How Much Does a Taxi Cost?
Data Last Updated: March 3, 2026
Your Guide to Taxi Costs Across 20 Regulated US Cities
Average Taxi Cost in 2026
As of early 2026, the average cost for a 5-mile taxi trip across 20 regulated US markets is $17.85.
Las Vegas, NV features the highest standard* taxi ride (*5 miles) cost at $25.30, while San Diego, CA holds the highest potential per-mile rate at $4.30.
Overall, based on cities with regulated rates, a standard taxi ride is most expensive in Las Vegas, NV and cheapest in Chicago, IL ($14.50).
Richmond, Virginia: Cost by Distance
Short Trip (2 Miles)
$7.50
Standard Trip (5 Miles)
$15.00
Long Trip (20 Miles)
$52.50
*Based on Richmond official meter rates ($2.50 drop + $2.50/mile). Excludes $1.00 night surcharge (9pm-6am).
Taxi Trip Cost Estimator
Calculate your trip using verified 2026 mandated rates & surcharges
Base Drop
$3.72
Distance Cost
$14.85
Traffic / Peak
$0.00
Estimated Total
$18.57
* Disclaimer: Base fare estimate only. Includes Houston nighttime base drop adjusted to $4.72. Excludes tolls, other surcharges, and driver tips (usually 15% standard).
How Much Does a Taxi Cost for 5 Miles?
Why 5 Miles?
We use a 5-mile trip as our primary benchmark because it represents the "standard" urban taxi ride in the United States. This distance effectively captures both the impact of high initial "flag drop" fees and the varying per-mile rates, providing the most accurate snapshot of how much a taxi actually costs across different municipal regulations.
| Metropolitan Area | 5-Mile Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NV (Highest) | $25.30 |
| San Diego, CA † | $25.07 |
| Miami, FL | $21.25 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $21.20 |
| Charlotte, NC | $21.00 |
| New York City, NY | $20.50 |
| San Francisco, CA | $20.40 |
| Houston, TX | $18.57 |
| Alexandria, VA | $18.00 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $17.70 |
| Arlington, VA | $17.50 |
| Nashville, TN | $17.50 |
| Dallas, TX | $17.00 |
| San Antonio, TX | $17.00 |
| Washington DC | $16.80 |
| Boston, MA | $16.60 |
| Fairfax, VA | $16.00 |
| Atlanta, GA | $15.50 |
| Richmond, VA | $15.00 |
| Chicago, IL (Lowest) | $14.50 |
Taxi Rate Comparison Table
| Metropolitan Area | Initial Drop | Rate / Mile | Wait (/Hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NV6 | $5.25 | $2.96 | $32.40 |
| San Diego, CA †17 | $4.00 | $4.30 | $35.00 |
| Alexandria, VA20 | $5.00 | $2.60 | $24.96 |
| New York City, NY1 | $3.00 | $3.50 | $36.00 |
| Miami, FL10 | $2.95 | $3.30 | $24.00 |
| Houston, TX3 | $3.72 | $2.97 | $24.00 |
| Richmond, VA4 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $22.50 |
| Los Angeles, CA2 | $3.65 | $3.51 | $37.95 |
| San Francisco, CA5 | $4.15 | $3.25 | $39.00 |
| Dallas, TX9 | $3.00 | $2.80 | $24.00 |
| Washington DC18 | $4.00 | $2.56 | $25.00 |
| Charlotte, NC16 | $3.50 | $3.50 | $42.00 |
| Fairfax, VA19 | $4.00 | $2.40 | $24.00 |
| Philadelphia, PA13 | $2.70 | $3.00 | $28.72 |
| Arlington, VA7 | $4.50 | $2.60 | $33.42 |
| Atlanta, GA8 | $3.50 | $2.40 | $24.00 |
| San Antonio, TX14 | $3.50 | $2.70 | $27.00 |
| Nashville, TN15 | $5.00 | $2.50 | $21.00 |
| Chicago, IL11 | $3.25 | $2.25 | $20.00 |
| Boston, MA12 | $2.60 | $2.80 | $28.00 |
* † San Diego Notice: Listed rates are maximums for electronic POS-equipped vehicles. Surcharges apply by jurisdiction.
Market Rate Updates
-
Portland, Maine (Sep 2025): The city increased its minimum initial flag drop for the first time since 2009, rising from $1.90 to $4.00.
-
Houston, TX (Dec 2025 Update): City council approved a landmark 28% increase to base fares to combat operational costs. Nighttime base drop adjusted to $4.72.
-
Richmond, VA: Maintains a $1.00 nighttime surcharge between the hours of 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
-
New York City, NY: NYC maintains its standard $36/hr waiting rate to support driver livability under the TLC's latest guidelines.
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Montgomery County, MD (Feb 2026): On February 1, 2026, Montgomery County, MD implemented its first taxi meter rate change after more than 15 years. As per the new change, the county increased taxi mileage rates from $2 to $2.50/mile and introduced a new $1.00 nighttime surcharge for trips between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. 21
Important to Know
-
San Diego Maximums: The $4.30 per mile rate is the maximum allowed for cabs with electronic payment devices. A $2.98 surcharge applies to airport-originated trips.
-
The Arlington County Board rate hike effective Jan. 1, 2026, officially brings the standard flag drop to $4.50 and mileage to $2.60.
-
Honolulu Bill 42: As of early December 2025, the Honolulu City Council is passing legislation to deregulate taxi rates, allowing companies to set competitive fares.
-
Seattle has allowed smart taximeters since 2023, enabling surge-based dynamic pricing to compete with rideshare network companies.
Did You Know?
Nevada's Costliest Mile: In Nevada, passengers pay $5.25 flag drop + $8.21 for the first additional mile. This $13.46 entry cost makes it the priciest 1-mile taxi ride in the U.S.
Miami's First Mile: Miami applies a $5.10 rate for the first additional mile after activation, dropping to $3.30 per additional mile (Total 1-mile ride = $8.05).
Charlotte Specific Fees: Taxis in Charlotte apply a $30.00 household moving charge (flat rate per trip plus meter actuals). There is also a $100.00 cleanup fee for passenger discharged bodily fluids.
San Antonio Cleaning Fee: Taxis in San Antonio are permitted by city law to charge a interior cleaning fee not exceeding $200.00 for interior damage.
Chicago Bodily Discharge Fee: In Chicago city taxicabs, bodily fluid discharge incidents can lead to a $50 fee mandated by city placards.
Taxi Fare FAQ
How much is a taxi per mile in 2026?
On average, a regulated US taxi costs $2.65 per mile in 2026. However, this varies significantly by market, from $2.25 in Chicago to $4.30 in San Diego.
Are taxi prices cheaper than Uber or Lyft?
Often, yes. Because taxi rates are regulated by law, they do not use dynamic "surge" pricing algorithms, making them predictable during rush hour or bad weather.
Which city has the highest initial base taxi fare in 2026?
Las Vegas, NV currently has the highest initial "drop" fee in the nation at $5.25. This supports driver sustainability for short Strip trips.
Why are New York City taxis expensive?
NYC rates are driven by extreme demand and congestion, reflected in the city's $36/hr wait rate and high commercial overhead.
Why are cities like Austin and Denver not in the index?
Our index only includes cities with ordinance-mandated fixed rates. Cities like Austin allow companies to set their own approved rates, which can vary by provider.
Can a taxi charge an interior cleaning fee?
Yes. Many regulated cities permit cleaning fees for interior damage, ranging from $50 in Chicago up to $200 in San Antonio and $100 in Charlotte.
Why are the 5-mile trip estimates higher for Las Vegas and Miami?
Both Nevada and Miami apply a significantly higher rate for the first mile of travel (activation mile) before dropping to standard per-mile rates.
Rate Integrity Verified
This index is human-verified by transportation professionals at Richmond Airport Taxi. Data is cross-referenced with municipal ordinances for accuracy.
View our Verification Standards & Editorial Policy