Side Hustle Review: Is DoorDash Worth It After Gas Prices?

The allure of the gig economy is powerful: set your own hours, be your own boss, and turn your free time into cash. DoorDash remains one of the most popular platforms for this, but in an era of fluctuating fuel costs, one burning question remains: is DoorDash worth it after gas prices?

The short answer is complex. It’s no longer as simple as turning on the app and driving. Today, making a profit requires strategy and a hard look at the Doordash driver pay reality.

The Gross vs. Net Pay Illusion

When you see Dashers posting screenshots of a $150 earnings day, it’s easy to get excited. But this is gross revenue, not profit. As an independent contractor, you are a business owner, and businesses have expenses.

The app tells you what you made in delivery fees and tips. It does not tell you what you spent to earn it. To determine your real DoorDash earnings per hour in 2026, you must subtract your operating costs.

The Gas Price Impact

Fuel is your biggest immediate expense. Let’s look at a realistic scenario.

Imagine you dash for 4 hours and earn $80. That looks like $20 per hour. Not bad, right?

Now, let's say you drove a total of 60 miles to complete those deliveries. If your car gets 25 miles per gallon and gas is $3.50 a gallon, you used 2.4 gallons of gas, costing you roughly $8.40.

Your earnings just dropped from $80 to $71.60. Your hourly rate is now $17.90. This seems manageable, but if you drive an older truck or SUV that gets 15 mpg, your gas cost nearly doubles to $14, dropping your hourly take drastically.

Other DoorDash Hidden Costs

Gas isn't the only thing eating your profits. Every mile you drive puts wear and tear on your vehicle. You need to account for:

• Maintenance: Oil changes, tires, and brakes happen faster.
• Depreciation: Your car loses value with every added mile.
• Taxes: As a 1099 contractor, you are responsible for both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes.

How to Make It Worth It

So, is this side hustle delivery driving review all doom and gloom? No. You can still make money, but you have to be smart.

1. Be Picky: Never accept every order. A $3 order going 5 miles is a net loss. Aim for at least $1.50 to $2 per mile driven.
2. Drive the Right Car: A fuel-efficient hybrid or compact car is almost essential for solid profitability.
3. Work Peak Times: Dashing during the dinner rush (5 PM - 9 PM) or weekends usually yields higher tips and "peak pay" bonuses, which helps offset costs.

The Final Verdict

Is DoorDash worth it after gas prices? Yes, if you have a fuel-efficient vehicle and treat it like a business, not a game. If you drive a gas-guzzler and accept low-paying offers, you are likely just trading the equity in your car for quick cash. Do the math before you turn the key.