Cost per Mile Calculator — How Much Does Driving Cost?
Calculate your gas cost per mile plus a simplified wear estimate. Compare your result with the IRS standard mileage rate and AAA ownership benchmarks. Enter MPG (or distance + fuel used), gas price, and optional annual miles.
Cost per Mile at $3.50/Gallon
| MPG | Gas Cost/Mile | Total Cost/Mile | Annual Gas Cost (12K mi) | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | $0.23 | $0.33 | $2,800 | Truck / large SUV |
| 18 | $0.19 | $0.29 | $2,333 | Truck / large SUV |
| 20 | $0.18 | $0.28 | $2,100 | SUV / crossover |
| 22 | $0.16 | $0.26 | $1,909 | SUV / crossover |
| 25 | $0.14 | $0.24 | $1,680 | Average car |
| 28 | $0.13 | $0.23 | $1,500 | Average car |
| 30 | $0.12 | $0.22 | $1,400 | Efficient sedan |
| 35 | $0.10 | $0.20 | $1,200 | Efficient sedan |
| 45 | $0.08 | $0.18 | $933 | Hybrid / EV |
| 55 | $0.06 | $0.16 | $764 | Hybrid / EV |
Table uses the current US average gas price ($3.50/gal, EIA weekly). Total includes $0.10/mile wear estimate (AAA: maintenance, tires, oil). Annual assumes 12,000 miles/year.
Understanding Cost per Mile
The cost per mile of driving has two main components:
- Gas cost per mile = Gas price ÷ MPG. This is your direct fuel expense. At $3.50/gal and 25 MPG, it’s $0.14/mile.
- Vehicle wear per mile = maintenance, tires, oil changes, and repairs. AAA estimates this at about $0.10/mile for an average sedan.
The IRS standard mileage rate ($0.725/mile for 2026) also includes insurance, registration, depreciation, and financing costs — making it a comprehensive measure of the total cost of vehicle ownership per mile. AAA’s 2025 “Your Driving Costs” report puts the average new-car total at about $0.77/mile (15,000 mi/year), covering fuel, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, financing, and registration.
How to Reduce Your Cost per Mile
- Improve MPG: Proper tire pressure, smooth acceleration, and keeping highway speed near 50–55 mph can improve MPG significantly — the DOE estimates about 7% savings for each 5 mph you reduce above 50 mph
- Shop for gas: Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas near you. Even $0.20/gal less saves $96/year at 12,000 miles and 25 MPG
- Reduce miles: Combine errands, carpool, or work from home when possible
- Maintain your car: Regular oil changes, air filter replacement, and alignment reduce wear costs
- Consider a more efficient vehicle: Going from 20 to 30 MPG saves about $700/year in gas at $3.50/gal (12,000 mi)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRS mileage rate?
The 2026 IRS standard mileage rate is $0.725 per mile for business driving. This rate covers gas, insurance, depreciation, maintenance, and repairs. For medical/moving it is $0.205/mile, and for charitable driving it is $0.14/mile.
How much does it cost per mile to drive?
Gas alone costs about $0.10 to $0.23 per mile depending on your MPG and gas price. At 25 MPG and $3.50/gallon (example price), gas cost is $0.14/mile. Total ownership cost is typically $0.50 to $0.80 per mile — AAA estimates about $0.77/mile for a new car at 15,000 mi/year (Your Driving Costs 2025), including fuel, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, financing, and registration.
Gas cost vs total cost per mile?
Gas cost per mile only covers fuel (example: $3.50/gal ÷ 25 MPG = $0.14/mile). Total cost adds vehicle wear (about $0.10/mile for tires, oil, and brakes from AAA). The IRS standard mileage rate of $0.725/mile (2026) covers everything including insurance and depreciation, which is why it is much higher than gas alone.
Related Calculators
- Annual Gas Cost Calculator — estimate yearly fuel spending from your commute
- Gas Trip Cost Calculator — how much gas will your trip cost?
- MPG Calculator — calculate your car’s miles per gallon
- L/100km Calculator — metric fuel consumption
- km/L Calculator — kilometers per liter
- Kilometers to Miles — cost per mile vs cost per km
- All Fuel Calculators
Gas cost per mile = gas price ÷ MPG. Wear estimate: $0.10/mile for maintenance and tires (AAA). IRS 2026 standard mileage rate: $0.725/mile (covers all vehicle expenses). AAA 2025 Your Driving Costs: about $0.77/mile for a new car at 15,000 mi/year. CO2 factor: 8.887 kg per US gallon (EPA).