Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Ram 1500
Choosing between the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ram 1500 is really a question of total cost, not sticker price. Below we compare both over five years — depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance — then let you run your own mileage.
Key assumptions for this page
Sources: Kelley Blue Book · Edmunds — figures are estimates last reviewed 2026; verify before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Ram 1500: run the numbers
Cheaper to own over 5 years
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
by $2,282 — Chevrolet Silverado 1500: $51,510 · Ram 1500: $53,792
Lower 5-year total cost
🏆 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Lower fuel cost
🏆 Ram 1500
Lower depreciation
🏆 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Lower insurance estimate
🏆 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Lower cost per mile
🏆 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Baseline 5-year cost breakdown
MSRP + EPA efficiency · USD| Cost | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | $23,723 | $26,232 |
| Fuel | $10,737 | $10,200 |
| Insurance | $11,550 | $11,760 |
| Maintenance | $5,500 | $5,600 |
| 5-year total | $51,510 | $53,792 |
| Cost per mile | $0.86 | $0.9 |
Customize your scenario
The baseline uses each car's MSRP, EPA-rated efficiency and segment-typical depreciation. Change the assumptions below to match how you actually drive — your result may differ from the baseline.
5-year cost by annual mileage
| Miles / year | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Ram 1500 | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 mi | $47,931 | $50,392 | Silverado 1500 |
| 12,000 mi· now | $51,510 | $53,792 | Silverado 1500 |
| 15,000 mi | $54,194 | $56,342 | Silverado 1500 |
| 20,000 mi | $58,668 | $60,592 | Silverado 1500 |
| 30,000 mi | $67,615 | $69,092 | Silverado 1500 |
Estimates only, not quotes. Depreciation, insurance and maintenance use segment-typical assumptions; insurance is modeled from each model's risk factor against a national average, not a quote. Verify with dealers and insurers before deciding.
Good to know
Specific, useful answers for this page.
Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or the Ram 1500 cheaper to own?＋
Over five years, total ownership cost comes down to depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance. The breakdown above totals both side by side so you can see the real gap, not just the sticker difference.
What's the biggest cost difference between them?＋
Usually depreciation and insurance dominate. The 1500 depreciates faster, while insurance tracks each car's risk factor (Silverado 1500: 1.10×, 1500: 1.12×).
Does the price gap between the Silverado 1500 and 1500 matter long term?＋
The two start within about $3k of each other, so the sticker is close to a wash and running costs decide it. With similar drivetrains, fuel and maintenance land close, leaving depreciation and insurance as the deciders.