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How Much Does Your Car Really Cost Per Mile?
The short answer: add gas per mile (gas price ÷ mpg) to wear per mile (maintenance, tires, extra insurance and the value your car loses each year, divided by miles driven). Many drivers land around 30–45¢ a mile. Use your own number to judge offers.
Car cost per mile calculator
What goes into it
- Gas: price per gallon ÷ miles per gallon. At $4.25 and 28 mpg, about 15¢ a mile.
- Maintenance and repairs: oil, brakes, fluids and the repairs that come with high mileage.
- Tires: spread over the miles they last.
- Extra insurance: only what you pay extra because you drive for apps.
- Depreciation: the value your car loses per year. More miles mean a bigger drop.
Your cost vs. the IRS rate
The 2026 IRS rate is 72.5¢ a mile, which includes fixed costs like full insurance and registration. Your out-of-pocket cost for gig driving is usually lower, which is part of why the mileage deduction can cut your taxes so much.
How drivers use it
Plug it into your weekly hours goal, pay per mile and real hourly pay, and set offer minimums with the dollar-per-mile rule.
FAQ
How do I calculate my car's cost per mile?
Gas price divided by miles per gallon, plus your yearly maintenance, tires, extra insurance and depreciation divided by the miles you drive per year.
What is a typical cost per mile for a gig driver?
Many land around 30–45 cents a mile, depending on the car, gas prices and mileage.
Is my cost per mile the same as the IRS mileage rate?
No. The IRS rate (72.5¢ for 2026) is a standard average used for deductions; your own cost is usually lower.
Sources: IRS 2026 mileage rates. General information for planning, not tax, legal or financial advice.