Ford F-150 Lightning Pro vs Tesla Cybertruck AWD: 5-year cost to own in California

Q: Is the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro or the Tesla Cybertruck AWD cheaper to own over 5 years in California?

The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro is cheaper from day one — about $74,240 over 5 years vs $91,629 for the Tesla Cybertruck AWD, a $17,389 difference.

Q: When does the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro become cheaper than the Tesla Cybertruck AWD?

At 12,000 mi/yr the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro is already the cheaper car — drive more or keep it longer and its lead only grows.

Q: How much more does the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro cost to buy than the Tesla Cybertruck AWD?

The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro starts at $54,780 — $25,210 less than the Tesla Cybertruck AWD ($79,990). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $17,389 in favor of the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro.

Q: Which costs less per mile — the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro or the Tesla Cybertruck AWD?

The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro: $1.24 vs $1.53 per mile all-in ($1,237 vs $1,527 per month) in California.

By the EVCostIQ research desk · reviewed against our public methodology · every source dated on this page

As of July 1, 2026, over 5 years in California, the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro is cheaper from day one — about $74,240 over 5 years vs $91,629 for the Tesla Cybertruck AWD, a $17,389 difference. California's electricity (35.3¢/kWh, 87% above the U.S. average) and $5.46/gal gas are fed straight into both totals. The expired federal $7,500 EV credit is not applied to either total.

Cheaper to own over 5 years · CaliforniaFord F-150 Lightning Pro · $74,240 total · $17,389 less than the Tesla Cybertruck AWD

Ford F-150 Lightning Pro vs Tesla Cybertruck AWD — where the money goes

5-year total cost of ownership by component, by vehicle (USD). Estimates; sources dated in the methodology.
Cost component	Electric · Ford F-150 Lightning Pro	Electric · Tesla Cybertruck AWD
Depreciation (estimated)	$31,225 (42%)	$45,434 (50%)
Charging / fuel	$14,997 (20%)	$13,435 (15%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$1,800)	12% (~$1,612)
Maintenance	$3,660 (5%)	$3,660 (4%)
Insurance	$13,750 (19%)	$13,750 (15%)
Financing interest	$9,738 (13%)	$14,480 (16%)
Registration & fees	$870 (1%)	$870 (1%)
Total cost of ownership	$74,240	$91,629

The charging-loss row is the ~10–15% of electricity lost to AC charging that you pay for but never reaches the battery — we include it; most calculators don't.

When does the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro win?

At 12,000 mi/yr the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro is already the cheaper car — drive more or keep it longer and its lead only grows.

Ford F-150 Lightning Pro vs Tesla Cybertruck AWD, side by side

Electric Lower 5-yr cost

Ford F-150 Lightning Pro

5-yr total cost: $74,240
Cost / month: $1,237
Cost / mile: $1.24
MSRP: $54,780
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 48 kWh/100mi

Electric

Tesla Cybertruck AWD

5-yr total cost: $91,629
Cost / month: $1,527
Cost / mile: $1.53
MSRP: $79,990
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 43 kWh/100mi

California electricity: 35.3¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (California): $5.46/gal AAA

Change the miles, your state & either car

Full cost breakdowns

← Ford F-150 Lightning Pro vs Tesla Cybertruck AWD (U.S. average)

FAQ

Is the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro or the Tesla Cybertruck AWD cheaper to own over 5 years in California?

The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro is cheaper from day one — about $74,240 over 5 years vs $91,629 for the Tesla Cybertruck AWD, a $17,389 difference.

When does the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro become cheaper than the Tesla Cybertruck AWD?

At 12,000 mi/yr the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro is already the cheaper car — drive more or keep it longer and its lead only grows.

How much more does the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro cost to buy than the Tesla Cybertruck AWD?

The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro starts at $54,780 — $25,210 less than the Tesla Cybertruck AWD ($79,990). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $17,389 in favor of the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro.

Which costs less per mile — the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro or the Tesla Cybertruck AWD?

The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro: $1.24 vs $1.53 per mile all-in ($1,237 vs $1,527 per month) in California.