So, you’re looking at that stainless steel wedge and wondering if your bank account can handle the hit. Honestly, the answer to how much does the tesla cybertruck cost has been a moving target since the day Elon Musk first smashed those "armor glass" windows on stage. Back then, we were promised a $40,000 truck.
Spoiler alert: that’s not happening.
If you want one today, in early 2026, you’re looking at a much steeper point of entry. The days of the "cheap" Cybertruck are basically over, at least for now. Tesla has a habit of shuffling their lineup like a deck of cards, and right now, the deck is stacked toward the high-end performance models.
The Current Price Tags (No More Guesswork)
Let’s get straight to the numbers. As of right now, if you head over to the Tesla configurator, you’re basically looking at two main choices because the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version has been playing a disappearing act.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): This is the "standard" version most people are actually buying. It starts around $79,990.
- Cyberbeast: The three-motor monster that beats Porsches in a drag race while towing a boat. This one will set you back roughly $114,990.
Now, keep in mind those are the base "MSRP" numbers. They don't include the destination fee (usually another $1,990) or the order fee. And they definitely don’t include the "Foundation Series" markup if you happen to find a leftover unit from that initial production run, which could easily add another $20,000 to the bill.
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The $61,000 RWD model? Tesla briefly listed a "Long Range RWD" for about $69,990 in 2025, but they’ve since pulled it from the main order page. If you’re waiting for a Cybertruck that costs less than a loaded Ford F-150 Lightning, you might be waiting a long, long time.
Why the Price Keeps Jumping
It’s easy to get frustrated with the price hikes. But there’s some logic to it—sorta.
The Cybertruck is notoriously hard to build. That 30X cold-rolled stainless steel body isn't just for show; it requires massive "Giga Press" machines and a completely different assembly process than a normal car. Tesla also keeps tweaking the specs. For instance, the dual-motor AWD version now has an estimated range of 325 miles, which is a bit of a climb-down from the 500-mile dream we were sold years ago.
You’ve also got to account for the "Range Extender." This was supposed to be a toolbox-sized battery that sits in the bed. Last we checked, it was priced at an estimated $16,000, though it’s been flickering in and out of availability. If you add that to a Cyberbeast, you’re suddenly driving a $130,000 truck that still doesn't quite hit that original 500-mile mark.
Tax Credits: The 2026 Reality Check
Here is the kicker that most people miss. For a while, the Cybertruck was the poster child for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. But the rules changed fast.
Under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passed recently, federal tax credits for electric vehicles were effectively phased out as of late 2025. Unless you took delivery before the September 30 cut-off last year, you’re probably paying full freight. No more $7,500 "discount" from Uncle Sam to soften the blow of that $80,000 sticker price.
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Some states still offer their own rebates—think California or Colorado—but the big federal subsidy is gone. You’re on your own now.
Options That Eat Your Wallet
When you're figuring out how much does the tesla cybertruck cost, don’t just look at the base price. Tesla loves their add-ons.
- Full Self-Driving (FSD): This is the big one. It currently costs $8,000 as a one-time purchase, though most people just subscribe for $99 a month. Honestly, on a truck this size, the auto-parking features are kind of a lifesaver.
- Terrestrial Armor Package: If you actually plan on taking this thing off-road, you’ll want the rock sliders and underbody protection. That’s another $3,000.
- Home Charging: Don't forget the Universal Wall Connector. It’s about $580, but the installation can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 depending on how old your house's electrical panel is.
- The Powershare Gateway: If you want the truck to power your house during a blackout—one of its coolest features—the gateway hardware is about $1,990 plus installation.
Real World Cost vs. "Gas Savings"
Tesla used to include "after-savings" pricing on their website, which showed the price after you accounted for how much gas you’d save over five years. It made the truck look $10,000 cheaper.
Don't fall for that.
While you definitely save money on fuel—especially if you charge at home at night—your insurance premium will likely be much higher than a normal truck. Insurance companies are still terrified of that stainless steel body because if you dent it, you can't just "bondo" it. You often have to replace the whole panel.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People think the Cyberbeast is the only way to go. It isn't. Honestly, the AWD model is plenty fast for 99% of people. It hits 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. In a truck that weighs 6,600 pounds, that’s plenty to make your passengers scream. Unless you absolutely need to win every stoplight drag race, saving the $35,000 gap between the AWD and the Beast is the smarter play.
Also, be wary of the used market. For a while, people were flipping these for $200,000. That bubble has mostly popped. If you see a "used" 2024 model for $100k, realize you might be buying someone else's headache or a truck that’s missing the latest hardware updates.
Your Next Steps
If you’re serious about pulling the trigger, here is exactly what you should do before handing over your non-refundable $250 order fee:
Check your local utility company's website. Many of them still offer rebates for home charger installations that the federal government no longer provides. Next, call your insurance agent. Give them the VIN of a similar Cybertruck (you can find them on used car sites) and get a real quote. You might find the monthly insurance cost changes your mind about which trim level you can afford. Finally, if you need the range, keep an eye on the Range Extender availability—it’s the only way to get close to 450 miles, but it will eat a third of your truck bed.