How much does it cost to drive a taxi? Comprehensive analysis of costs and benefits
In recent years, the market demand for online ride-hailing and traditional taxis has continued to grow, with many people considering entering this industry. But how much does it really cost to drive a taxi? This article will conduct a structured analysis in terms of vehicle costs, operating expenses, revenue expectations, etc. to help you fully understand the investment and returns in this industry.
1. Vehicle purchase cost

Taxi vehicle options are usually divided into new cars and used cars. The following is a price comparison of common models:
| vehicle type | New car price (10,000 yuan) | Second-hand car price (10,000 yuan) |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Santana | 10-12 | 5-7 |
| Toyota Corolla | 12-15 | 6-8 |
| BYD Qin (new energy) | 15-18 | 8-10 |
2. Operating license fees
Taxi operating license fees vary widely in different cities. The following are reference data for some cities:
| city | Operation license fee (10,000 yuan) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 30-50 | Need to bid |
| Shanghai | 25-40 | Corporate system |
| Guangzhou | 20-35 | Individuals can apply |
| Chengdu | 15-25 | Regional pricing |
3. Daily operating costs
The daily expenses of taxi operations mainly include the following items:
| Project | Average monthly cost (yuan) |
|---|---|
| Fuel/charging fees | 3000-5000 |
| vehicle maintenance | 500-1000 |
| insurance premium | 800-1500 |
| Platform service fee (online ride-hailing) | 2000-3000 |
| Other miscellaneous expenses | 500-1000 |
4. Income Expectation Analysis
The income of taxi drivers is affected by many factors. The following is a reference for income under different operating models:
| Operating model | Average daily income (yuan) | Average monthly income (yuan) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional taxi (day shift) | 300-500 | 9000-15000 |
| Traditional taxi (night shift) | 400-600 | 12000-18000 |
| Full-time ride-hailing service | 500-800 | 15000-24000 |
| Online car hailing part-time job | 200-400 | 6000-12000 |
5. Investment return cycle
Taking the purchase of a new car worth 120,000 yuan as an example, calculate the payback period under different circumstances:
| Operating model | Monthly net profit (yuan) | Payback period (months) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional taxi (single person) | 8000-12000 | 10-15 |
| Traditional taxi (double shift) | 15000-20000 | 6-8 |
| Full-time ride-hailing service | 10000-15000 | 8-12 |
6. Risks and Suggestions
1.policy risk: Online ride-hailing policies in various places are constantly being adjusted, so you need to pay attention to the latest regulations.
2.market competition: Drivers are saturated in some areas and order volume is declining.
3.health risks: Long-term driving can easily lead to occupational diseases
4.Suggestions: Newbies can rent a vehicle for trial operation first to reduce initial investment risks.
Summary: The total investment in driving a taxi ranges from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands, depending on vehicle selection, operation mode and city. It is recommended to choose the most suitable operation method based on your own capital situation and market demand. At the same time, we must pay close attention to industry trends and flexibly adjust business strategies.
check the details
check the details