Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas): 5-year cost to own in Delaware

Q: Is the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD or the Honda Accord LX (gas) cheaper to own over 5 years in Delaware?

The Honda Accord LX (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $38,570 vs $54,395 for the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD, a $15,825 difference over 5 years.

Q: How much more does the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD cost to buy than the Honda Accord LX (gas)?

The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD starts at $42,490 — $14,490 more than the Honda Accord LX (gas) ($28,000). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $15,825 in favor of the Honda Accord LX (gas).

Q: Which costs less per mile — the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD or the Honda Accord LX (gas)?

The Honda Accord LX (gas): $0.64 vs $0.91 per mile all-in ($643 vs $907 per month) in Delaware.

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 Delaware, the Honda Accord LX (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $38,570 vs $54,395 for the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD, a $15,825 difference over 5 years. Delaware's electricity (18.8¢/kWh, about level with the U.S. average) and $3.69/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 · DelawareHonda Accord LX (gas) · $38,570 total · $15,825 less than the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD

Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas) — where the money goes

5-year total cost of ownership by component, by vehicle (USD). Estimates; sources dated in the methodology.
Cost component	Electric · Tesla Model 3 Premium	Gas · Honda Accord LX
Depreciation (estimated)	$24,644 (45%)	$10,640 (28%)
Charging / fuel	$4,164 (8%)	$6,928 (18%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$500)	—
Maintenance	$3,660 (7%)	$5,100 (13%)
Insurance	$13,750 (25%)	$11,000 (29%)
Financing interest	$7,427 (14%)	$4,702 (12%)
Registration & fees	$750 (1%)	$200 (1%)
Total cost of ownership	$54,395	$38,570

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 Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD win?

Even at 30,000+ mi/yr or a 15-year hold, the Honda Accord LX (gas) stays cheaper here — its lower price and slower depreciation dominate. The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD is the pick mainly for reasons beyond 5-year cost (performance, emissions, HOV access, home-charging convenience).

Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas), side by side

Electric

Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD

5-yr total cost: $54,395
Cost / month: $907
Cost / mile: $0.91
MSRP: $42,490
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 25 kWh/100mi

Gas Lower 5-yr cost

Honda Accord LX (gas)

5-yr total cost: $38,570
Cost / month: $643
Cost / mile: $0.64
MSRP: $28,000
Powertrain: Gas
Efficiency: 32 mpg

Delaware electricity: 18.8¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (Delaware): $3.69/gal AAA

Change the miles, your state & either car

Full cost breakdowns

← Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas) (U.S. average)

FAQ

Is the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD or the Honda Accord LX (gas) cheaper to own over 5 years in Delaware?

The Honda Accord LX (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $38,570 vs $54,395 for the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD, a $15,825 difference over 5 years.

When does the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD become cheaper than the Honda Accord LX (gas)?

How much more does the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD cost to buy than the Honda Accord LX (gas)?

The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD starts at $42,490 — $14,490 more than the Honda Accord LX (gas) ($28,000). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $15,825 in favor of the Honda Accord LX (gas).

Which costs less per mile — the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD or the Honda Accord LX (gas)?

The Honda Accord LX (gas): $0.64 vs $0.91 per mile all-in ($643 vs $907 per month) in Delaware.