Cost of Owning a Laptop: The Full Picture
See the real cost of laptop ownership. An $1,100 laptop lasting 8 years costs less per year than an $800 one lasting 3.
Last updated:
Avg. Purchase Price
$1,645
Expected Lifespan
6 years
Annual Cost (Keep)
$251/yr
Annual Cost (New)
$439/yr
What Goes Into Laptop Ownership Cost?
The sticker price is just the beginning. Total cost of ownership includes repairs, energy costs, depreciation, and the environmental impact of manufacturing a replacement.
- Repairs:Average of $137/year, increasing as the device ages
- Energy:~$21/year for current models, ~$14/year for newer efficient models
- Depreciation:50% value lost in the first year, then ~15% annually
- Environment:Manufacturing a new laptop produces ~350 kg of CO2
Keep vs. Replace: 5-Year Comparison
For a typical laptop at the halfway point of its lifespan:
Keep & Repair
$1,254
over 5 years
Buy New
$2,193
over 5 years
Keeping your Laptop is cheaper throughout the entire 5-year period
Environmental Impact
Keeping your laptop instead of buying new saves approximately 333 kg of CO2 over 5 years. That's equivalent to 15.9 tree-years of carbon absorption or driving 825 fewer miles.
Calculate Your Exact Cost
The numbers above are averages. Your specific situation may be different. Use our free calculator with your actual purchase price and device age.
Calculate My Cost of OwnershipIf Replacement Is the Right Choice
Apple
MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro
Below 30-day avg
We may earn a commission from purchases. Affiliate disclosure
FAQ: Laptop Cost of Ownership
How much does it cost to own a laptop per year?
The average annual cost of ownership for a laptop is approximately $183 per year when keeping your current device. This includes repairs ($100/year avg) and energy costs ($15/year).
When should I replace my laptop instead of repairing it?
Consider replacing when repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, or when your device is past 5 years old. Use our calculator for a personalized recommendation based on your specific device and costs.
How long should a laptop last?
The average laptop lasts about 6 years with proper maintenance and occasional repairs. Quality models and regular maintenance can extend this significantly.