As electric vehicles (EV) continue to gain popularity, one of the most common questions potential EV buyers ask is about the real-world cost savings compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.
With Tesla leading the electric vehicle revolution and the Nissan Altima representing a popular, fuel-efficient sedan choice, we decided to compare their monthly operating costs below to share valuable insight for budget-conscious consumers.
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Based on current 2025 pricing and efficiency data, here’s what you can expect to pay monthly for each vehicle, assuming 1,000 miles of driving per month:
Tesla Model 3/Y (Most Popular Models):
Nissan Altima:
This means Tesla owners typically save $30 to $75 per month on fuel costs compared to Nissan Altima drivers, translating to annual savings of $360 to $900. According to EnergySage, the cost of charging a Tesla is more than three times cheaper per mile than the cost of fueling a gas-powered car (4.56 cents per mile compared to approximately 13.73 cents per mile for gas vehicles).
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Tesla charging costs vary significantly based on several factors, making it important to understand the different scenarios:
According to SolarReviews, it costs between $10.98 and $18 to fully charge your Tesla at home in 2025, depending on your local electricity rates and Tesla model. For most Tesla owners who charge primarily at home, monthly costs typically range from $35 to $50 for moderate driving.
Key factors affecting home charging costs:
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Local electricity rates: National average is about 17 cents per kWh, but rates vary from 8 to 35 cents per kWh depending on your state.
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Tesla model: According to 8MSolar, the Tesla Model Y features a 75 kWh battery and charging the Long Range Model Y costs about $13.20.
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Charging efficiency: Home charging is typically 85% to 90% efficient.
When using Tesla Superchargers or other public charging networks, costs increase significantly. On average, fully charging a Tesla battery can cost around $25 at Supercharger stations, making public charging 50% to 100% more expensive than home charging.
Some regions offer attractive EV charging programs. Texas customers may qualify for a year of overnight vehicle charging at home for $5 per month with Tesla Electric, demonstrating how utility partnerships can dramatically reduce charging costs.
The 2025 Nissan Altima offers competitive fuel efficiency in the traditional sedan market. Below we dive into the specifics.
The front-wheel drive (FWD) versions of the Altima achieve impressive EPA estimates of 27 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. For those opting for all-wheel drive (AWD), the figures are slightly lower, with 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
With gas prices averaging $3.20 to $3.80 per gallon nationally in 2025, here’s what Altima owners can expect:
FWD Models (32 MPG combined):
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1,000 miles ÷ 32 MPG = 31.25 gallons per month
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31.25 gallons x $3.50 average = $109 per month
AWD Models (30 MPG combined):
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1,000 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 33.3 gallons per month
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33.3 gallons x $3.50 average = $117 per month
The 2025 Nissan Altima is equipped with a fuel tank that holds up to 16.2 gallons of gasoline, meaning drivers typically need to fill up twice monthly for average driving.
Several variables can significantly impact your actual monthly costs — let’s review them below.
For Tesla Owners:
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Driving patterns: Highway driving is more efficient for EVs than city driving.
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Weather conditions: Cold weather can reduce EV range by 20% to 40%.
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Charging habits: Time-of-use electricity rates can offer significant savings.
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Solar panels: Home solar can reduce charging costs to near zero.
For Altima Owners:
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Gas price volatility: Monthly costs can swing $20 to $30 based on regional price changes.
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Driving style: Aggressive driving can reduce MPG by 15% to 25%.
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Maintenance timing: Regular maintenance keeps fuel efficiency optimal.
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Traffic patterns: Stop-and-go traffic significantly reduces fuel economy.
While monthly fuel costs favor Tesla ownership, the complete financial picture includes the below several additional factors.
Tesla Advantages:
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Lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer moving parts)
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Federal tax credits up to $7,500 for new purchases
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Some states offer additional EV incentives
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Potential for home energy integration with solar panels
Altima Advantages:
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Lower upfront purchase price ($25,000 to $35,000 vs $40,000 to $60,000)
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Established refueling infrastructure
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No range anxiety for long trips
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Lower insurance costs in most cases
Geographic location dramatically affects the cost comparison — let’s explore how below.
Tesla-Favorable Regions:
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California: High gas prices ($4.50 or more per gallon) and moderate electricity rates.
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Pacific Northwest: Low electricity rates from hydroelectric power.
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Texas: Special EV utility programs and competitive electricity markets.
Altima-Favorable Regions:
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Gulf States: Lower gas prices ($2.80 to $3.20 per gallon).
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Areas with high electricity rates: Hawaii, Northeast states during peak demand.
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Rural areas: Limited charging infrastructure makes gas more convenient.
In general, the cost of charging a Tesla is more than three times cheaper per mile than the cost of fueling a gas-powered vehicle. For most drivers, Tesla ownership results in monthly fuel savings of $30 to $75 compared to a Nissan Altima.
However, the decision involves more than just monthly fuel costs. Consider your driving patterns, local infrastructure, upfront costs and long-term vehicle plans when making your choice. While Tesla offers clear operational savings, the higher purchase price means it takes two to four years of driving to break even on the total cost of ownership.
For budget-conscious consumers focused on lowest monthly operating costs, Tesla provides compelling savings. For those prioritizing lower upfront costs and established refueling infrastructure, the Nissan Altima remains a solid choice with reasonable fuel efficiency.
The gap between electric and gas operating costs continues to widen as electricity remains relatively stable while gas prices fluctuate, making the financial case for Tesla ownership increasingly attractive for most drivers.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here’s What It Costs To Charge a Tesla Monthly vs. Using Gas for a Nissan Altima
