Piper Seneca vs Cessna 172: Annual Aircraft Ownership Cost Comparison
By Carlton Mark
May 15, 2025
Owning an aircraft involves ongoing costs well beyond the purchase price. This article compares the annual ownership costs of a Piper PA-34 Seneca (twin-engine) and a Cessna 172 Skyhawk (single-engine) based on typical private use (~100 hours/year) in the U.S.
Piper Seneca Annual Costs
- Fuel: $12,000–$15,000 (20–24 GPH)
- Maintenance & Inspections: $5,000–$8,000
- Engine/Prop Reserves: $3,000–$5,000
- Insurance: $3,000–$6,000
- Hangar/Tie-Down: $3,000–$5,000
- Miscellaneous: $1,000–$2,000
Total: $25,000–$30,000/year
Cessna 172 Annual Costs
- Fuel: $4,000–$6,000 (7–10 GPH)
- Maintenance & Inspections: $2,000–$4,000
- Engine Reserve: $1,000–$1,500
- Insurance: $500–$1,200
- Hangar/Tie-Down: $2,000–$4,000
- Miscellaneous: $500–$1,000
Total: $10,000–$15,000/year
Cost Comparison Table
| Category | Piper Seneca | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $12K–$15K | $4K–$6K |
| Maintenance | $5K–$8K | $2K–$4K |
| Engine Reserves | $3K–$5K | $1K–$1.5K |
| Insurance | $3K–$6K | $500–$1.2K |
| Hangar | $3K–$5K | $2K–$4K |
| Misc. | $1K–$2K | $500–$1K |
Conclusion
For budget-conscious owners, the Cessna 172 delivers unbeatable operating costs. But if you need speed, payload, and redundancy, the Piper Seneca is a capable step up—just be ready for the cost.
Flaps15 Aviation provides expert insight and aircraft buying services tailored to your needs. Contact us for guidance on choosing and operating the right plane for your mission.