The price of four new tires ranges from $400 to $1,200 or more, depending on tire quality, your vehicle type, and where you buy them.

Budget tires — the least expensive option — typically cost $80 to $150 per tire, or $320 to $600 for a set of four. These are often no-name or regional brands, and they wear faster and may not handle as well in wet or winter conditions. Mid-range tires, which most people buy, run $100 to $250 per tire, or $400 to $1,000 for four. Premium and specialty tires (all-terrain, winter, performance) can cost $200 to $400 per tire, pushing a full set to $800 to $1,600.

The actual price you pay also depends on what vehicle you drive. Tires for a compact sedan are cheaper than tires for an SUV or truck, which are larger and use more rubber. A tire for a luxury vehicle or sports car may cost more because the manufacturer specifies a particular performance rating. And the place you buy matters: a big-box retailer like Costco or Walmart often undercuts independent shops, while a dealership usually charges the most.

Key Takeaways

  • Budget tires cost $320 to $600 for four; mid-range tires cost $400 to $1,000; premium tires cost $800 to $1,600 or more.
  • The size and type of tire your vehicle needs — determined by your owner's manual or the sidewall of your current tire — is the first thing to know before shopping.
  • Installation, balancing, and disposal fees typically add $100 to $300 to the tire price, depending on the shop.
  • Buying all four tires at once is cheaper per tire than buying two, and it keeps your vehicle's handling balanced.

How tire size and type affect the price

Your vehicle's tire size is printed on the sidewall of your current tire and in your owner's manual. It looks like "205/55R16" — a code that tells you the width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter. Larger vehicles need larger tires, which cost more. A compact car might use a 205 or 215 width; an SUV might use a 235 or 245; a truck might use a 265 or larger.

The type of tire also changes the price. All-season tires are the most common and least expensive. Winter tires cost more because they use a different rubber compound that stays flexible in cold. All-terrain and mud-terrain tires for trucks and SUVs cost more because they are built for off-road use. Performance tires for sports cars cost more because they are engineered for speed and handling. Run-flat tires, which can be driven on after a puncture, cost significantly more than standard tires.

What installation and extra fees add to your total

The tire price itself is only part of what you pay. Installation — mounting the tire on the wheel and balancing it — typically costs $15 to $30 per tire, or $60 to $120 for four. Disposal of your old tires usually costs $3 to $5 per tire, or $12 to $20 for four. Some shops charge a fee to remove the old tires from your vehicle; others include it in the installation price.

Alignment — adjusting the angle of your wheels so they point straight — is not always necessary when you buy new tires, but it is worth asking about. Alignment costs $75 to $200 depending on whether it is a two-wheel or four-wheel alignment and where you go. If your vehicle pulls to one side or your tires wear unevenly, alignment may have caused the wear and should be done before or shortly after new tires go on.

Where to buy tires and how prices compare

Big-box retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, and Discount Tire often have the lowest per-tire prices because they buy in bulk and have lower overhead. Costco members typically save the most, though you pay a membership fee. Independent tire shops and regional chains may charge slightly more but often offer better customer service and faster appointments. Dealerships usually charge the most because they are selling a branded product and bundling service with the sale.

Online retailers like Tire Rack and Costco.com let you order tires and either pick them up locally or have them shipped to a shop for installation. This can save money on the tire itself, but you still pay installation fees at a local shop. Comparing the total cost — tire price plus installation plus disposal — across three or four places before you buy is worth the time, especially if you are buying premium tires.

Buying two tires versus four

If only two of your tires are worn, you might think buying just two is cheaper. It is, upfront — but it creates a problem. New tires grip better than worn tires, so having two new and two old tires makes your vehicle handle unevenly. This is especially risky in rain or snow, when grip matters most. If your vehicle is all-wheel drive, mismatched tire wear can damage the transmission over time.

Most tire shops and vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing all four tires at once, even if only two are worn. If budget is tight, buying four mid-range tires is usually cheaper than buying two premium tires and keeping two worn ones. If you must buy two now, plan to buy the other two within a few months, and buy the same brand and model so they wear at the same rate.

How tire brand and warranty affect value

Well-known brands like Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Continental cost more than no-name brands, but they typically last longer and come with better warranties. A budget tire might come with a 40,000-mile warranty; a mid-range tire might come with a 60,000-mile warranty; a premium tire might come with an 80,000-mile warranty or more. A longer warranty means the manufacturer will replace the tire if it fails before that mileage, though wear-and-tear damage is usually not covered.

The warranty is only valuable if you keep the receipt and the tires are properly maintained — which means checking pressure monthly and rotating them every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Underinflated tires wear faster and may not be covered under warranty. Keeping records of maintenance and having the work done at a shop that documents it protects your warranty claim if something goes wrong.

Seasonal timing and sales

Tire prices do not change dramatically by season, but demand does. Spring and fall are the busiest times for tire shops because people are preparing for summer or winter driving. Waiting until the off-season — late summer for winter tires, late fall for all-season tires — can mean shorter wait times and sometimes better deals. Black Friday and holiday sales sometimes include tire discounts, though the savings are usually modest.

If your tires are worn but not yet dangerous, waiting a few weeks for a sale or an off-season period can save $50 to $100 on a set of four. If your tires are bald or damaged, waiting is not safe — worn tires increase the risk of a blowout or loss of control in wet conditions. Prioritize safety over saving a small amount of money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my tires need to be replaced?

Tires should be replaced when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. Use the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too shallow. Most tires last 40,000 to 60,000 miles, but this varies by brand, driving habits, and road conditions.

Can I buy just two tires instead of four?

You can, but it is not recommended. Two new tires and two worn tires create uneven grip, which affects handling and safety in wet or snowy conditions. On all-wheel-drive vehicles, mismatched tires can damage the transmission. If budget is tight, buy four mid-range tires rather than two premium ones.

What is the difference between all-season and winter tires?

Winter tires use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures, giving better grip on snow and ice. All-season tires are a compromise designed to work year-round but do not perform as well in winter. If you live where it snows regularly, winter tires are worth the extra cost for safety.

Do I need to replace tires at the dealership?

No. You can buy tires from any retailer and have them installed at any shop. Dealerships usually charge more for both tires and installation. Independent shops and big-box retailers often offer better prices and the same quality of work.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to may support even wear and extend their life. Rotation costs $20 to $50 and is often free if you buy tires from the shop doing the work. Regular rotation can add thousands of miles to the life of your tires.