For city dwellers and travelers alike, deciding between a taxi and a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft often comes down to one big question: which is cheaper? The answer isn’t universal—it depends on where you are, when you’re traveling, and how the service is priced. This breakdown takes a closer look at key cities across the U.S. to see when traditional taxis win out and when rideshares pull ahead.
Taxi vs Rideshare: What Affects the Price?
Several factors influence the final cost of your ride:
- Base fare: Taxis typically have a standard meter-based starting rate, while rideshares vary by demand and time.
- Surge pricing: Uber and Lyft increase rates during peak hours, bad weather, or special events.
- Time vs distance: Taxis often charge per minute and per mile, while rideshare apps calculate based on real-time traffic data.
- Fees: Booking fees, airport surcharges, and late-night fees can differ significantly between both options.
To compare apples to apples, we analyzed fare data from several major cities using resources like TaxiFareFinder and publicly available Uber and Lyft calculators.
New York City: Taxis Often Win
In Manhattan, yellow cabs are often cheaper for short rides, especially during rush hour when rideshare prices surge. NYC taxis also have fixed airport fares, such as the $70 flat rate to JFK from Manhattan, which can be more affordable than surge-based rideshare rates. Plus, yellow cabs can use bus lanes and are generally more available in certain boroughs.
Chicago: Rideshares Beat the Clock
In Chicago, rideshares tend to be cheaper than taxis—especially during off-peak hours. Taxis have a base fare of $3.25 and additional charges for time and distance. In contrast, UberX or Lyft fares often come in lower for the same routes unless it’s rush hour downtown.
Los Angeles: Depends on Traffic
In LA, time spent in traffic can inflate both taxi and rideshare fares, but taxis charge $0.30 per 36 seconds stopped or slowed, which adds up quickly. Rideshares calculate traffic-based delays into their pricing dynamically. For airport runs, flat-fee rideshare options often undercut traditional taxi fares unless there’s major surge pricing.
Miami: Flat Rates Favor Taxis
Taxis in Miami offer flat rates from the airport to zones like South Beach, which can be cheaper than Uber or Lyft during peak times. However, outside of airport routes, rideshares often have the edge in affordability and accessibility.
When to Use Taxis for Cost Savings
- You’re in a city with regulated, predictable fares (like NYC or Miami).
- You’re traveling to/from an airport with flat taxi rates.
- Rideshare prices are surging due to events or bad weather.
When Rideshares Are the Better Deal
- You’re outside a major downtown area or late at night.
- There’s minimal traffic and no surge pricing in effect.
- You have app-based discounts or ride passes active.
How to Maximize Savings on Either Option
No matter which mode you choose, you can still reduce your cost with the right payment method. If you use gift cards or cashback tools, it’s possible to earn cashback with a Lyft gift card or get rewards with an Uber gift card by purchasing through Fluz. These gift cards can be added directly into your app before requesting a ride.
To explore gift card cashback options or download the app, head to the Fluz home page.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding how fares work in different cities can help you make smarter decisions. If you’re looking for consistency and predictability, taxis often shine. If you’re after convenience and tech-enabled flexibility, rideshares typically offer more value—especially when used strategically.
