a family. In this piece, we’ll cover:

•   The current American median income.

•   Is $20K a year good?

•   A breakdown of a $20,000 salary.

•   The best and worst places to live on $20,000.

•   Tips for living on $20K a year.

Factors to Determine if a $20,000 Salary Is Good

A $20,000 salary will be challenging for anyone to live on, but a few factors may determine if it can be done — or if it’s impossible:

•   Taxes: If you are filing singly, a $20,000 salary will put you at the 12% federal income tax bracket. You may owe additional taxes for your state, city, and/or school district. For the sake of example, assume a flat 15%. That means, although you make $20,000, you only bring home $17,000 after taxes.

•   Family size: Single individuals without children can make $20,000 stretch more easily. Two or more people living off a $20,000 salary will face more challenges.

•   Location: Money goes further in some places more than others. If you live in an area with a low cost of living, a $20,000 salary may be more manageable. But if you live in a popular city, $20,000 a year may not even cover rent.

•   Debt: If you have debt, it can be more challenging to allocate your limited money to basic necessities and important financial goals, like building an emergency savings fund. If you are dealing with high-interest debt, you probably know how quickly this debt can grow when you are only paying the minimum amount due.

How Does a $20,000 Salary Compare to the American Median Income?

According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau report, median household income was $80,610 in 2023. Keep in mind, though, that this number represents all households, which may include more than one earner. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings for American workers was $1,117 in 2023, which comes out to $58,084.

Either way, $20,000 is far below either estimate for a median income. If you earn $20,000 and have a domestic partner or spouse who earns additional income, your salaries together might get you closer to the median income level.

Recommended: Is a $100,000 Salary Good?

$20,000 Salary Breakdown

Again, no judgment here: It’s not a matter of if a $20,000 salary is good or bad. To someone just out of high school, $20K a year might look like a good entry-level salary. But anyone who has handled monthly bills like rent and utilities will likely recognize that a $20,000 salary may be insufficient.

Here’s how a $20,000 annual salary breaks down:

•   Monthly income: $1,666.66

•   Biweekly paycheck: $769.23

•   Weekly income: $384.62

•   Daily income: $76.92 based on working 260 days a year

•   Hourly income: $9.62 based on working 2,080 hours a year

These estimates do not account for taxes. In the example above, a $20,000 salary may shrink to $17,000 after Uncle Sam has taken his cut.

Recommended: For other salary conversions, use our Salary to Hourly Calculator.

Can You Live Individually on a $20,000 Income?

It is possible to live individually on a $20,000 income, but you will likely only be able to afford the items on your basic living expenses list if you aren’t able to supplement your income. Living comfortably — with easy access to good health care (including mental health), balanced nutrition, safe housing, and efficient transportation — may be far more challenging on $20,000 a year.

If you make $20,000 a year, you might be able to minimize monthly expenses by looking for government assistance, getting a roommate or moving in with family, cooking at home, and using an online bank account with a high interest rate and automatic savings features.

How Much Rent Can You Afford Living on a $20,000 Income?

Wondering how much you can afford to spend on rent? Researchers have long argued that you should spend no more than 30% of your income on housing. With rising inflation and increasing rent prices, however, that’s not always possible.

If you were to stick to the 30% rule (and forget about income taxes for the sake of the example), that means you can spend $6,000 a year on rent, or $500 a month. But the median cost of rent in the U.S. was $2,100 as of September 2024, according to Zillow. That’s about four times what you could afford on $20K a year.

To afford rent on a $20,000 salary, it’s a good idea to live in a place with a very low cost of living and to have one or more roommates who can help share living expenses of rent and utilities with you. Moving in with family is also a solution if you cannot afford rent on your salary.

Best Places to Live on a $20,000 Salary

If you are making $20,000 a year (or $9.62 an hour), it might be a good idea to explore cities and states with a low cost of living.

These are the five least expensive cities to live in for 2024-2025, per U.S. News:

•   Fort Wayne, Indiana

•   Huntsville, Alabama

•   Wichita, Kansas

•   Springfield, Missouri

•   Davenport, Iowa

Living outside a city altogether is usually more affordable. Consider a rural location in one of these five cheapest states to live in:

•   Arkansas

•   Mississippi

•   Alabama

•   West Virginia

•   South Dakota

Recommended: Typical Monthly Expenses for a Single Person

Worst Places to Live on a $20,000 Salary

On the flip side, there are some major cities that are exorbitantly expensive to live in. If possible, it’s a good idea to avoid living in the following locations when you are living on $20,000 a year:

•   Hartford, Connecticut

•   Los Angeles, California

•   Miami, Florida

•   New Haven, Connecticut

•   New York City, New York

California cities clearly carry a high cost of living, but other states are also expensive. If you have a $20,000 annual salary, it’s a good idea to steer clear of any of the five most expensive states to live in:

•   Hawaii

•   New York

•   California

•   Massachusetts

•   Oregon

Is a $20,000 Salary Considered Poverty?

A $20,000 salary is above the poverty line for an individual, but if you are a couple or a family of three or more people living on a $20,000 salary, the government considers you to be below the poverty line.

These numbers do not consider factors like variable cost of living. A localized poverty line could be more telling, especially if you live in a place with a high cost of living. If you are, say, living in a pricey city and earning $20,000 a year, you might be feeling the financial pinch more.

Tips for Living on a $20,000 Budget

While advocating for a higher salary can infuse your line item budget with more funds, you can’t necessarily count on a raise. Taking other steps now may make it easier to live on your $20,000 salary.

Finding Out What Assistance You Qualify For

If you are making $20,000 or less, you may qualify for government assistance. Here are a few actions to consider taking:

•   Work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for assistance with rent, including the Section 8 program.

•   Determine if you are eligible for assistance with grocery bills through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

•   Research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help with utilities.

•   See if you can lower your phone bill through the Lifeline Modernization Order .

•   Find out if you are eligible for free or low-cost health coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Coming Up With a Housing Plan

If you do not qualify for rental assistance from the government, you may need to come up with another plan to avoid high rent costs. Roommates can be a good way to keep rent low.

Alternatively, family and friends may be willing to offer free lodging while you save money. While it can be hard to lean on others in this way, it can be a form of financial self-care to do so until you are able to be out on your own. If you do move in with a loved one, just remember to be helpful around the house and chip in with utilities and groceries if you’re able.

Cutting Costs

After reducing your largest cost (rent), it may be possible to reduce other costs in your budget. For example, a car payment, gas, and car insurance can be costly monthly expenses. If you live in an area with great public transportation or are comfortable walking and riding a bike, you may be able to get around without owning your own vehicle.

Other costs you might be able to cut include streaming services, gym memberships, and bills from dining out.

Getting on a Budget

After finding low-cost housing and trimming unnecessary expenses, it’s a good idea to make a monthly budget that accounts for your post-tax income and your monthly expenses.

Not sure how to budget on a $20K salary? Taking care of all necessary bills (housing, utilities, groceries) is the perfect first step. Once you’ve accounted for those monthly expenses, see how much you can allocate to paying down debt or building your savings.

Recommended: How to Save Money From Your Salary

Avoiding the Wrong Kinds of Debt

Taking on debt is often necessary — when buying a house, purchasing a car, or even going to college. But when you make a low salary and struggle to pay the bills, it can be tempting to take out a payday loan or overuse a high-interest credit card.

When possible, it’s a good idea to avoid high-interest loans. In fact, instead of taking on more credit card debt, you may be able to take control of your bad debt by applying for a debt consolidation loan. These are typically personal loans that charge an interest rate that may be significantly lower than your credit cards’ rates. You use the loan to pay off the cards and then you work to eliminate the personal loan.

You might also meet with a counselor from a nonprofit debt counseling organization like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, or NFCC .

Recommended: Debt Repayment Strategies

Supplementing Your Basic Income

You might also consider ways to bring in more income to pump up your spending power. This could include seeing if additional hours are available at your primary workplace, as well as taking on a seasonal part-time job or starting a side hustle. These are all ways to use some of your leisure time to bump up your income.

The Takeaway

A $20,000 is usually not enough for a family to live on, and it may be difficult for individuals to get by on this salary too. It may be wise to research government assistance, look for roommates to lower housing costs, and build (and stick to) a monthly budget that prioritizes paying down debt and building emergency savings. These steps can help you live on a $20,000 annual income.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

FAQ

Can you live comfortably on $20,000 a year?

It can be difficult for an individual to live comfortably on $20,000 a year. With the right assistance from friends, family, and the government, however, it may be possible to meet basic needs. Families will face more challenges living off $20,000 a year.

What can I afford making $20K a year?

A $20,000 salary may leave room in your budget for the most basic expenses: rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries. Even then, getting government assistance and a roommate might be necessary for managing monthly expenses on $20K a year.

Is $20,000 a year middle class?

According to the most recent data from the Pew Research Center, middle class, middle-income households have incomes ranging from about $56,600 to $169,800. Thus, a family living on $20,000 is not middle class; it’s actually below the poverty level. While an individual earning $20,000 a year is not below the poverty line, they are still not considered middle class.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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There’s no one answer that fits all situations. The average American has 3.9 credit cards. But how many lines of credit you should have depends upon your needs, your skill at managing your finances, and your ability to make payments on time.

We’ll explore two types of credit lines, provide definitions of basic credit terms, and offer some broader context so that you can make the choice that’s best for you.

Line of Credit Definition

First, what is a line of credit? A personal line of credit (sometimes called a PLOC) allows consumers to borrow money as they need it, up to a set limit, and pay it off over time. A line of credit can be used to pay bills or make purchases directly or to withdraw cash with no cash-advance fee. As long as borrowers keep paying down the balance, they can keep borrowing. In other words, this is a type of revolving credit.

Lines of credit are usually granted only to people with good credit. Because they’re less risky for the lender, the interest rate can be lower than for credit cards.

How Does a Line of Credit Work?

Many banks, credit unions, and online financial institutions offer lines of credit. A distinguishing feature is the “draw period.” During that time — typically seven to 15 years — funds can be borrowed and repaid in a revolving way. When the draw period ends, users can no longer make purchases or withdrawals, though they can reapply to keep the line open. The repayment period can continue for additional five to 13 years.

To utilize a line of credit, consumers may receive checks, a card, or a direct deposit into their bank account. Funds can be used however they like, but generally go toward large purchases. Personal lines of credit often have a variable interest rate, with interest-only payments during the draw period.

Is It Possible To Have Too Many Lines of Credit?

In this case, a “line of credit” refers to both PLOCs and credit cards. All credit cards are a form of credit line, but not all lines of credit are associated with a credit card.

If a consumer has many credit lines, lenders may see them as high-risk — even if their balances are all zero. As noted above, the average American has four credit cards. New Jersey residents have the most credit cards in the country, with 4.5 on average. Older generations tend to carry more cards than Millennials and Gen Z. So while four lines of credit may be considered normal, it can be “too many” if a consumer has trouble juggling their bills and making payments on time.

Recommended: Should I Sell My House Now or Wait?

Is It Possible to Have Too Few Lines of Credit?

To build a strong credit score, it helps to have a variety of credit types. Credit mix accounts for 10% of a FICO® Score, and the ideal mix includes both revolving credit and installment loans like personal loans, car loans, and so forth. Although each person’s situation is unique, just having credit accounts and managing them well is what builds a good credit score. Having one or two cards can be enough.

Credit Card Definition

You may be wondering, if a line of credit can come with a card, then what is a credit card? Both credit cards and lines of credit are forms of revolving credit offered by many financial institutions. A credit card holder can also make purchases up to the credit card spending limit. However, credit card users can avoid interest charges by paying off the balance in full each month. Essentially, credit cards provide consumers with unlimited short-term loans for free (assuming there’s no annual fee).

Credit cards don’t have a draw period — they remain open as long as the account is in good standing. The average credit card limit, according to the latest report from credit bureau Experian, is $29,855.

Recommended: What Is the Difference Between Transunion and Equifax

Line of Credit vs Credit Card

A credit card — as the name implies — has a card connected to it, which allows the borrower to access funds. A line of credit doesn’t necessarily have a card connected to the account. Lines of credit tend to have lower interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) than credit cards and may have higher limits. So they may be better suited to large purchases, as noted above, that can be paid for over time.

Credit cards are easy to use for everyday purchases and often come with an interest-free grace period (from the purchase date until the payment date). Credit cards may provide rewards and perks that personal lines of credit do not. And applying for a credit card is usually a simpler process than the line of credit process.

Credit Score Risk Factors to Consider

How someone manages personal lines of credit and credit cards will have an affect on their credit score and, therefore, their ability to borrow at advantageous rates. Here are some ways your line of credit may negatively influence your credit score:

•   Credit utilization. After a large purchase, your credit utilization percentage will rise. Credit utilization accounts for 30% of your credit score.

•   Payment history. Late or missed payments can negatively impact your history. Payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score.

•   Credit history length. A new line of credit will lower the average age of your credit history. Length of credit history accounts for 15% of your score.

Consumers who are concerned about their credit score may want to take advantage of a free credit monitoring service to see how their day to day actions impact their score.

Using Multiple Credit Cards

How many credit cards should you have? As long as you can responsibly manage your credit cards and haven’t applied for too many new ones in a short timeframe, then the number isn’t likely to have a negative impact on your credit.

However, the more cards you have, the more payments and due dates you’ll have to juggle. If you’re considering ways to use a credit card wisely, Ask yourself whether any of these issues apply to you:

•   Multiple annual fees are taking a bite out of your budget.

•   Monitoring your cards for fraudulent activity has become challenging.

•   Knowing you have cards with low or no balances makes it easier to overspend.

The Takeaway

The right number of credit lines varies by personal need and financial circumstances. Lines of credit include but aren’t limited to credit cards. What’s most important is to use them wisely to protect your credit score, avoid unnecessary debt, and manage your finances responsibly. It may help to know that the average American has about 4 lines of credit.

For a more holistic view of your finances — including your credit cards — consider enlisting the help of money tracker app. It can help you seamlessly manage your money by connecting all of your accounts on one convenient mobile dashboard.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

How many lines of credit is good for your credit rating?

Specifics will depend upon your financial situation. Elements that go into credit score calculations typically include the borrower’s payment history (making payments on time is the biggest factor), outstanding balance amounts in comparison to limits, credit history length, having a good credit mix, and strategically applying (or not applying) for new credit accounts.

How many lines of credit is too much?

What’s most important is to have the right number for your financial needs and overall situation. Being able to responsibly manage the number of accounts you have is important since making payments on time is the biggest factor in your credit scores. While most Americans have about four lines of credit, that may be “too much” for some consumers.

What are some consequences of having multiple lines of credit?

It can be more challenging to keep track of payment dates and amounts, which may make it easier to make a payment late or miss it entirely. This can have a negative impact on your credit score. Plus, if accounts have annual fees, then having several of them can add up. Multiple lines of credit may also make it more difficult to spot fraud. That said, if someone can responsibly manage multiple lines of credit, then that may be the right number of accounts for them.

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SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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If you’re looking to rent an apartment or house, the landlord may require a tenant background and credit check. These checks primarily serve to verify an applicant’s personal information and show landlords whether the tenant can afford the monthly rent payments. However, landlords may also screen prospective tenants for previous evictions, criminal behavior, and evidence of poor financial judgment.

Tenant credit and background checks can include a lot of “private” information you may not be aware of. Find out what a landlord sees when they order a tenant screening report or a background check.

What Landlords Learn From Tenant Credit and Background Checks

Landlords primarily want to verify an applicant’s personal information and confirm they can afford the monthly rent. Landlords may also do tenant background search to check for information, such as a history of bankruptcy, that would indicate a prospective tenant isn’t good at managing their finances. They are also typically interested in any history of eviction or a criminal record. Tenant credit and background checks therefore play a crucial role in helping landlords screen potential tenants and decide whether they want to rent to a particular applicant. Learn more about some of the things a landlord will be looking at below.

Address

Credit reports will contain the applicant’s current address, which is used to help confirm someone’s identity. Unfamiliar addresses can be a sign of identity theft or other fraud.

Address History

Credit reports also contain previous home addresses, and may also include other addresses where the applicant has received mail. The report can also include workplace addresses, post office boxes, and addresses of other people with whom the applicant has a joint bank account.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity?

Employment History

A background check typically won’t include information about a potential tenant’s education or employment. However, a landlord may request that the agency conducting tenant screening service or the background check provide verification of employment. This involves confirming that the information on the rental application is accurate.

Whenever someone provides information about an employer in applying for credit, this information has the potential to show up on credit reports. A credit check for employment will include most of the same information that a landlord receives; one exception is the prospective employee’s date of birth.

Income

Background checks don’t typically include income information, although this sometimes happened in the past. In numerous cities and states around the U.S., employers can no longer ask about salary history as part of an employment application. That legislation now makes this information harder to get, overall. Instead, landlords likely rely on your ability to meet your current bills as a sign of your financial stability.

Credit Score

Landlords are interested in your credit score because many of the factors that go into computing your credit score are an indication of your overall financial management skills. What credit score is needed to rent an apartment or house varies by location and landlord. Many landlords want to see a “Good” score”: 670–739, or more. A tri-merge credit report shows your scores from the largest credit reporting bureaus, including TransUnion and Equifax.

Tradelines

“Tradelines” just refer to the various accounts on a credit report: mortgage loan, car loan, credit card account, and so forth. Tradelines are either revolving (lines of credit, including credit cards) or installment loans (such as personal loans).

Recommended: What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a Car?

Collections

If an unpaid bill goes to collections, it typically stays on a tenant’s credit or credit report for seven years — although its impact on credit scores can lessen over time. If the debt has been paid, it should show up as “settled” or “paid in full.” Some landlords may see payment of an account in collections as a plus, a sign of growing financial responsibility.

Consumer Statements

If a potential tenant has negative information on their credit report, they may add a consumer statement to provide an explanation of what happened. These statements don’t change the credit history or score, but a landlord may take the explanation into account when deciding whether to rent to the person.

Inquiries

There are two ways for a credit check to be performed: a soft credit inquiry vs. hard credit inquiry. Hard inquiries are usually performed when someone applies for a credit card or loan, and these may show up on the credit report. Soft inquiries pull data but don’t affect credit scores. Rental applications usually involve a soft inquiry.

Public Records

Background checks can include public record information. Each state determines which government records are considered “public.” They can include birth and marriage certificates, voting records, immigration records, driving records, tax information, and more.

Eviction Records

According to credit agency Experian, an eviction won’t appear on a tenant screening or credit report, but any unpaid rent sent to collections may stay on the report for up to seven years. If a landlord took the tenant to court and won a civil judgment, that would likely appear on the tenant background check and credit report.

Criminal Records

Background reports include information gathered from criminal record databases. The check may include records from any county where the applicant has lived. Criminal checks can also be conducted at a state or federal level. Some cities now prohibit landlords from requiring prospective tenants to disclose a criminal history.

What Landlords Especially Want to Know from Tenant Credit Checks

According to credit bureau TransUnion, landlords want to look at a prospective tenant’s debt history to determine if they’re likely to pay rent on time. Red flags include a short rental history, late payments, a low credit score, a significant amount of debt, gaps in payments, delinquent payments, and other negative information. Landlords also want to be aware of any previous evictions or criminal background.

Consumers can prepare for credit checks by landlords through free credit monitoring services.

How Long a Tenant Credit and Background Check Takes

Credit checks typically take no more than a day, depending on the system used by the landlord. Background checks can take a few days, depending on the circumstances. This doesn’t account for the amount of time it takes for the screener to get to that application, or the time the landlord spends reviewing the application afterward.

Do Landlords or Applicants Pay for the Credit and Background Check?

Tenants often cover the cost as part of a rental application fee. A landlord can choose to absorb the cost, but it depends on the property owner, circumstances, and local laws.

A landlord may also ask for a credit reference on a rental application. A credit reference can be a copy of your credit report that you provide, or a letter from a bank, lender, or previous landlord offering additional positive context to your credit history.

Checking Credit History Before Applying to Rent

As a tenant, it’s wise to be aware of what’s on your credit report and to fix any errors before you apply for an apartment. You can find out your credit score for free through Experian at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your information and file a dispute online to correct any mistakes, remove older negative information, and alert the credit bureau to potential identity theft.

Continue to watch your credit and be mindful of any changes to your credit score. To save time, you may want to sign up for a credit monitoring service. What qualifies as credit monitoring varies with the service provider. Look for a service that offers instant alerts for suspicious charges and negative information posted to your report.

The Takeaway

Landlords primarily run tenant background checks and credit report checks to determine if the prospective renter can afford the monthly rent payments. Landlords may also be interested in previous evictions and criminal activity. These reports also serve to provide verification of personal information and may reveal additional information available on public records.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

What background check do most landlords use?

There are numerous background check services. If you want to know which one a potential landlord uses, it’s best to ask them.

What does a landlord look for in a tenant?

Although landlords can have individual preferences about what makes an ideal tenant, common things they look for include tenants who:

•   can afford their rent and pay on time

•   take good care of the property

•   don’t cause problems for the landlord

A tenant background and credit check can help landlords to screen applicants to find the best possible tenant.

What does a background check consist of?

When including a credit report, information provided generally lists a person’s current and past addresses, employment history, credit history, public records information, criminal records, and more. In some circumstances, a person’s eviction history can also be included.

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Photo credit: iStock/andresr

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Good car value estimates will factor in as many as a dozen data points, including geographic and economic influences. Less precise tools base estimates only on make, model, year, and mileage. If you’re looking to sell your car, or you’re in the market for a used vehicle, it’s important to familiarize yourself with how automobile valuations work.

Here’s what you need to know to help you increase your chances of getting the best deal.

What to Know About Instant Dealer Trade-In Quotes

A number of dealerships and websites — such as Carvana, Truecar and Kelley Blue Book — offer instant cash or instant dealer trade-in quotes for your car. Often, all you have to do is share a few details, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number, and the company will come back to you with a cash offer for your vehicle.

Though a lot of companies make it sound like the process is as simple as that, know that there is likely an in-person review of your vehicle before anyone will cut you a check.

What Do Dealers Base Their Car Estimates On?

Instant quotes and valuations usually look at a few quick measures, such as year, make and model, and mileage. This information is enough to provide a rough estimate of value. However, other factors will also come into play. Here’s a closer look.

(Keep in mind, these terms apply only to cars you own outright; different calculations go into valuing a leased car.)

Make and Model

You can think of the make and model of a car as the brand and the specific product on offer. For example, Toyota is a make of vehicle, while the Corolla is a model. Some makes and models are more popular, which helps them hold their value longer. For example, a certain make and model might be known for fuel efficiency or to be safer or more reliable.

There may be numbers or letters next to a car’s make and model that further delineate different features or trim level. Generally speaking, the higher a vehicle’s trim level — the more features it has — the more valuable the car will be.

Style

A vehicle’s body style is its shape. It might be a minivan, hatchback, or pickup truck. Information about a vehicle style is contained in its make and model. And certain styles are more valuable than others. For example, trucks tend to retain their value better than other car styles. In other words, they depreciate more slowly.

Condition

Your vehicle’s condition means both cosmetic issues like scratches, dents, and wear to upholstery, and also the wear and tear on the engine and other components. The better condition a car is in and the fewer impending repairs needed, the more valuable it will be.

Mileage

Mileage is an important factor to consider because it serves as shorthand for potential wear and tear. The more a car has been driven, the more likely it needs repair or will soon. As a result, cars with smaller odometer readings are worth more.

Accident History

Accidents big and small will hurt the value of a vehicle. Even if a car was in a minor accident and shows no outward signs of damage, value can decrease. Buyers can look up vehicle history reports on sites such as Carfax and AutoCheck, using a car’s VIN.

Car Add-ons

When you buy a car new, you may be offered a series of add-ons, such as splash guards, alarm systems, and tinted windows. While these are often pricey to add to a new vehicle, that doesn’t always translate into increased value for used cars. In fact, according to some experts, once a car is two or three years old, add-ons have little effect on its value. Condition, mileage, and accident history often matter much more to the average used car buyer.

Number of Previous Owners

Used cars that have been owned by only one person may be seen as preferable because the vehicle will have had a consistent driving history and maintenance schedule. Multiple owners will not necessarily hurt the value of a car, but it may raise a red flag if there have been many owners in a short period of time.

Warranties

If a car is still under warranty and that warranty is transferable to a new buyer, it can add value.

Location

Geography can have an effect on car value. For example, the harsh winters and salted roads of the Northeast can take a toll, causing more wear and tear than a warm, dry climate.

Additionally, some types of vehicles may be in higher demand in certain areas, driving up price. For example, you might have an easier time selling a pickup truck in a suburban or rural area than in a big city.

Timeline

The less time an individual has to sell their vehicle, the more likely it is that they may have to accept an offer that’s less than the fair market value, especially in areas where there is not much demand.

The Economy

The value of used vehicles can fluctuate with changes in the economy. For example, a softer-than-expected labor market and a slowdown in economic growth in 2024 drove down the price of new and used vehicles. As of August 2024, the average price of used cars was $25,251 — down from $28,000 in 2022, according to CarEdge.

Rising interest rates can also make borrowing to buy a vehicle more expensive, putting downward pressure on demand, as can a struggling stock market or a recession.

Recommended: What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a Car?

What Buyers Are Looking For

Ultimately, supply and demand drive the value of used vehicles. If buyers are looking for hybrid vehicles over gasoline-only cars, value for hybrids increases. If a certain color falls out of favor, a car may end up being worth less than an otherwise identical model in a different hue.

How to Prepare Your Car and Your Expectations

Prepare your car for the highest valuation by tackling as many repairs as you can, from fixing a broken brake light to replacing worn out brake pads. A budget planner app can help you figure out how much you have to spend on the fixes. Before an in-person valuation, you’ll also want to have your car washed and detailed to make sure it looks like it’s in the best condition possible.

Manage your expectations for values by doing a bit of research. If you’re looking to sell your car, check out valuation estimates from multiple sources, including Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and online dealers. You may even want to bring your car to a local dealership to see what price you might get there.

Similarly, if you’re looking to buy a new or used car, you can look up the value of various makes and models to help you understand whether the price you’re quoted is close to fair market value.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity?

The Takeaway

Good car value estimates will factor in as many as a dozen data points, including geographic and economic influences. Tracking your car’s value is especially important as you plan your budget and save up to buy a used or new car. The reason: Your current car’s value can have a big impact on what you can afford.

SoFi’s money tracker app now has an Auto Tracker feature that can give you a better understanding of your net worth and help you identify good times to sell.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

What is the best way to determine the value of a car?

Find out the value of a car through trusted online resources such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. Enter the VIN, license plate number, or the year, make, model, and mileage of your car or truck to get an idea of what it may be worth.

Which car value estimator is most accurate?

Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds are two of the most trusted car value estimators.

How do you know if a car deal is too good to be true?

Red flags that may suggest a car deal is too good to be true include a seller who is rushing you, a seller who won’t give you an accident report, signs of rust or disrepair, and a price that is much too low compared to fair market price.

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Photo credit: iStock/Talaj

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SORL-Q324-017

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