What is the annual operating cost of a Cessna 210?

For 100 hours/year, expect $38,000–$45,000 in total operating costs. Retractable gear and high-performance engine drive costs higher than fixed-gear Cessnas.

How much fuel does a Cessna 210 burn?

Continental IO-550 burns 11–13 gal/hr at cruise. Fuel cost at $6.50/gal ranges $71–$84/hour.

What is Cessna 210 engine TBO?

Continental IO-550: 2,000 hours TBO; $28,000–$35,000 overhaul. Engine reserve $14–$18/hour.

How much does Cessna 210 insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $2,200–$3,500 for $160,000–$200,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours.

Can you finance a Cessna 210?

Yes. A $160,000 210 at 6.5% APR over 7 years costs ~$2,400/month ($28,800/year).

What is Cessna 210 useful load?

Typical: 1,500–1,600 lbs useful load. Accommodates 6 occupants with full fuel.

How does 210 cost compare to 172?

Cessna 210 costs 30–40% more to operate than 172. Higher speed (140+ mph) and performance justify premium for business use.

What is 210 TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$66,800–$73,800 annually (operating + debt). By year 8 (loan paid): ~$38,000–$45,000/year.

What maintenance surprises plague Cessna 210s?

Landing gear overhauls ($4,000–$6,000), vacuum pump replacements, pressurization maintenance. Budget $20–$28/hour.

Should you buy Cessna 210 or Bonanza?

210 costs 10–15% less; Bonanza offers 6-seat comfort. Both offer performance; 210 is value option.

The True Operating Cost of Cessna 210 Centurion

The Cessna 210 Centurion is a high-performance retractable-gear single offering 140+ mph cruise speed and 1,500+ lb useful load. Plan for $38,000–$45,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $380–$450 per hour. Retractable gear, pressurization options, and powerful engines drive costs higher than fixed-gear Cessnas but lower than twins or performance singles like Bonanzas.

Quick Specs: Cessna 210 Centurion

Specification	Cessna 210 (Turbo / Standard)
Engine	Continental IO-550 (300 hp naturally aspirated) / TSIO-550 (310 hp turbocharged)
Fuel Burn	11–13 gal/hr (IO-550) / 12–14 gal/hr (Turbo)
Cruise Speed	140–155 mph
Useful Load	1,500–1,600 lbs
Seats	6
Range	1,100–1,400 nm

TL;DR: Cessna 210 Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $17,000–$21,000/year (insurance $2,200–$3,200, hangar $5,000–$6,000, annuals $1,500–$2,000)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $21,000–$24,000/year (fuel, oil, mx reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $38,000–$45,000/year (~$380–$450/hour)
Finance a $160,000 210: Add $2,400/month ($28,800/year) at 6.5% over 7 years
At 50 hours: ~$29,000–$33,000/year (~$580–$660/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$59,000–$69,000/year (~$295–$345/hour)

Retractable-Gear Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $2,200–$3,500/year for $160,000–$200,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours (retractable-gear endorsement)
Hangar: $5,000–$6,000/year (retractable gear aircraft benefit from indoor storage)
Annual inspection: $1,500–$2,000 labor (retractable gear systems add complexity)
Complex aircraft endorsement: Required; training $500–$1,000 one-time

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Fuel: 12 gal/hr × $6.50/gal = ~$78/hour
Oil/filter: $4–$6/hour
Engine reserve: $14–$18/hour
Propeller reserve: $6–$8/hour
Retractable gear maintenance: $8–$12/hour (actuators, seals, motors)
General maintenance/incidentals: $15–$20/hour

Fuel Burn & Hourly Costs

Fuel Cost Breakdown

Model	Fuel Burn	Cost/Hour	100-Hour Annual
IO-550 (Standard)	12 gal/hr	$78	$7,800
TSIO-550 (Turbo)	13.5 gal/hr	$87.75	$8,775
Cessna 172 (For comparison)	5.2 gal/hr	$34	$3,380

Retractable Gear Maintenance

Specific Gear System Costs

Landing gear motor replacement: $400–$600
Hydraulic actuator overhaul: $600–$1,000 each
Gear door seal replacements: $500–$800
Full landing gear overhaul: $3,000–$5,000
Hydraulic system servicing: $400–$800/year

Engine Maintenance (Continental IO-550)

TBO: 2,000 hours; $28,000–$35,000 overhaul
Reserve math: $30,000 ÷ 2,000 = $15/hour
Turbocharger service (if equipped): $200–$500/year
Annual inspection: $1,500–$2,000

Insurance & Storage

Insurance Premiums

$160,000 hull, 500+ hours, retractable-gear rated: $2,200–$2,800/year
$180,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $3,200–$4,000/year
Commercial use: +40–60% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual	Notes
Hangar	$400–$500	$5,000–$6,000	Recommended for retractable gear aircraft
Tie-Down	$100–$200	$1,200–$2,400	Not ideal; risksCorrosion on hydraulic systems

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$18,500	$11,000	$29,500	$590
100	$18,500	$22,000	$40,500	$405
200	$18,500	$44,000	$62,500	$312.50

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $160,000 210, 6.5% APR, 7 years = $28,800/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$40,500	$28,800	$69,300	$693
200	$62,500	$28,800	$91,300	$456.50

Financing the Cessna 210

Purchase price: $130,000–$180,000 (depends on year, avionics, condition)
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $110,000–$150,000
Term: 7–10 years
APR: 6.0–7.25% (2025)
Monthly payment: $1,700–$2,300

Lender Requirements: 600+ credit, private/commercial pilot, $120,000+ annual income, complex aircraft endorsement, hull insurance. Lenders like JakenAviation favor retractable singles for their strong resale value.

Alternatives to Consider

Beechcraft Bonanza (G36): Similar price; higher fuel burn (8.5 gal/hr) but fixed gear simplicity.
Cirrus SR22: Lower fuel burn (6.8 gal/hr); modern avionics with parachute safety.
Piper PA-34 Seneca: Twin-engine; higher cost but over-water capability and redundancy.

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Sources: Cessna Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS