Car cost per mile calculator (AAA 2026 figures)
What does a car really cost per mile? Use AAA's 2026 Your Driving Costs averages, or enter your own ownership and operating costs.
Calculator based on AAA Your Driving Costs 2026 averages. Your own costs will differ by model, location and driving. How we research · How links work
The short answer
AAA's 2026 average for a new car is 85.75 cents a mile, or $12,863 a year at 15,000 miles. That is about $1072 a month. Half-ton pickups average about $1.10 a mile.
Your cost per mile
Cost per mile
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AAA 2026 averages (15,000 miles a year)
| Category | Per mile | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Small sedan | $0.60 | $9000 |
| Average (AAA weighted) | $0.86 | $12863 |
| Medium SUV | $0.96 | $14448 |
| Half-ton pickup | $1.10 | $16500 |
Defaults above use AAA's weighted average ownership ($8,506 a year) and operating costs (29.04 cents a mile). Category figures are from the 2026 fact sheet.
Before you buy
Depreciation is the largest line item. A cheaper car that fits your needs often costs less per mile than a larger one, even when fuel economy is similar.
Common questions
How much does a car cost per mile in 2026?
AAA's Your Driving Costs 2026 puts the sales-weighted average for a new car at 85.75 cents a mile, or $12,863 a year, at 15,000 miles. Half-ton pickups average about $1.10 a mile.
What is included?
Depreciation, finance, insurance, licence and taxes, fuel, and maintenance, repairs and tyres. Parking, tolls and tickets are not included.
Why does driving more lower the cost per mile?
Ownership costs (insurance, depreciation, finance) are mostly fixed per year, so they spread over more miles. Fuel and maintenance still rise with distance.