Love or hate them, electric vehicles (EVs) are known for their excellent fuel economy. Teslas, in particular can get around the equivalent of 90 (2024 Model X) to 120 (2024 Model Y) miles per gallon, as per the U.S. Department of Energy.
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But like other EVs, Teslas do have charging costs. They’re just not as high as what you might pay at the pump for your Subaru. Here’s how much it costs to charge a Tesla each month versus paying for gas for your Subaru Outback.
Monthly Costs of Charging a Tesla
The cost of fully charging your Tesla depends on which model you drive and where you live. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity average $0.17 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
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This means your typical Tesla would cost around $20 to fully charge at home, as per EnergySage. Here’s a breakdown of what individual models typically cost per charge:
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Tesla Model 3 = $12.03
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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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When you break it down even further, it costs anywhere from 4.4 to 13.3 cents per mile to charge a Tesla at home.
As for monthly charging costs, that depends on your driving habits. Take the Tesla Model 3 as an example. It has an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles at full charge.
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The Federal Highway Administration estimates that the average person drives 13,476 miles each year. That’s 1,123 miles every month. If you drive the average, you’d need to charge your Tesla Model 3 between three and four times a month. That means you’d spend:
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$36.09 a month ($12.03 x 3)
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$48.12 a month ($12.03 x 4)
But what about if you took the more expensive Tesla Cybertruck? It gets around 325 miles per full charge (EPA-estimate) and costs $43.24 on average to fully charge. If you drive the average in a month, you’d need to fully charge it a little over three times. That means it’d cost between $130 and $173 to charge at home monthly.
Remember that the cost of purchasing an at-home charging station ranges from $300 to $650. Installation can cost as much as $1,500.
Monthly Cost of Fuel for a Subaru Outback
The monthly cost of fuel for a 2025 Subaru Outback depends on a few factors, including where you live and your driving habits. The vehicle gets a combined 29 MPG, according to Edmunds. The Outback Premium costs an estimated $125 monthly in fuel, but that’s in Virginia.
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Per AAA, the national average fuel price in October is $3.04 per gallon. If you drive 1,123 miles in a single month, that’s $369 at the pump.
Is a Tesla or Subaru Outback Cheaper To Drive?
There are plenty of factors to consider, but when it comes down to the price of fuel versus electricity, the Tesla is significantly cheaper to drive. You can expect to spend between $36 and $173 to fully charge your Tesla at home each month.
Gas for an Outback would run you closer to $369 — assuming similar driving conditions and habits. That’s between $196 and $333 more at the pump.
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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 Subaru Outback
