Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas): 5-year cost to own in Florida
As of July 1, 2026, over 5 years in Florida, the Honda Accord LX (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $38,756 vs $53,120 for the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD, a $14,364 difference over 5 years. Florida's electricity (15.4¢/kWh, 18% below the U.S. average) and $3.78/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 · FloridaHonda Accord LX (gas) · $38,756 total · $14,364 less than the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD
Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas) — where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · Tesla Model 3 Premium | Gas · Honda Accord LX |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | $24,644 (46%) | $10,640 (27%) |
| Charging / fuel | $3,408 (6%) | $7,084 (18%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~$409) | — |
| Maintenance | $3,660 (7%) | $5,100 (13%) |
| Insurance | $13,750 (26%) | $11,000 (28%) |
| Financing interest | $7,427 (14%) | $4,702 (12%) |
| Registration & fees | $231 (0%) | $231 (1%) |
| Total cost of ownership | $53,120 | $38,756 |
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
Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD
- 5-yr total cost
- $53,120
- Cost / month
- $885
- Cost / mile
- $0.89
- MSRP
- $42,490
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 25 kWh/100mi
Honda Accord LX (gas)
- 5-yr total cost
- $38,756
- Cost / month
- $646
- Cost / mile
- $0.65
- MSRP
- $28,000
- Powertrain
- Gas
- Efficiency
- 32 mpg
- Florida electricity
- 15.4¢/kWh EIA
- Gas price (Florida)
- $3.78/gal AAA
Full cost breakdowns
← Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas) (U.S. average)