Cessna 208 vs Piper Meridian
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 208
No active listings right now.
Piper Meridian
- For sale now
- 103
- Median asking
- $1,284,291
- Range
- $830,903–$2,305,000
- Model years available
- 1985–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 208 | Piper Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 332 | — |
| Serious | 28 | — |
| Fatal | 115 | — |
| Fatalities | 392 | — |
| % Fatal | 35% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 208 | Piper Meridian |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 | $830,903 – $2,305,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | 241 kts (446 km/h) |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) | 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 1,362 lbs (618 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 335.0 gal (1268 L) | 170.0 gal (643 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $120,000 | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | $650 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 208
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$260,000/yr
Piper Meridian
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 208 or Piper Meridian?
Pick the 208 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 6.
- Longer range — 1070 nm vs 1000 nm.
Pick the Meridian if…
- Budget matters — from $830,903 vs $1,395,000, you save ~$564,097.
- Lower operating cost — ~$650/hr vs $700/hr.
- Faster cruise — 241 kts vs 170 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1984.
- More inventory — 101 listings vs 26.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 208 or Piper Meridian?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The Meridian cruises at 241 kts with 1,000 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Meridian: from $1,100,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 208 and Piper Meridian?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 6.
Cruise: 170 vs 241 kts.
Range: 1070 vs 1000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
208: about $700/hr variable cost.
Meridian: about $650/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
208: 10 seats / 3,300 lb useful load.
Meridian: 6 seats / 1,362 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
208: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
Meridian: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data