Tesla Model 3 Cost in California: EV vs Gas Comparison (2026)
Quick Answer
The Tesla Model 3 costs $921/month to own in California over 5 years. That's $11,630 more than a comparable Toyota RAV4.Annual charging cost: $983 vs $2,355 for gas.
✓ Updated March 2026✓ Based on state insurance filings
5-Year Cost: Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota RAV4
| Tesla Model 3 (EV) | Toyota RAV4 (Gas) | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $40,240 | $30,645 |
| Depreciation | $22,132 | $12,871 |
| Insurance | $18,010 | $10,700 |
| Fuel/Charging | $4,914 | $11,775 |
| Maintenance | $2,440 | $2,145 |
| 5-Year Total | $55,245 | $43,615 |
| Monthly Cost | $921/mo | $727/mo |
Charging Costs in California
Home Charging (avg 27.3¢/kWh)
$983/year
$82/month
Gas Equivalent (30 MPG, $4.71/gal)
$2,355/year
You save $1,372/year on fuel
These are estimates based on state averages. Your exact rate depends on your specific profile.
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