How It Works
Three simple steps to get accurate calculations
1
Enter Vehicle Costs
Input purchase price, expected miles, and depreciation.
2
Add Operating Costs
Include fuel, tires, insurance, and maintenance.
3
Set Trip Averages
Define your average trip distance and payout.
4
See True Profit
View cost per mile and real profit per trip.
Loading Rideshare Vehicle Cost per Mile Calculator...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real cost per mile for Uber/Lyft drivers?
True cost: $0.40-0.70 per mile for most vehicles. Breakdown: Depreciation $0.10-0.15, fuel $0.10-0.15, maintenance $0.05-0.10, insurance $0.05-0.10, tires $0.02-0.03. The IRS rate ($0.67) is a good estimate.
Why is depreciation important for rideshare?
Depreciation is your biggest hidden cost. A $25K car driven 150K miles in rideshare costs $0.17/mile just in depreciation. That's $8.50 on a 50-mile trip. Most drivers ignore this until they need a new car.
What MPG should I target for rideshare?
Target 30+ MPG minimum. At $3.50/gallon: 25 MPG = $0.14/mile fuel, 35 MPG = $0.10/mile, 50 MPG = $0.07/mile. Hybrids save $0.04-0.07/mile in fuel alone, which adds up to $1,500+/year at 30K miles.
What's a good profit per mile for rideshare?
Target $0.30-0.50/mile net profit (after ALL costs). If you earn $1.00/mile gross and costs are $0.55/mile, you net $0.45. Under $0.25/mile, you're barely making minimum wage.
Should I accept low-paying trips?
Reject trips paying under your cost per mile. If costs are $0.55/mile and a trip pays $0.40/mile, you lose $0.15/mile. Factor in deadhead (return) miles - a 10-mile trip needs 20 miles of value if no return trip.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Consult professionals for important decisions.