Free tool
Cost per year calculator
Price tags compare badly. Cost per year of use compares fairly. Put in what each option costs and how long you expect it to last.
Result
Estimates only. Purchases are rounded up to whole items, with no inflation, resale value or discounting. Lifespans are your guess; our lifespan guide gives typical ranges.
How the math works
For each option, the calculator counts how many you would need to buy to cover the period (rounded up, because you can't buy part of a bag), multiplies by the price, and adds yearly upkeep such as conditioner, resoling or sharpening. Dividing by the number of years gives the cost per year.
Cost per year is the fairest single number for durable goods, but it isn't the whole story. A good item also saves the time spent shopping for replacements, and it keeps things out of the landfill. We cover that in the hidden cost of cheap goods.
When the cheaper option wins
- You won't use it for long. Kids' sizes, a one-off trip, a hobby you're trying out.
- The "durable" one isn't actually durable. A high price alone proves nothing. Check for the signs of poor construction before you pay for "quality".
- Upkeep is high and you won't do it. Leather that never gets conditioned and boots that never get resoled won't reach their full life.
