07/01/2026
🚗 Ever wonder why gig driving can feel like you’re making less money than you think?
If you drive for apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or UberEats, it costs roughly 70 to 72 cents for every single mile you drive just to keep your car on the road.
This isn't a random number—it is the official benchmark set by the government (IRS) to measure the true cost of operating a vehicle for business.
If you are posting this to help other drivers understand their real earnings, here is how that 70+ cents breaks down:
1. The Immediate Costs (What you pay now)
Fuel: Gas takes a massive bite out of your earnings, usually costing 15 to 25 cents per mile.
Maintenance: Oil changes, new tires, and brake pads add up to about 5 to 10 cents per mile.
2. The Hidden Costs (What you pay later)
Depreciation: This is the silent killer of gig profits. Every mile you drive lowers your car's resale value. This loses you 15 to 25 cents per mile in vehicle value.
Extra Insurance: Normal car insurance doesn't cover commercial delivery or rideshare work. Rideshare policies add about 5 to 10 cents per mile.
Fees & Taxes: Registration, local inspections, and property taxes add another 2 to 5 cents per mile.
Why this matters for your taxes
The good news is that the government lets you write this money off. Instead of saving a mountain of receipts, you simply track your work miles and deduct the standard rate (currently 72.5 cents per mile for 2026) directly from your income.
If you drive 10,000 miles for work this year, that is a massive $7,250 deduction you don't have to pay income taxes on! Use a mileage tracking app so you don't leave this money on the table.
For even more financial wellbeing, go to https://goodfoodgoodfeels.com/save-now-save-later/
