How Much Do You Save Charging a Tesla vs. Buying Gas for an Altima?
How much does a typical electric car really save you over a quality internal-combustion model?
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, one of the most common questions potential EV buyers ask is about the real-world cost savings compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.
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With Tesla leading the electric vehicle revolution and the Nissan Altima representing a popular, fuel-efficient sedan choice, we decided to compare their monthly operating costs to share insights with budget-conscious consumers.
Monthly Cost Comparison
Based on current pricing and efficiency data, here's what you can expect to pay monthly for each vehicle, assuming 1,000 miles of driving per month. According to the Department of Energy and the EPA, a 2026 Tesla Model 3 RWD gets a combined MPG equivalent of 139 miles, running at 24 kWh over 100 miles. Motor and Wheels says the minimum range for a Tesla is 267 miles. That makes it nearly exactly 3 3/4 charges.
We derived the monthly charging cost of a Tesla from the average of each state's typical annual cost to recharge an EV. Prices have escalated quite a bit recently, thanks to skyrocketing electrical costs, but then again, so has gasoline, which AAA marks at $4.56 in May of 2026, compared to 2025's $3.18.
Tesla Model 3/Y (Most Popular Models):
1,000-mile charging cost: $103.84
Cost per mile: 10.4 cents
The 2026 Nissan Altima has a 16.19-gallon tank and pulls 30 MPG between city (26 miles) and highway (36), requiring 1.7 to 2.4 to tanks of gas every 1,000 miles. Using the 30 MPG average, we get:
Nissan Altima:
1,000-mile gas cost: $152
Cost per mile: 15.2 cents
This means Tesla owners typically save $48.16 per month on fuel costs compared to Nissan Altima drivers, translating to annual savings of about $578.
Breaking Down Tesla Charging Costs
Tesla charging costs vary significantly based on several factors, making it important to understand the different scenarios:
Home Charging (Most Cost-Effective)
It's also worth noting EnergySage says you may charge the battery as cheaply as $12 or as much as $43, meaning the real range is $45 to $161 a month, but also, the average of those extremes is bang-on at $103.
Key factors affecting home charging costs:
Local electricity rates: National average is 17.65 cents per kWh according to Electric Choice, but rates vary from 11.66 to 43 cents per kWh depending on your state — way up across the board from 2025, whether you live in South Dakota (the lowest) or Hawaii (the highest — no wonder everyone installs solar panels there).
Tesla model: Different Tesla models have different battery capacities and travel ranges. It may benefit you to get a long-range model, or you might use it for shorter commutes and save money on the sticker to easily recharge per your usage needs.
Charging efficiency: Home charging is typically 85% to 90% efficient.
Public Charging Networks
When using Tesla Superchargers or other public charging networks, costs increase significantly. On average, fully charging a Tesla battery can cost around $25 at Supercharger stations, making public charging 50% to 100% more expensive than home charging. However, this is still cheaper than filling up the Altima's gas tank from empty, at an average of $73.82.
Special Programs
Some regions may offer attractive EV charging programs. Utility partnerships can dramatically reduce charging costs.
Nissan Altima Gas Costs
The 2025 Nissan Altima offers competitive fuel efficiency in the traditional sedan market. Below we dive into the specifics.
Fuel Economy Specifications
The front-wheel drive (FWD) versions of the Altima achieve impressive EPA estimates of 27 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. For those opting for all-wheel drive (AWD), the figures are slightly lower, with 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
Monthly Gas Calculations
With gas prices averaging $4.56 per gallon nationally, here's what FuelEconomy.gov says Altima owners can expect:
AWD Models (28 MPG combined):
1,000 miles ÷ 28 MPG = 35.71 gallons per month
35.71 gallons x $4.56 average = $162 per month
FWD Models (30 MPG combined):
1,000 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 33.3 gallons per month
33.3 gallons x $4.56 average = $152 per month
The 2025 Nissan Altima is equipped with a fuel tank that holds up to 16.19 gallons of gasoline, meaning drivers typically need to fill up twice monthly for average driving.
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Real-World Factors That Affect Costs
Several variables can significantly impact your actual monthly costs — let's review them below.
For Tesla Owners:
Driving patterns: Highway driving is more efficient for EVs than city driving.
Weather conditions: Cold weather can reduce EV range by 20% to 40%.
Charging habits: Time-of-use electricity rates can offer significant savings.
Solar panels: Home solar can reduce charging costs to near zero.
For Altima Owners:
Gas price volatility: Monthly costs can swing $20 to $30 based on regional price changes.
Driving style: Aggressive driving can reduce MPG by 15% to 25%.
Maintenance timing: Regular maintenance keeps fuel efficiency optimal.
Traffic patterns: Stop-and-go traffic significantly reduces fuel economy.
Long-Term Financial Considerations
While monthly fuel costs favor Tesla ownership, the complete financial picture includes the below several additional factors.
Tesla Advantages:
Lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer moving parts)
Federal tax credits up to $7,500 for new purchases
Some states offer additional EV incentives
Potential for home energy integration with solar panels
Altima Advantages:
Lower upfront purchase price ($25,000 to $35,000 vs $40,000 to $60,000)
Established refueling infrastructure
No range anxiety for long trips
Lower insurance costs in most cases
Regional Variations
Geographic location dramatically affects the cost comparison — let's explore how below.
Tesla-Favorable Regions:
California: High gas prices and moderate electricity rates.
Pacific Northwest: Low electricity rates from hydroelectric power.
Texas: Special EV utility
programs and competitive electricity markets.
Altima-Favorable Regions:
Gulf States: Lower gas prices
Areas with high electricity rates: Northeast states during cold months and peak demand. Hawaii, despite high gas prices there, unless homeowners are charging directly from abundant solar power.
Rural areas: Limited charging infrastructure makes gas more convenient.
The Verdict: Clear Savings for Tesla Owners
In general, the cost of charging a Tesla is more than three times cheaper per mile than the cost of fueling a gas-powered vehicle. Overall, Tesla ownership results in monthly fuel savings of about $50 compared to a Nissan Altima
However, the decision involves more than just monthly fuel costs. Consider your driving patterns, local infrastructure, upfront costs and long-term vehicle plans when making your choice. While Tesla offers clear operational savings, the higher purchase price means it takes two to four years of driving to break even on the total cost of ownership.
For budget-conscious consumers focused on lowest monthly operating costs, Tesla provides compelling savings. For those prioritizing lower upfront costs and established refueling infrastructure, the Nissan Altima remains a solid choice with reasonable fuel efficiency.
The gap between electric and gas operating costs continues to remain dynamic, between data centers driving up electricity costs and instability around the Strait of Hormuz creating havoc in both energy markets. Regardless, the financial case for Tesla ownership and other EVs continues to grow increasingly attractive for most drivers.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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