Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 sits in the mid-market on price, but the real cost shows up over five years of depreciation, electricity, insurance and maintenance. Here is the full breakdown, plus a calculator to adjust it to your mileage.
Depreciation is the headline cost on the Model 3. At about 19% a year, a $37k example loses roughly $7k in the first twelve months alone, which is why a two- to three-year-old one can be a far better buy than new.
As an EV, the Model 3 trims the running-cost side: 4.1 mi/kWh means cheap energy and far fewer wear parts, though its 1.25× insurance factor and battery replacement risk pull the other way.
Key assumptions for this page
Modeled figures: values tagged modeled are MotorCrunch modeled estimates — outputs of our own transparent models, not published statistics or quotes. Computed with MotorCrunch's ownership-cost model: compounding depreciation, energy at national average prices, modeled insurance and maintenance baselines. Segment-typical annual depreciation rate assigned per model, derived from published retention-curve ranges. Miles ÷ efficiency × national average energy price (last-known-good published price, see /data-sources). Full method: Methodology.
Sources: Kelley Blue Book — listed only where a figure above derives from them. Data updated: 2026-07-17 — verify before purchase.
What is source-backed vs modeled?
Published sources help shape the baseline where available. Local insurance and ownership indexes are modeled estimates, not insurer or lender quotes — they combine public demographic and cost signals with conservative assumptions. Replace the defaults with your own quote before deciding.
Run your own numbers
Your numbers
True cost per year
$9,684
Cost per mile
$0.81
Cost per month
$807
Insight — For most owners, depreciation is the largest line — often more than fuel and insurance combined — yet it never shows up on a monthly bill. Insurance is the cost you can change fastest without selling the car.
Data behind the defaults
- 7.47%·Editorial estimate· as of 2026-07-17· medium confidence
- $3.4/gal·Editorial estimate· as of 2026-06-01· medium confidence
These defaults are starting points from the sources above — every field is editable, and results are estimates, not quotes. All data sources →
What if Annual mileage changes?
| Annual mileage | True cost per year |
|---|---|
| 6,000 mi | $9,435 |
| 9,000 mi | $9,559 |
| 12,000 mi · now | $9,684 |
| 15,000 mi | $9,808 |
| 20,000 mi | $10,016 |
Shop your insurance the smart way
Know your benchmark here, then compare real quotes from several carriers — prices for the same driver vary a lot.
Explore insurance toolsFree · No sign-up · Independent, source-based math
Good to know
Specific, useful answers for this page.
Is the Tesla Model 3 expensive to own?＋
Over five years, the biggest cost is depreciation (~19%/yr), followed by insurance and electricity. Its moderate replacement value keeps the modeled insurance line in check. The breakdown above has the full picture.
Does the Model 3 save money on fuel?＋
Yes — at 4.1 mi/kWh, electricity costs far less per mile than gas, though insurance on EVs can run higher. The calculator quantifies the net effect.
How much does maintenance add on a Tesla Model 3?＋
An EV like the Model 3 skips oil changes and has far fewer wear parts, so scheduled maintenance is light; tires and the eventual battery warranty window matter more. On a $37k vehicle, parts and labor scale with complexity, which the breakdown above folds into the five-year total.