Between high gas prices and greenhouse gas emissions, it’s no wonder so many Americans have turned to electric vehicles. One recent Gallup poll even found that half of consumers have already either bought (7%) or would consider buying (44%) an electric vehicle.
One of the most popular options is a Tesla, a pioneer in the EV field. But is purchasing a Tesla worth the cost, especially when compared to a gas-powered sedan like the Nissan Sentra?
Trending Now: I’m a Mechanic — 6 Electric Vehicles I Would Buy and Why They Are Worth It
For You: 4 Housing Markets That Have Plummeted in Value Over the Past 5 Years
The answer depends on several factors, including your driving habits, where you live and the exact vehicle you purchase. Here’s a breakdown of what it costs to drive a Tesla monthly compared to a Nissan Sentra.
Typical Tesla Charging Costs
The cost of charging a Tesla depends on the model you choose. Using data from the Energy Information Administration, EnergySage estimated the cost of a full charge to be anywhere from $10.95 to $17.99.
The Tesla Model 3 costs the least to charge, while Models X and S cost the most (at $17.99 and $17.83, respectively). The average charging cost per mile is 4.56 cents.
Take the Tesla Model X as an example.
According to Tesla, this vehicle gets an EPA-estimated range of 352 miles at full charge. The average person drives an average of 1,123 monthly (or 13,476 miles a year). Assuming you drive the average amount, you’d need to charge the Model X three times a month. This means you’d spend around $54 monthly in charging costs ($17.99 times three).
Discover More: Here’s What It Costs To Charge a Tesla Monthly vs. Using Gas for a Honda Civic
Now, take the Tesla Model 3, which has the lowest charging costs and an estimated 357 miles per charge. You’d have to charge it just as frequently, but you’d be looking at closer to $33 in monthly charging costs.
As an aside, NRG Clean Power estimates the typical EV loses up to 10% of energy per charge. It’s also recommended to keep your vehicle plugged in during long periods of nonuse, like overnight.
Superchargers also cost anywhere from 24 cents to 48 cents per kWh, depending on location and time of day, per EnergySage. You could save by installing an at-home charger, but these devices cost between $300 and $650, not including installation.
Typical Nissan Sentra Fuel Costs
According to the official website, the 2025 Nissan Sentra has the following fuel economy:
- 30 MPG in the city (all models)
- 38 MPG on the highway (SR FWD and SR Midnight Edition FWD)
- 40 MPG on the highway (S FWD and SV FWD)
Depending on which model you choose, you can get up to 34 or 35 MPG in combined fuel economy rating.
Now, assume you drive the typical 1,123 miles a month. Using the national average gas price of $3.188 (as of Sept. 12, 2025), here’s what filling up at the tank would cost each month:
- 1,123 ÷ 34 MPG = 33.02 gallons
- 33.02 gallons x $3.188 = $105.27 monthly fuel costs
Fuel prices are significantly higher in some states, such as along the West Coast and Alaska, so expect to spend more if you live in one of those states. Fuel costs tend to be lower in the southeastern region.
Other Cost Considerations
Assuming typical driving habits, a Tesla could cost you anywhere from $33 to $54 a month to keep charged. In comparison, a Nissan Sentra costs closer to $105. That’s $51 to $72 more per month.
But there are other costs to consider, such as maintenance, insurance and the sticker price. For example, the 2025 Nissan Sentra S FWD starts at $21,590. The Tesla 3, a similar-sized sedan, starts at around $44,130.
That said, you might save on maintenance with a Tesla since there are fewer oil changes and other moving parts to deal with.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Oct. 15, 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.
More From GOBankingRates
- 9 Costco Items Retirees Need To Buy Ahead of Fall
- 5 Ways 'Loud Budgeting' Can Make You Richer, According to Vivian Tu
- How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region
- 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here’s What It Costs To Charge a Tesla Monthly vs. Using Gas for a Nissan Sentra
