A brake job does not cost the same on every vehicle. What you drive has a big effect on the price of pads, rotors, and labor. Here is how brake cost varies by vehicle type.
Compact and midsize cars
Small and midsize cars are usually the least expensive to brake - smaller, lighter rotors and pads and straightforward access keep parts and labor down; see brake job cost guide. This is the low end of the range for a standard pad-and-rotor job.
Trucks and large SUVs
Full-size trucks and SUVs have big, heavy rotors and larger pads, and often more of them, so parts cost more; heavier-duty friction for towing adds to it; see brake heat. HD trucks are typically the most expensive to brake.
Performance and luxury cars
Performance and luxury vehicles can be pricey too - larger multi-piston calipers, bigger rotors, sometimes electronic parking brakes that need a scan tool, and premium pads all raise the cost. Exotic carbon-ceramic setups are in a class of their own.
What else drives price
Whether you need rotors or just pads, the friction material chosen, and whether a caliper is seized all move the price; see inspection checklist. DIY saves labor on many vehicles. Whatever you drive, fit quality pads and hardware.