Cars / Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S depreciation in USA
A Tesla Model S loses about 21.6% of its value per year in USA. Buy one new for $75,000 and after 3 years it's worth roughly $36,118 (48% retained); after 5 years, about $22,191 (30%). Driving more than ~12,000 miles/year pushes resale lower.
By USA standards the Tesla Model S is among the faster-depreciating models, with steep losses in the early years, which is exactly what tips a buy-vs-rent decision one way or the other over a few years of ownership.
So should you buy it or rent it? At default assumptions the break-even long-term rental rate is about $1,855/month: rent below that and renting wins; above it, buying wins. Your price, financing, and mileage move this number, so run yours:
Buying wins · over 3 years
$0
cheaper than renting, all costs in.
Break-even rent: $1,855/month. Below that, rent; above it, buy.
If you buy: $66,774 total
| Down payment / cash price | $75,000 |
| Sales tax | $5,250 |
| Insurance | $8,094 |
| Registration | $750 |
| Maintenance | $2,992 |
| Opportunity cost of capital | $9,000 |
| Resale value (credit) | −$34,312 |
Expected resale, net of selling costs: $34,312 (range $30,402 to $39,536)
If you rent: $75,240 total
| Rental payments | $75,240 |
Fuel and tolls are excluded on both sides; you pay them either way.
Tesla Model S depreciation in USA, by the numbers
| Estimated new price | $75,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual depreciation rate | 21.6% per year |
| Estimated value after 1 year | $58,787 (78% retained) |
| Estimated value after 2 years | $46,079 (61% retained) |
| Estimated value after 3 years | $36,118 (48% retained) |
| Estimated value after 5 years | $22,191 (30% retained) |
| Typical resale range at 3 years | $32,002 to $41,617 |
| Break-even rent (default assumptions) | $1,855/month |
| Data behind this curve | calibrated estimate · 69 data points · R² 0.97 |
Figures assume a new purchase at typical mileage. The calculator above lets you set your actual price, age, odometer, financing, and holding period.
Frequently asked
How much does a Tesla Model S depreciate per year in USA?
Roughly 21.6% per year, based on our calibrated market model. Higher-than-average mileage accelerates the loss.
What will a Tesla Model S be worth after 3 years?
Around 48% of what you paid, about $36,118 on a $75,000 car at typical mileage (with a realistic range either side; we show a 10-90% band, not a single false-precision number).
Should I buy or rent a Tesla Model S in USA?
It hinges on the monthly rental rate you can get. At default assumptions (3 years, cash, 12,000 miles/year, 7% sales tax), the break-even is about $1,855/month: if you can rent below that, renting wins; above it, buying wins. Use the calculator to plug in your actual numbers.
Curve fit: calibrated estimate · n = 69 · R² = 0.97 · updated 2026-07-12 · methodology