Car Dealership Advertising Costs: A Complete Breakdown by Channel

The average U.S. car dealership spends over $543,000 a year on advertising — but most dealers couldn't tell you with confidence exactly where that money goes or whether each channel is earning its keep. This guide breaks down car dealership advertising costs channel by channel, from third-party listing sites and Google Ads to broadcast TV, radio, print, and the fast-growing CTV category, using real NADA data and industry benchmarks so you can compare your spend to what dealers are actually investing across every medium.