What goes into cost per mile
The IRS standard mileage rate (around 67¢ per mile in recent years) is a good benchmark. Your actual number depends on your vehicle, insurance premium, and how many miles you drive each year — fixed costs hurt low-mileage drivers more.
Use it to compare
Run two scenarios with different vehicles or commute lengths to see which is actually cheaper to own. A more efficient car often pays back its higher purchase price within a few years for high-mileage drivers.