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Piper Cherokee Ownership Cost
Cherokees are among the cheapest four-seat airplanes to own and insure.
| Model | Fuel burn | Engine reserve | Per hour at 100 h |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA-28-140 | 7.5 gph | $17/hr | about $184 |
| PA-28-180 | 9.5 gph | $19/hr | about $205 |
| PA-28-235 | 12.5 gph | $23/hr | about $247 |
Per-hour totals are PistonAircraftLoans' planning assumptions before loan payments. Insurance: BWI quotes for a PA-28-140 at $50k–$100k ran $850–$1,400, and $750–$1,300 for a PA-28-180. O-320 overhauls run about $26,000–$35,000 at a 2,000-hour TBO (HangarMath). Check the wing-spar AD history on any Cherokee you consider.
Estimates only. These results are estimates for planning, not quotes, and not financial, insurance or maintenance advice. Real costs depend on the airplane, the airport, your insurer and your mechanic. Get quotes.
Sources
- PistonAircraftLoans: Piper Cherokee cost by model (140: 7.5 gph, engine reserve $17/hr, ~$184/hr at 100 h; 180: 9.5 gph, ~$205/hr; loan example 15% down at 7.75%) and HangarMath PA-28-140 (O-320 overhaul $26,000–$35,000, 2,000 h TBO)
- Pilot-Next: airplane insurance cost (BWI quotes Jun 2025–Jun 2026: C172 $50k–$100k hull $700–$1,250, $100k–$200k $1,200–$1,700; PA-28-140 $850–$1,400; PA-28-180 $750–$1,300; Sunset SR22 $800k hull: $8,000 private+IFR, $14,000 working on IFR, $21,000 student)
Common questions
How much is insurance on a Piper Cherokee?
BWI's quotes put a PA-28-140 insured at $50,000 to $100,000 at about $850 to $1,400 a year.