Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model 3: cost to own in California
Electricity & gas updated · California averages (estimates)
Over five years in California, the 2026 Tesla Model Y costs about $49,272 to own versus $46,455 for the Tesla Model 3 — a gap of roughly $2,800 in the Tesla Model 3's favor. The biggest swing is depreciation ($26,094 vs $24,219); on energy, the Model Y is rated 28 kWh/100mi against the Model 3's 25. Both use California's average electricity rate here — open either model's California page for the full calculator and your utility's time-of-use plan.
Over 5 years in California, the Tesla Model 3 costs about $2,800 less to own.
Tesla Model Y
$49,300
5-yr cost to own · $9,850/yr
Tesla Model 3
$46,500
5-yr cost to own · $9,290/yr
5-year cost breakdown
| 5-year cost | Tesla Model Y | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (5 yr) | $26,094 | $24,219 |
| Energy (5 yr) | $6,453 | $5,761 |
| Insurance (5 yr) | $14,600 | $14,600 |
| Maintenance (5 yr) | $3,250 | $3,000 |
| Registration (5 yr) | $875 | $875 |
| Incentives | − $2,000 | − $2,000 |
| 5-year total cost to own | $49,272 | $46,455 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Model Y or the Model 3 cheaper to own in California?
- Over five years the Tesla Model 3 is cheaper — about $46,455 versus $49,272 for the Model Y, a difference of roughly $2,800 once depreciation, energy, insurance, maintenance, and fees are counted.
- Which is more efficient, the Model Y or the Model 3?
- The Model Y is rated 28 kWh/100mi and the Model 3 25 kWh/100mi (lower is better), so annual charging runs about $1,291 vs $1,152 at California rates.
- How accurate is this Model Y vs Model 3 comparison?
- Electricity prices come from EIA data refreshed monthly; depreciation, insurance, and incentives are estimates you can edit on each model's state page. Treat it as a ballpark for comparison, not a quote.