Here’s What It Costs to Charge a Tesla Monthly vs Using Gas for an Audi Q5
Written by
Tobi Opeyemi Amure
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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If you think going electric automatically means saving money, you’re not alone, but the real numbers might surprise you.
Between fluctuating utility rates, rising gas prices and regional Supercharger fees, the monthly cost gap between driving a Tesla and an Audi Q5 isn’t always as wide as people assume. Still, when you break it down with today’s national averages, one powertrain comes out clearly ahead.
Recent data from Kelley Blue Book and the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that U.S. electricity costs hit an average of 18.1 cents per kilowatt-hour, while gas prices hovered near $3.47 per gallon. Using those benchmarks, here’s what a Tesla’s monthly electric bill really looks like next to an Audi Q5’s fuel costs.
Charging a Tesla at Home
The average U.S. driver covers roughly 1,124 miles per month. For a Tesla Model 3 Long Range, that translates to about 29 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles, according to Car and Driver. At 18.1 cents per kWh, a full month of home charging runs roughly $59 to $65. Those who rely on overnight rates may pay even less.
But if you frequently use Tesla Superchargers, the numbers climb. The company’s network averages about 50 cents per kilowatt-hour nationally, bringing monthly costs closer to $120 for drivers who exclusively fast charge. Edmunds notes that pricing fluctuates by state, time of day, and membership status, so actual savings depend largely on charging habits, not just the sticker rate.
The Cost of Gas for an Audi Q5
Audi’s 2025 Q5 features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a combined fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, per U.S. News Cars. Using today’s national average of $3.47 per gallon from the EIA, that adds up to approximately $156 per month.
This assumes about 1,124 miles of driving, comparable to the Tesla example, but excludes premium fuel costs, which Audi recommends for optimal performance. Filling up with premium gas, averaging $3.97 per gallon, increases monthly spending to nearly $178. Even with better highway efficiency, stop-and-go commutes even out any savings fast.
So while the Q5 delivers luxury driving dynamics, it does so at more than double the running cost of charging a comparable Tesla at home.
Other Ownership Factors That Affect Costs
Charging convenience and time matter almost as much as cost. A Kelley Blue Book analysis explains that frequent fast charging can slightly raise electricity bills and shorten battery lifespan over the years of use. For most Tesla owners, though, home setups using 240-volt outlets are the most cost-effective option.
Gas owners, on the other hand, face additional variables, chiefly oil changes, engine maintenance and fluctuating prices tied to global events. Car and Driver notes that Audi’s recommended oil service alone costs roughly $150 per visit.
Electricity rates are generally steadier long term, and utilities continue offering EV-specific plans with discounted off-peak charging. Over time, those steady rates add predictability that gas prices simply can’t match.
Regional Price Differences
Neither fuel type has uniform costs nationwide. Drivers in California, for example, pay the highest residential electricity rates — about 29 cents per kilowatt-hour on average, according to EIA Electric Power Monthly. That puts monthly charging closer to $105, narrowing Tesla’s savings edge. Meanwhile, states like Texas and North Carolina, where rates average 14 to 15 cents, see costs closer to $50.
By comparison, Midwest and Southern drivers currently enjoy some of the cheapest fuel prices under $3 per gallon. Both vehicles shift in affordability depending on ZIP code, but electricity remains the steadier expense historically. And as utilities expand renewable generation sources, EV owners could see even more downward stability in costs, unlike gasoline, which fluctuates weekly.
Bottom Line
When you factor in everyday expenses, a Tesla remains significantly cheaper to power month-to-month than a gas Audi Q5. Home charging saves most drivers between $800 and $1,200 annually under current rates. Even frequent Supercharger users still come out ahead.
The EIA’s outlook forecasts flat electricity prices into 2026, while gasoline demand may cause short-term price spikes. Those consistent rates mean predictability and long-term value for EV buyers. Yet convenience remains personal, charging access, commute distances and weather all change the math.
Still, for most U.S. households, the numbers are clear: Paying a monthly “charging bill” of around $60 beats repeated $50 fill-ups. Electric might not feel entirely free, but compared to premium fuel, it’s as close as driving gets.
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