How the math works
The calculator turns your miles into kilowatt-hours for the EV and gallons for the gas car, then prices each one.
The break-even gas price is the EV's yearly charging cost divided by the gallons the gas car would burn. Below that price, the gas car is cheaper to fuel.
What this leaves out
- Time-of-use rates. Many utilities charge much less overnight. If you have one, enter your off-peak price.
- Maintenance. EVs skip oil changes and wear brakes more slowly, which usually saves more money on top of fuel.
- Purchase price, insurance and resale. This is a fuel comparison, not a total cost of ownership.
- Home charger installation. A Level 2 charger typically costs $500 to $2,000 installed, once.
By state
Every state and DC has its own page with this calculator set to its prices, its rank among the 51, and how it compares with its neighbors.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Questions
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than to buy gas?
With home charging, yes, in every state at October 2026 prices. Using our defaults (12,000 miles a year, 3.5 miles per kWh, a 28 mpg gas car, $4.33 gas), the yearly saving ranges from $66 in Hawaii to $1,276 in Louisiana.
How much does it cost to charge an EV per month?
At the U.S. average price of 18.3¢/kWh, charging at home for 1,000 miles a month costs about $58, including about 10% lost while charging. The same miles in a 28 mpg car cost about $155 in gas.
What if I only use public fast chargers?
Public chargers averaged $0.42/kWh on October 16, 2026, according to AAA. Charging only in public, 12,000 miles costs about $1,440 a year, compared with $1,856 for gas. The saving shrinks a lot, so home charging is where most of the money is.
Is there still a federal EV tax credit?
No. The federal clean vehicle credit ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. Some states and utilities still offer rebates or cheaper overnight charging rates, which this calculator does not include.
Sources
Electricity: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (July 2026 data). Gasoline: EIA weekly U.S. regular retail price, October 12, 2026. Public charging: AAA national average, October 16, 2026.