They include: Fuel: A Cessna 172 burns about 7-9 gallons per hour, with Avgas typically costing around $6 per gallon. Hence, your hourly fuel costs may range between $42 and $54 per hour of flight time.

In 2026, the cost to fill up a Cessna 172 depends on the specific model's fuel capacity and current Avgas prices. A standard Cessna 172 usually has a total fuel capacity of 56 gallons, with roughly 53 gallons being usable. With 100LL (Low Lead) aviation fuel averaging between $6.00 and $8.50 per gallon in the United States, a complete fill-up from empty would cost approximately $318 to $450. Many pilots choose to leave a small amount of "unusable" fuel or may not fill to the absolute brim depending on weight and balance requirements for their specific flight. Prices fluctuate significantly based on the airport (FBO); larger international hubs often charge a premium compared to small municipal airstrips. Additionally, some newer 172 models equipped with diesel engines use Jet-A fuel, which is typically cheaper per gallon and offers better fuel economy, potentially reducing the total "fill-up" cost by 20–30% compared to traditional leaded gasoline models.