What a Cab Costs in 5 Major U.S. Cities

Hailing a cab is a convenient way of getting around in an unfamiliar city, but most travelers like to know up front how much a ride is going to set them back. Yet, calculating what a cab costs can be trickier than you think. Thanks to a slew of surcharges and fees that are (legitimately) levied on rides, it’s not always easy to figure out the total fare — even if you know the initial charge and per-mile rates, such as those published on this list by Numbeo. In this article, we’ll compare average taxi costs in five major U.S. cities popular with tourists to give you a rough idea of what you can expect to pay, according to data collected by TaxiFareFinder.com. (And if these fares seem a bit steep, it’s good to know that, where available, rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are often considerably cheaper.)

New York, New York

• Average 1-mile fare: $8.97
• Average 5-mile fare: $30.30
• Average 10-mile fare: $54.80

According to 2025 research by Deutsche Bank, New York City ranks at No. 20 for the world’s most expensive cities for taxi rides. Though the Big Apple is the priciest U.S. city on the Deutsche Bank list, it’s still a long way behind Zurich, the Swiss city that tops the poll. 

According to information published on the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission’s website, taxi riders can expect to pay a $3 initial charge, plus 70 cents per 1/5 mile when traveling above 12 mph (or the same cost per minute if the traffic is slower than that). 

However, you’ll also pay various additional fees and surcharges, such as $1 if you’re riding between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. or $2.50 if you hit rush hour (4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays). Travel south of 60th Street in Manhattan, and you’ll also pay a congestion charge of 75 cents, though there are exceptions, such as along FDR Drive. Lastly, if you’re flying into JFK Airport, there’s an official flat rate for yellow taxis between JFK and Manhattan — $70 plus any of the surcharges, if applicable.

Los Angeles, California

• Average 1-mile fare: $7.39
• Average 5-mile fare: $22.55
• Average 10-mile fare: $40.22

According to cab fares published by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, you’ll pay a $3.10 initial flag fee plus an additional cost of $2.98 per mile, payable in increments of 1/9 mile. There’s also a 33-cent fee for each 37 seconds spent waiting in traffic, so, for example, an hour’s worth of traffic delays during your journey will set you back $32.11. 

Meanwhile, beginning your trip at LAX will cost an additional $4, and there’s a $16.50 minimum fare for all LAX-originating trips. Typically, the fare is calculated per ride and not per person, but a group getting picked up at the airport will pay a $51.15 flat fare to be transported between LAX and downtown L.A. Notably, these fares could be raised soon, as an October 2025 rate review saw a significant increase in the costs incurred by drivers.

Las Vegas, Nevada

• Average 1-mile fare: $9.87
• Average 5-mile fare: $25.86
• Average 10-mile fare: $44.85

The base fare for hailing a Las Vegas taxi is $5.25. Traveling the first mile costs $8.21 and then $2.96 for each additional mile after that. If you’re picked up from Harry Reid International Airport, you will have to pay an additional fee of $2.40. Plus, if you pay by credit card, that will cost you an extra $3. 

However, there’s also a system of flat fares for Vegas taxis, and those arriving by air at Harry Reid International Airport can see at a glance how much it will cost to transfer to their chosen hotel. Sample rates include $21 to the MGM Grand, $25 to the Bellagio, and $29 to the Venetian. 

Miami, Florida

• Average 1-mile fare: $11.22
• Average 5-mile fare: $27.35
• Average 10-mile fare: $46.65

Licensed cabs in Miami-Dade County operate under set fare rules. According to Resolution R-700-22, the metered rate is set at $2.95 for the initial 1/6 mile and then 85 cents for the next part of the journey up to 1 mile. After that, you can expect to pay the equivalent of $3.30 per mile for the rest of your ride, with no additional cost for multiple passengers or for luggage. 

However if you’re picked up in a larger vehicle such as an SUV or minivan, you will face a 30% surcharge — look for the decal displayed inside the vehicle. In Miami, flat fares aren’t used, though a $15 minimum fare applies at Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami. 

Chicago, Illinois

• Average 1-mile fare: $6.79
• Average 5-mile fare: $19.28
• Average 10-mile fare: $33.86

The city of Chicago regulates the costs of cabs and sets a base fare of $3.25. On top of this, riders will pay $2.25 for each mile they travel, as well as an elapsed time fee of 20 cents per 36 seconds. Share your cab with someone else and you’ll need to stump up an extra $1 for your first companion (if they are between 13 and 64 years old). Electronic payments incur a 50-cent surcharge. Additionally, tolls are not included, and to leave O’Hare or Midway Airport will set you back an extra $4.