You remember that $39,900 price tag Elon Musk flashed on a screen back in 2019? Yeah, forget it. That's gone. If you're looking to put a stainless steel triangle in your driveway today, the reality is a whole lot more expensive, and honestly, a bit more complicated than just a single sticker price.
The question of how much does Cybertruck cost isn't just about the MSRP anymore. Between the death of the cheap Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) trim, the "Foundation Series" markup, and the weird way Tesla handles lease hikes, the price you see on the website is usually just the starting line of a very long race.
The Current Menu: What You Can Actually Buy
Right now, Tesla has basically trimmed the fat. They realized that producing a "budget" version of a truck made of ultra-hard cold-rolled stainless steel was a logistical nightmare. So, they killed the entry-level RWD model that was supposed to start around $61,000.
If you want a Cybertruck in 2026, you're looking at two main flavors:
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- The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Dual Motor: This is the "standard" choice for most folks. It starts at $79,990. It’s got about 600 horsepower and can tow 11,000 pounds. It’s plenty fast, but it’s still an $80k pill to swallow.
- The Cyberbeast: This is the triple-motor monster. It starts at $114,990. For that extra $35,000, you’re getting the 2.6-second 0-60 mph time and the "Beast Mode" graphics on the screen.
Wait. There's a catch.
Most people don't just pay $79,990. Tesla has a habit of "bundling" things. For a long time, you could only get the Foundation Series, which tacked on a $20,000 premium for laser-etched badges and some early-access perks. While Tesla is moving away from that forced bundle, they’ve replaced it with other "must-have" costs that sneak up on you.
Taxes, Fees, and the "Invisible" Costs
When you’re calculating how much does Cybertruck cost, you have to look at the "Destination Fee." Tesla charges $1,995 just to get the truck from the factory to your delivery center. Then there’s the $250 order fee which is non-refundable.
Then comes the tax credit situation. This is where people get really frustrated.
The federal EV tax credit of $7,500 has a price cap. For trucks, that cap is $80,000. Do the math: the AWD model starts at $79,990. If you pick a single option—literally just a different set of tires or a white interior—you’ve pushed the price over $80,000 and you lose the $7,500 credit. That $2,000 "White Decor" interior upgrade actually costs you $9,500 in the long run because it kills your tax incentive.
How Much Does Cybertruck Cost to Lease?
Leasing is the new hotness for Tesla because the resale value of these trucks has been... well, volatile. Early on, people were flipping them for $200,000. Now? You can find used 2024 models for $70,000 if you look hard enough.
Because of that depreciation, lease prices have been jumping around. As of early 2026, a lease on a base AWD model is roughly $1,031 a month with about $5,000 down. Tesla actually threatened a massive lease price hike right around the 2025 holiday season, and they’ve stuck to it.
If you're looking at the Cyberbeast, expect that monthly payment to soar past $1,500. Honestly, at that point, you’re paying a mortgage for a truck that’s shaped like a low-poly fridge.
The Options That Bleed Your Wallet
Tesla doesn't have a traditional "options list" like Ford or Chevy, but the stuff they do offer is pricey.
- Full Self-Driving (Supervised): This is the big one. It’s currently $8,000. Some 2025 models had it bundled in for "free" as part of a Luxe Package, but usually, it's an extra line item.
- Range Extender: This is a literal extra battery pack that sits in the bed of the truck. It was supposed to cost around $16,000, but availability has been spotty. It’s a huge investment just to get closer to that 500-mile range promise that still feels like a reach.
- Terrestrial Armor Package: If you actually plan on taking this thing off-road, you’ll want the rock sliders and under-body protection. That’ll be another $3,000.
- The Home Power Setup: Tesla sells a Universal Home Charger and Gateway for $1,990. This allows the truck to power your house during a blackout. It’s cool, but it’s another two grand out of your pocket.
Why the Price Keeps Changing
Tesla’s pricing strategy is basically a mood ring. When demand is high, prices go up. When sales "crater" (as some industry analysts suggested in late 2025), they don't always lower the price—sometimes they just discontinue the cheap models to force you into the expensive ones.
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In late 2025, they actually raised the Cyberbeast price by $15,000 while adding the "Luxe Package" as standard. They claimed it simplified manufacturing. Critics claimed it was a way to hide a price hike on a low-volume vehicle.
The truth is, Tesla is struggling with "manufacturing complexity." Stainless steel is hard to work with. The scrap rate at Giga Texas has historically been higher than their other models. You, the buyer, are paying for that learning curve.
Used vs. New: The $20,000 Gap
If you’re asking how much does Cybertruck cost because you want the best deal, look at the used market.
Early adopters who paid $100,000+ for the Foundation Series are seeing their trade-in values tank. It’s not uncommon to see a year-old AWD Cybertruck with 10,000 miles selling for **$68,000 to $72,000**.
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Compare that to buying a brand new 2026 model for $82,000 (after destination fees). You're basically paying a $10,000 "new car smell" tax for a vehicle that looks identical to the one from two years ago.
Is It Actually Worth It?
Whether the Cybertruck is "worth it" depends on if you're buying a tool or a statement.
As a tool, it's expensive. A Ford F-150 Lightning or a Chevy Silverado EV often offers more "truck" utility—like more intuitive storage and better software for towing—for a similar or lower price. The Silverado EV, for instance, has a version that starts significantly lower and offers a much longer real-world range.
But you don't buy a Cybertruck to blend in. You buy it because it looks like it fell off a spaceship.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you're serious about pulling the trigger, don't just click "Order" on the website.
- Check the $80k Ceiling: If you want that $7,500 tax credit, you must keep the MSRP (before destination fees) under $80,000. That means a bare-bones AWD model with NO options. No fancy wheels. No white seats. Nothing.
- Monitor Inventory: Tesla often has "existing inventory" vehicles that might have small discounts or include FSD for a lower effective price.
- Get an Insurance Quote Early: This is the "hidden" cost nobody talks about. Some insurers are hesitant to cover the Cybertruck because the stainless steel panels are notoriously difficult and expensive to repair. Get a quote before you put down your non-refundable deposit.
- Evaluate Your Charging: If you don't have a 240V outlet in your garage, factor in another $1,000 to $2,500 for electrical work and the Tesla Wall Connector. This truck has a massive battery; charging it on a standard 120V wall plug is like trying to fill a swimming pool with a squirt gun.
The price of a Cybertruck isn't just the number on the sticker. It’s the sum of the trim you choose, the tax credits you might lose, and the infrastructure you need to actually drive the thing. Plan for $85,000 out the door for the "base" experience, and you won't be surprised.