Is an Uber Really Cheaper Than a Taxi?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have infiltrated nearly every major city in recent years, effectively giving taxis a run for their money. While it may be easier to call an Uber on your smartphone with the touch of a button, it can be tough to determine the cheaper option between taking an Uber or a taxi.

Which Is Cheaper: Uber or Taxis?

Taxi fares vary drastically by location, and the same is true for Uber fees. Uber also offers different levels of service based on your preferences. Here's how local rates compare to the standard UberX:

• In New York City, a taxi charges an initial fee of $2.50, 50 cents per 1/5 mile, and a waiting charge of 50 cents per 60 seconds. UberX charges a base fare of $2.55, a per-minute charge of 35 cents, and a per-mile charge of $1.75.
• In Philadelphia, taxis charge $2.70 for the first 1/10 mile, 25 cents for each additional fraction of a mile, and 25 cents for every 37.6 seconds of waiting. UberX charges a base fare of $1.25, a per-minute fee of 18 cents, and a per-mile fee of $1.10.
• In Washington D.C., taxis charge a base fare of $3, $2.16 per mile, and about $2 per every five minutes of wait time. UberX charges a base fare of $1.15, 17 cents per minute, and $1.02 per mile.
• In Los Angeles, a taxi costs $2.85 for the first 1/9 of a mile, 30 cents for each additional 1/9 mile, and 30 cents for every 37 seconds of wait time. UberX, however, charges no base fare, 15 cents per minute, and 96 cents per mile.

The cost of your trip will depend on many factors, including distance traveled, traffic conditions, and the time of day. While some of the rates are similar in structure and amount, there is one major difference: taxis charge per mile when moving, yet they charge per minute while idling. Uber, on the other hand, charges per mile and per minute, regardless of whether the car is moving or idling, with a few exceptions.

If you're considering which service to take to the airport, the cheaper option is almost always Uber. In fact, there are only three major airports (New York's LaGuardia Airport, New York's JFK, and Boston's Logan Airport) where it's cheaper to take a taxi instead of an Uber.

Cost Variables to Consider

When comparing the cost of Uber and taxis, there are additional variables to consider. For example, many taxi riders tip their drivers around 20 percent. Uber offers a tipping option as well.

Uber's surge pricing is another major variable that can affect cost. Surge pricing essentially means that Uber's cost varies depending on demand, so expect to pay a higher fare on nights where cabs are in high demand, such as New Year's Eve. In addition to a minimum fare amount, Uber also charges a cancellation fee that varies by city.

If you open the Uber app and see a 1.8 surge price, then a $10 trip will cost you closer to $18. ​Avoid surge pricing by waiting a few minutes or walking a few blocks (if you're in a safe area) in another direction. One customer infamously paid $14,000 for a 20-minute Uber ride due to surge pricing, so pay attention to how much you're being charged.

Uber vs. Taxis: The Verdict

Uber is typically cheaper for longer trips moving at a faster speed, while taxis are a better choice for trips in congested areas like New York City. That said, geographic location also matters. According to a RideGuru analysis, Uber is cheaper than a taxi in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Detroit, while taxis are cheaper in New York City. It's a near-draw in cities like Washington, D.C., and Nashville. A study by GoBankingRates found that Uber was the more economical choice in 16 of 20 major U.S. cities.