Love it or hate it, electric vehicles (EVs) are known for their excellent fuel economy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Teslas can travel approximately 90 (2024 model year X) to 120 (2024 model year Y) miles per gallon.
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But like other electric vehicles, Teslas have charging costs. They’re just not as high as what you’d pay to fill up a Subaru. Here’s how much it costs to charge a Tesla every month versus paying for gas for a Subaru Outback.
Tesla monthly charging costs
The cost of a full Tesla charge depends on the model you drive and where you live. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average electricity price is $0.17 per kilowatt hour (kWh).
That means a full charge of an average Tesla at home costs about $20, according to EnergySage. Here’s a breakdown of how much each model typically costs per charge:
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Tesla Model Y (Performance) = $15.63
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Tesla Model S (long range) = $19.37
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Tesla Model X (long range) = $19.65
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Tesla Cybertruck (AWD) = $43.24
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If you break it down further, you’ll find that charging a Tesla at home costs between 4.4 and 13.3 cents per mile.
As for monthly charging costs, that depends on your driving habits. Take the Tesla Model 3 as an example. The EPA estimates its range on a full charge at 321 miles.
The Federal Highway Administration estimates that the average person drives 13,476 miles per year. That’s 1,123 miles per month. If you drive a regular car, you’ll need to charge your Tesla Model 3 three to four times a month. This means you will spend:
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$36.09 per month ($12.03 x 3)
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$48.12 per month ($12.03 x 4)
But what if you take a ride in the more expensive Tesla Cybertruck? It can travel approximately 325 miles per full charge (EPA estimate) and costs an average of $43.24 to recharge. If you drive an average of once a month, you’ll need to fully charge it a little over three times. That means charging at home costs $130 to $173 per month.
Keep in mind that the cost of purchasing a home charging station ranges from $300 to $650. Installation costs can be as high as $1,500.
Subaru Outback monthly fuel costs
Your monthly fuel costs for your 2025 Subaru Outback depend on several factors, including where you live and your driving habits. According to Edmunds, the car’s combined fuel economy is 29 MPG. Outback Premium has an estimated monthly fuel bill of $125, but that’s in Virginia.
According to AAA, the national average fuel price in October was $3.04 per gallon. If you drive 1,123 miles a month, the cost of gas is $369.
Is a Tesla or Subaru Outback cheaper to drive?
There are a lot of factors to consider, but when it comes to fuel prices versus electricity prices, Teslas are significantly cheaper to drive. You can expect to spend $36 to $173 per month to fully charge your Tesla at home.
Assuming similar driving conditions and habits, gas prices in the Outback are closer to $369. Fuel costs range from $196 to $333 more.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here’s how a Tesla’s monthly charging costs compare to how much a Subaru Outback costs to use gas