Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry: Complete 10-Year Cost Comparison
We crunched the numbers on America's best-selling EV vs the legendary Camry. The results might surprise you.
NextGreenPath
EV Expert
Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry: Complete 10-Year Cost Comparison
It's the comparison everyone wants to see: America's best-selling EV versus one of the most trusted sedans ever made.
The Toyota Camry has been the go-to "sensible car purchase" for decades. Reliable, affordable, boring in the best way. The Tesla Model 3 represents the new guard — electric, tech-forward, and increasingly mainstream.
But which one actually costs less to own over 10 years? I ran all the numbers so you don't have to. The answer is more nuanced than you might expect.
The Contenders: Tale of the Tape
2026 Toyota Camry LE
2026 Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range)
The gap at purchase: $14,090
That's a significant chunk of change. The Model 3 costs 50% more upfront. Can it possibly make that back?
Let's break down every cost category over 10 years.
Fuel vs Electricity: Where EVs Shine
This is where the Tesla starts clawing back that price difference.
Assumptions
Toyota Camry Fuel Costs
At 32 MPG, the Camry needs 375 gallons per year.
| Year | Gas Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.50 | $1,312 |
| 2 | $3.61 | $1,352 |
| 3 | $3.71 | $1,393 |
| 4 | $3.83 | $1,435 |
| 5 | $3.94 | $1,478 |
| 6 | $4.06 | $1,522 |
| 7 | $4.18 | $1,568 |
| 8 | $4.31 | $1,615 |
| 9 | $4.44 | $1,663 |
| 10 | $4.57 | $1,714 |
| Total | $15,052 |
Tesla Model 3 Electricity Costs
The Model 3 uses about 25 kWh per 100 miles, meaning 3,000 kWh per year.
| Year | Rate/kWh | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.150 | $450 |
| 2 | $0.155 | $464 |
| 3 | $0.159 | $478 |
| 4 | $0.164 | $492 |
| 5 | $0.169 | $507 |
| 6 | $0.174 | $522 |
| 7 | $0.179 | $538 |
| 8 | $0.185 | $554 |
| 9 | $0.190 | $571 |
| 10 | $0.196 | $588 |
| Total | $5,164 |
Fuel/Energy Winner: Tesla by $9,888
That's nearly $10,000 saved on "fuel" alone. We're already 70% of the way to closing the purchase price gap.
Maintenance: The Unsung EV Advantage
This is where EVs quietly dominate. The Model 3 simply has fewer things that can break or wear out.
Toyota Camry Maintenance (10 Years)
| Service | Frequency | Cost Each | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil changes | Every 5,000 mi | $50 | $1,200 |
| Oil filter | Every 5,000 mi | Included | $0 |
| Air filter | Every 30,000 mi | $50 | $200 |
| Cabin filter | Every 25,000 mi | $40 | $200 |
| Spark plugs | 60,000 mi | $200 | $400 |
| Transmission fluid | 60,000 mi | $150 | $300 |
| Coolant flush | 100,000 mi | $150 | $150 |
| Brake pads | 50,000 mi | $350 | $700 |
| Brake rotors | 100,000 mi | $400 | $400 |
| Tires | 50,000 mi | $800 | $1,600 |
| Battery (12V) | ~5 years | $200 | $200 |
| Total | $5,350 |
Tesla Model 3 Maintenance (10 Years)
| Service | Frequency | Cost Each | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin filter | Every 2 years | $75 | $375 |
| Brake fluid | Every 4 years | $100 | $200 |
| A/C desiccant | 6 years | $100 | $100 |
| Tire rotation | 10,000 mi | $50 | $600 |
| Brake pads | 100,000+ mi | $400 | $400 |
| Tires | 40,000 mi | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Battery (12V) | ~5 years | $150 | $150 |
| Total | $4,325 |
Note on Tesla tires: EVs are heavier and have instant torque, which wears tires faster. I've budgeted for higher tire costs accordingly.
Maintenance Winner: Tesla by $1,025
Not as dramatic as fuel savings, but it adds up.
Insurance: The Tesla Tax
Here's where the Model 3 gives some back.
Teslas cost more to insure for several reasons:
Average Annual Premiums
Based on national averages for similar driver profiles:
| Year | Camry | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | $1,450 | $1,780 |
| 4-6 | $1,380 | $1,650 |
| 7-10 | $1,280 | $1,480 |
| 10-Year Total | $14,020 | $16,840 |
Insurance Winner: Camry by $2,820
Pro tip: Shop around aggressively for Tesla insurance. Rates vary wildly between companies. Tesla's own insurance product is often cheapest in states where it's available.
Depreciation: The Biggest Cost No One Talks About
Here's a truth bomb: depreciation is typically the single largest cost of car ownership. Bigger than fuel. Bigger than payments. It's the invisible drain on your wealth.
How Each Car Depreciates
| Year | Camry Value | % Retained | Model 3 Value | % Retained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $28,400 | 100% | $42,490 | 100% |
| 1 | $24,140 | 85% | $38,241 | 90% |
| 2 | $21,300 | 75% | $35,109 | 83% |
| 3 | $18,460 | 65% | $31,868 | 75% |
| 5 | $14,200 | 50% | $27,619 | 65% |
| 7 | $11,360 | 40% | $21,245 | 50% |
| 10 | $8,520 | 30% | $16,996 | 40% |
Depreciation Costs
Depreciation Winner: Camry by $5,614
BUT — and this is important — the Tesla retains a higher *percentage* of its value (40% vs 30%). If Tesla prices drop further, used values could follow. Conversely, if EVs become more desirable, the Model 3 could hold value even better.
Registration and Other Fees
A small category, but let's be complete:
| Fee Type | Camry (10 yr) | Model 3 (10 yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| EV fees (some states) | $0 | $500 |
| Inspections | $300 | $200 |
| Total | $1,500 | $2,200 |
Several states charge EVs an annual fee ($100-200) to compensate for lost gas tax revenue.
Fees Winner: Camry by $700
The Final Tally: 10-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Let's add it all up:
| Category | Camry | Model 3 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $28,400 | $42,490 | +$14,090 |
| Fuel/Energy | $15,052 | $5,164 | -$9,888 |
| Maintenance | $5,350 | $4,325 | -$1,025 |
| Insurance | $14,020 | $16,840 | +$2,820 |
| Depreciation | $19,880 | $25,494 | +$5,614 |
| Registration/Fees | $1,500 | $2,200 | +$700 |
| TOTAL | $84,202 | $96,513 | +$12,311 |
The Verdict: Camry wins by $12,311 over 10 years
Or does it?
Wait — The Variables Matter A LOT
That $12,311 gap is based on our baseline assumptions. Change a few numbers and the winner flips.
Scenario 1: High-Mileage Driver (20,000 mi/year)
| Category | Camry | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Energy | $25,087 | $8,607 |
| Maintenance | $7,500 | $5,800 |
| 10-Year Total | $95,427 | $97,531 |
Gap shrinks to just $2,104. Drive a bit more and Tesla wins.
Scenario 2: High Gas Prices ($4.50/gallon average)
| Category | Camry | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Energy | $19,353 | $5,164 |
| 10-Year Total | $88,503 | $96,513 |
Gap shrinks to $8,010.
Scenario 3: California Buyer with $4,500 State Rebate
| Category | Camry | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Net Purchase | $28,400 | $37,990 |
| 10-Year Total | $84,202 | $92,013 |
Gap shrinks to $7,811.
Scenario 4: All Three Combined
High mileage + high gas + California rebate:
Model 3 wins by $4,200.
The Intangibles: What Numbers Can't Capture
After running all these numbers, here's what I think really matters:
The Camry Experience
The Model 3 Experience
Many Model 3 owners say they could never go back to gas. Not because of savings — because of the driving experience. That's worth something, even if it doesn't show up in spreadsheets.
My Honest Recommendation
Buy the Camry if:
Buy the Model 3 if:
Run Your Own Numbers
Every situation is different. Your electricity rates, driving habits, and state incentives all affect the math.
Use our EV vs Gas Calculator to input your actual numbers and see a personalized comparison.
The best car isn't always the cheapest car. It's the one that fits your life.
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