The least expensive vehicle to operate in 2025

A conventional bicycle is the least expensive vehicle to operate, with an electric bicycle a close second; among road‑legal passenger cars, a small battery‑electric vehicle charged mostly at home (off‑peak) typically delivers the lowest per‑mile operating costs. What counts as “least expensive” depends on whether you’re tallying only the day‑to‑day running costs (energy and routine maintenance) or the full cost of ownership, including depreciation, insurance, taxes and fees.

How “least expensive” is measured

Before ranking vehicles, it’s important to define what we mean by operating cost. In consumer reports and industry analyses, two lenses are commonly used: variable running costs and total cost of ownership (TCO). Understanding both helps match the answer to your situation and your market’s energy prices.

• Energy or fuel: Electricity (¢/kWh) or gasoline/diesel ($/gal), plus efficiency (miles per kWh or miles per gallon).
• Routine maintenance and consumables: Tires, brake pads, chains/belts, oil (for combustion engines), filters.
• Depreciation: The largest single cost for most new vehicles—the loss in value over time.
• Insurance: Highly variable by driver, location, and vehicle type.
• Taxes, registration, and fees: Annual or biennial costs; some areas add road‑use fees for EVs.
• Financing: Interest if you borrow to purchase.
• Parking and tolls: Location‑specific but material in urban areas.

In everyday conversation, people often mean energy plus basic maintenance when they say “operate.” For a complete picture, factor in depreciation and insurance; these can dwarf the energy cost in a new car.

Cheapest to operate by category

Ranked from lowest to higher day‑to‑day operating costs (energy plus routine wear), here’s where the savings tend to be in 2025, assuming typical U.S. prices for electricity (about 16–17¢/kWh at home) and gasoline (roughly $3.50–$4.00/gal), and moderate driving habits.

1. Bicycle (analog): Essentially no fuel cost; minimal maintenance. For short trips, nothing beats it on cost.
2. Electric bicycle: Typical energy use ~20–25 Wh/mile. At 16¢/kWh, that’s about 0.3–0.4 cents per mile; light maintenance adds a little.
3. Small scooter or motorcycle (e.g., 125–300 cc): Many achieve 70–100+ mpg. At $3.75/gal, fuel runs about 3.8–5.4 cents/mile; tires and service are modest but higher than a bicycle/e‑bike.
4. Small battery‑electric car (home charging): Efficiency ~3.5–4.5 miles/kWh. At 16–17¢/kWh, energy costs about 3.6–4.9 cents/mile. Maintenance is generally lower than gas cars (no oil changes), though tires can offset some of the savings. Public fast charging (30–45¢/kWh) raises costs.
5. Hybrid car (e.g., high‑efficiency hatchback/sedan): Real‑world 50–57 mpg is common; at $3.75/gal, fuel is about 6.6–7.5 cents/mile, with modest maintenance.
6. Efficient gasoline compact: Around 32–38 mpg combined; fuel runs roughly 9.9–11.7 cents/mile at $3.75/gal; maintenance is routine but more frequent than for EVs.

If you include depreciation and insurance (full TCO), small sedans and small EVs tend to be the least expensive new cars to own, while large SUVs and pickups are the most expensive. Buying used can flip the script by slashing depreciation, though you’ll trade for higher maintenance risk.

What it costs per mile: quick reference

Electric bicycle: At 0.02–0.03 kWh/mile on residential electricity at ~16–17¢/kWh, energy is roughly $0.0003–$0.0005 per mile (a fraction of a cent). Even with periodic tires, brake pads, and a chain, total day‑to‑day costs remain extremely low relative to motor vehicles.

Small battery‑electric car: At 4 mi/kWh and 16.5¢/kWh home rates, energy is about 4.1 cents/mile. Using fast chargers at 35¢/kWh pushes that to ~8.8 cents/mile. Maintenance tends to be lower than in combustion cars (no oil, fewer moving parts), but tires and brake service still apply.

Hybrid car: At 55 mpg and $3.75/gal, fuel is ~6.8 cents/mile. Hybrids often score well on reliability, keeping maintenance predictable.

125 cc scooter: At 95 mpg and $3.75/gal, fuel is ~3.9 cents/mile. Insurance can be inexpensive, but safety gear and seasonal limits matter.

Examples of low-cost choices in each category

Specific models vary by market and availability. The examples below illustrate types that commonly deliver low operating costs; always verify local pricing, incentives, and insurance rates.

• Bicycle/e‑bike: A quality city/commuter bike or a Class 1–2 e‑bike (250–750 W) from reputable brands; look for mid‑range components for durability and serviceability.
• Small scooter/motorcycle: 125–150 cc city scooters (e.g., Honda PCX, Yamaha Zuma/Janus equivalents) known for 80–100+ mpg and low upkeep.
• Small battery‑electric car: Efficient models such as the Nissan Leaf (where available), Hyundai Kona Electric, Mini Cooper SE, and the Chevrolet Bolt (announced to return for the 2025 model year). Charging mostly at home at off‑peak rates keeps costs lowest.
• High‑efficiency hybrid: Toyota Prius and Corolla Hybrid are consistent benchmarks for fuel economy and reliability; similar compact hybrids from other brands are competitive.
• Efficient gasoline compact: Well‑rated economy sedans/hatchbacks with 32–38 mpg combined can be inexpensive to run, especially as used purchases with low insurance costs.

Model availability and pricing change quickly; check current dealer listings, manufacturer announcements, and local incentives to confirm what’s most cost‑effective in your area.

What could change the answer for you

The “least expensive” vehicle can shift with your location and usage. Electricity and gasoline prices vary widely by region; home charging access is a major swing factor for EV economics; and insurance premiums can outweigh energy savings for some drivers. Climate, road conditions, and mileage also influence maintenance and tire wear.

How to minimize operating costs regardless of vehicle

Whatever you drive or ride, smart habits can materially reduce your ongoing costs. The following strategies address the biggest levers most owners control.

• Charge or fuel smartly: For EVs, charge at home and schedule off‑peak hours; for gas vehicles, use stations with consistently lower prices and avoid premium fuel unless required.
• Drive efficiently: Smooth acceleration, lower cruising speeds, and anticipating stops can cut energy use by 10–30%.
• Maintain tires: Keep pressures at spec and rotate on schedule; low rolling‑resistance tires save energy.
• Reduce drag and weight: Remove roof racks and unnecessary cargo when not needed.
• Shop insurance: Compare quotes yearly and adjust coverage/ deductibles to your risk tolerance.
• Right‑size the vehicle: Choose the smallest, most efficient vehicle that meets your real needs; buying used can dramatically cut depreciation.

Combining efficient equipment with efficient habits typically delivers the biggest, most reliable reductions in your cost per mile.

Bottom line

If your goal is the lowest operating cost, a bicycle—or, for longer urban trips, an e‑bike—wins by a wide margin. If you need a car, a small battery‑electric vehicle charged mostly at home is usually the least expensive to run day‑to‑day, with efficient hybrids close behind, especially where electricity is costly or home charging isn’t practical. Factor in depreciation and insurance to see the true picture for your situation.

Summary

A bicycle is the least expensive vehicle to operate; an e‑bike is next. Among road‑legal cars, small battery‑electric models charged at home generally offer the lowest per‑mile operating costs, while high‑efficiency hybrids are a strong alternative where electricity is expensive or home charging is limited. Local energy prices, insurance, and depreciation can change the ranking, so consider both variable costs and total cost of ownership before deciding.

What is the least expensive car to operate?

The cheapest cars to run, based on overall annual costs of fuel and insurance, often include models like the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa, and the Toyota Corolla, with the Honda Fit being highlighted for its impressive fuel efficiency and low running costs. Other reliable and affordable options are the Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, and Honda Civic. 
Key Factors in Low Running Costs:

• Fuel Economy: Opens in new tabVehicles with high miles per gallon (MPG) have lower annual fuel expenses. 
• Affordable Insurance: Opens in new tabMany budget-friendly subcompact and compact cars have low insurance premiums. 
• Low Maintenance Costs: Opens in new tabCars known for their reliability, like the Toyota Corolla, tend to have cheaper and less frequent maintenance needs. 
• Affordable Parts: Opens in new tabFor models like the Chevrolet Spark, the availability of cheap and easily replaceable parts contributes to lower repair costs. 

Examples of Specific Models:

• Honda Fit: Opens in new tabKnown for its impressive fuel efficiency (around $2,830 in gas costs annually), low insurance costs, and versatile interior with its “Magic Seat”. 
• Chevrolet Spark: Opens in new tabA very small subcompact car that is inexpensive to buy, fuel-efficient, and has low maintenance costs due to the affordability of its parts. 
• Mitsubishi Mirage: Opens in new tabA subcompact hatchback that is among the last of its kind, offering excellent fuel economy and a low entry price. 
• Nissan Versa: Opens in new tabCombines affordable pricing with good fuel economy, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. 
• Toyota Corolla: Opens in new tabA benchmark for reliability with low maintenance costs, making it a dependable and practical choice for basic transportation. 
• Hyundai Elantra & Kia Forte: Opens in new tabThese sedans are also noted for their affordability and efficiency, making them cost-effective to run. 

What is the cheapest but most reliable car?

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are consistently cited as excellent choices for the cheapest but most reliable cars, particularly in their older model years, offering exceptional longevity, low annual repair costs, and strong resale value. For newer, budget-friendly vehicles, the Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Trax offer low entry prices with modern features and decent fuel economy. 
For a Used, Budget-Friendly Car

• Honda Civic: Opens in new tabA very popular choice, older models (like the 2006-2011 generation) are known for their exceptional reliability, achieving over 200,000 miles with minimal maintenance. They have low average annual repair costs and strong fuel economy, making them a very affordable option. 
• Toyota Corolla: Opens in new tabAnother highly reliable and consistent choice, especially in its used form, offering long-term dependability. 
• Toyota Camry & Honda Accord: Opens in new tabAlso consistently ranked for quality and consistency, these are safe, dependable, and reliable choices if you are looking at slightly larger used sedans under $10,000. 

For a New, Budget-Friendly Car

• Nissan Versa: Opens in new tabConsidered one of the cheapest new cars available, it offers excellent fuel economy, modern styling, and a good array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking. 
• Chevrolet Trax: Opens in new tabThis redesigned model offers a stylish and shapely design at a very low entry price, making it an appealing new option that drives well. 

Key Considerations for Reliability and Affordability

• Maintenance History: For used cars, a detailed maintenance record is crucial to ensure long-term reliability. 
• Resale Value: Cars like the Civic and Corolla also hold their value well, which adds to their overall affordability over time. 
• Fuel Economy: Good fuel efficiency, like that found in the Civic and Versa, significantly reduces ownership costs. 

What is the cheapest vehicle to run?

The Dacia Sandero is one of the cheapest family cars to run, thanks to its low purchase price, strong fuel efficiency, and minimal maintenance costs.

What car can I get for $100 a month?

For a monthly car payment of around $100, you’ll likely need to look at used cars or very inexpensive, entry-level new models, possibly through specialized promotions. While a monthly payment of $100 is exceptionally low for most new vehicles, particularly in the current market, some dealers or finance companies may offer deals on older or used models through a lease or a very long-term loan, but this will depend on your credit, down payment, and local market availability. 
Factors to Consider

• Used vs. New: Most vehicles at $100/month will be older, used models, like the older Chevrolet Silverado mentioned in one advertisement. New vehicles will typically have much higher monthly payments. 
• Location: The availability of deals varies greatly by region and country. Deals are more likely to be found in markets with specific, low-cost vehicles, such as those sold in the UK. 
• Financing Terms: A longer loan term will lower your monthly payment, but it will increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan. 
• Credit Score: A higher credit score will generally qualify you for better interest rates, which lowers your monthly payment. 
• Down Payment: A larger down payment can significantly reduce the overall amount you need to finance, making a lower monthly payment possible. 

How to Find a $100/Month Car

1. Check Dealerships: Visit or contact local dealerships to inquire about any special promotions or leases on older, used, or entry-level models.
2. Look for Specific Promotions: Search online for “car lease deals under $100” or “cheap car finance deals” to see if any local or national offers fit your needs. 
3. Consider a Longer Loan Term: While not always advisable due to higher interest costs, a longer repayment period can help meet a strict $100 budget.