Is a motorcycle cheaper than a car?

Are motorcycles cheaper than cars?

Motorcycles are generally cheaper than cars, both in terms of purchase price and the cost to own and maintain.

A new 2026 Yamaha XSR700 with anti-lock brakes and an estimated 58 miles per gallon starts at $8,599. One of the most affordable new cars, the 2026 Hyundai Venue, starts at $21,695 and has an estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg.

The savings on gas can be dramatic as well. Mileage on bikes usually starts around 50-60 mpg, so unless you are driving a Prius, a two-wheeler will usually cut your fuel bill in half.

However, you still have to pay for maintenance, tires, safety classes and equipment, all of which adds up for new motorcycle owners.

Motorcycle vs. car annual cost of ownership comparison

Annual cost of owning a motorcycle vs. a car in 2026
Cost	Motorcycle (annual estimate)	Car (annual estimate)
Purchase price, based on a 60-month loan at 6% interest	$1,992 (based on the $8,599 entry price)	$5,032 (based on the $21,695 entry price)
Insurance	$250 to $1,500	$511 to $1,682
Maintenance	$500- $2,500	$400 to $1,200
Tires	$150 to $400 per tire (2 tires)	$50-$1,000 per tire (4 tires)
Fuel costs, based on avg, gas price of $3.84/gallon, 12,000 miles annually	$768 at 60 mpg	$1,707 at 27 mpg

Sources: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Progressive Insurance, Insurance.com (Quadrant Information Services), Eagle Leather, ConsumerAffairs, Firestone

How much is motorcycle insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is significantly cheaper than car insurance in every state comparison on this page. Progressive's average motorcycle policy ranges from $164 a year in North Dakota to $244 a year in Michigan; the average cost of car insurance in North Dakota is $2,439 a year and in Michigan, it’s $3,964 for full coverage, based on Insurance.com data.

The average cost of a full coverage car insurance policy nationwide is $2,578 or $215 a month, while a state minimum policy averages $738 a year or $62 a month.

Rates will vary widely by company and by the type of bike; it’s important to shop around and compare rates to find the best price for you. But, in general, insurance for a motorcycle is significantly cheaper than a car.

Are there motorcycle insurance discounts?

Discounts can help drive insurance costs down, some of which are specific to bikes.

Glenn Greenberg, director of business operations & financial communications at Liberty Mutual, says, "We offer a motorcycle safety course discount, as well as discounts for safety features such as anti-theft systems and anti-lock braking."

There's a reason insurance companies offer discounts for anti-lock brake systems (ABS): They save lives and prevent claims. The rate of fatal crashes for ABS-equipped bikes is 31% lower than for those without, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

If you're a newbie, ABS is even more important. Claims during the first 90 days of an insured rider's policy drop 30% with ABS compared to an otherwise identical model, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In the second three months, as riders grow more accustomed to their bikes, the advantage shrinks to 19%.

If you are a homeowner, a motorcycle policy typically will net you a home and auto bundling discount as well.

The other costs of owning a motorcycle

A training class is essential for new riders, and in some states it's required. Matthew Jacobs, motorcycle product manager with Progressive, recommends taking a motorcycle endorsement class early on in the decision- making process.

"Making sure that you are a confident and safe driver is very important," Jacobs says.

Budget approximately $300 for a motorcycle training class, though costs vary by state and provider.

Probably the most expensive piece of equipment will be the one protecting your head. A solid middle-of-the-road helmet will run $300 to $600. You will need two of these if you plan on hauling a passenger from time to time.

Covering the rest of your body with a jacket, boots, gloves and leathers can easily run another $600. Figure an extra $200 for rain gear if you plan on riding in less-than-stellar weather.

Motorcycle maintenance

The average annual cost of motorcycle maintenance ranges from $500 to $2,500 annually, according to Eagle Leather, a motorcycle gear specialist. The costs break down as follows, and depend on how much you ride and the type of bike you have:

Oil and filter changes: $30-$100 (every 3,000-5,000 miles)
Tires: $150-$400/tire (needed after 5,000 to 15,000 miles)
Brake pads: $30-$100/set (every 10,000-20,000 miles)
Chain and sprockets: $150-$400 (needed after 15,000-30,000 miles)
Battery: $50-$200 (every 2-5 years)
Fluids: $10-$100 (as needed)
Valve adjustments: $200-$800 (needed after 15,000-30,000 miles)

The increased risks of riding a motorcycle

The data is clear: motorcycles are significantly more dangerous than cars, accounting for 14% of all traffic fatalities while representing only 3% of registered vehicles, according to the National Safety Council.

NHTSA data show that 51% of fatally injured motorcycle riders in 2023 were not wearing helmets in states without universal helmet laws.

All bikers should also consider medical payments coverage.

“This will pay for your immediate medical expenses from an accident whether or not you are at fault and could be beneficial if you lack proper health insurance coverage,” Greenberg says.

Even if you have health insurance, medical payments can help with the deductibles and copays, and it covers some things health insurance won't, like ambulance fees, dental or funeral expenses.

Greenberg says the likelihood of more severe injuries means it's a good idea to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, too, in case the driver who hits you doesn't have insurance or high enough limits to pay your bills.

Sources: