How to Say "cost" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “cost” is “costo” — use 'costo' for the general price or expense of something, especially in everyday situations.
costo
KOHS-tohˈkos.to
Examples
El costo del billete de avión es muy alto.
The cost of the plane ticket is very high.
Necesitamos reducir los costos operativos.
We need to reduce the operating costs.
Masculine Noun
Since 'costo' is masculine, always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el costo' (the cost), 'un costo' (a cost).
Confusing 'costo' and 'costa'
Mistake: “Using 'la costo' (incorrect gender).”
Correction: Always use 'el costo' (the price/expense). 'La costa' means 'the coast' or 'the shore'.
precio
PREH-syohˈpɾe.θjo
Examples
¿Cuál es el precio de este café, por favor?
What is the price of this coffee, please?
El precio de la gasolina ha subido mucho este mes.
The cost of gasoline has gone up a lot this month.
Pudimos comprar la televisión a un precio muy bueno.
We were able to buy the television at a very good price.
La libertad tiene un precio muy alto.
Freedom has a very high cost/price.
Masculine Noun Rule
'Precio' is always a masculine noun, so it always uses 'el' or 'un' before it, and uses masculine adjectives (e.g., 'un precio alto' or 'el mejor precio').
Abstract Use
When used figuratively, 'precio' often describes the consequence or sacrifice required to achieve something, much like the English phrase 'the cost of success'.
Using 'La' instead of 'El'
Mistake: “La precio”
Correction: El precio. Remember, even though 'precio' ends in an 'o', always use 'el' or 'un' because it is a masculine word.
importe
im-POR-tehimˈpoɾte
Examples
Por favor, indique el importe exacto que desea pagar.
Please indicate the exact amount you wish to pay.
El importe de la factura asciende a cien euros.
The total amount of the invoice comes to one hundred euros.
Si el importe es demasiado alto, podemos ofrecerle un plan de pagos.
If the cost is too high, we can offer you a payment plan.
Masculine Noun
Even though this word ends in '-e', it is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.
Confusing with 'importancia'
Mistake: “Usando 'la importe' para decir 'importance'.”
Correction: Use 'la importancia' for 'importance'. 'El importe' is only for a financial amount or total.
valen
VAH-lenˈbalen
Examples
Estas entradas valen cien euros cada una.
These tickets cost one hundred euros each.
Dicen que los consejos de los abuelos siempre valen oro.
They say that grandparents' advice is always worth gold.
¿Cuánto valen estos libros viejos? ¿Tienen algún valor?
How much are these old books worth? Do they have any value?
Irregular 'Yo' Form
The infinitive verb 'valer' is irregular only in the 'yo' form of the present tense, where it becomes 'valgo'. All other forms (like 'valen') follow the regular pattern for -er verbs in the present tense.
Confusing 'Valer' and 'Costar'
Mistake: “Using 'costan' instead of 'valen' when referring to the inherent worth of something (e.g., 'Los recuerdos costan mucho').”
Correction: Use 'valen' for intrinsic value and 'costar' for the transaction price. 'Los recuerdos valen mucho' (Memories are worth a lot).
coste
KOHS-tehˈkoste
Examples
El coste de la vida ha subido mucho este año.
The cost of living has gone up a lot this year.
Debemos reducir el coste de producción para ser competitivos.
We must reduce the production cost to be competitive.
El billete de avión tiene un coste adicional por la maleta.
The plane ticket has an additional cost for the suitcase.
El éxito tuvo un gran coste personal para el atleta.
Success took a great personal toll on the athlete.
Masculine Word
Even though it ends in '-e', this word is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it (e.g., 'el coste').
Coste vs. Precio
Think of 'coste' as what it takes to make or maintain something, while 'precio' is what the customer actually pays in a shop.
Abstract Use
Just like in English, you can use 'cost' to talk about things that aren't money, like time, health, or happiness.
The Wrong Gender
Mistake: “La coste de la cena.”
Correction: El coste de la cena. 'Coste' is a masculine noun.
Confusing with 'Costa'
Mistake: “A toda coste.”
Correction: A toda costa. While 'coste' means expense, 'costa' is used in the specific idiom meaning 'at all costs'.
valió
Examples
El coche valió diez mil dólares el año pasado.
The car cost ten thousand dollars last year.
precio
PREH-syohˈpɾe.θjo
Examples
La libertad tiene un precio muy alto.
Freedom has a very high cost/price.
¿Cuál es el precio de este café, por favor?
What is the price of this coffee, please?
El precio de la gasolina ha subido mucho este mes.
The cost of gasoline has gone up a lot this month.
Pudimos comprar la televisión a un precio muy bueno.
We were able to buy the television at a very good price.
Masculine Noun Rule
'Precio' is always a masculine noun, so it always uses 'el' or 'un' before it, and uses masculine adjectives (e.g., 'un precio alto' or 'el mejor precio').
Abstract Use
When used figuratively, 'precio' often describes the consequence or sacrifice required to achieve something, much like the English phrase 'the cost of success'.
Using 'La' instead of 'El'
Mistake: “La precio”
Correction: El precio. Remember, even though 'precio' ends in an 'o', always use 'el' or 'un' because it is a masculine word.
coste
KOHS-tehˈkoste
Examples
El éxito tuvo un gran coste personal para el atleta.
Success took a great personal toll on the athlete.
El coste de la vida ha subido mucho este año.
The cost of living has gone up a lot this year.
Debemos reducir el coste de producción para ser competitivos.
We must reduce the production cost to be competitive.
El billete de avión tiene un coste adicional por la maleta.
The plane ticket has an additional cost for the suitcase.
Masculine Word
Even though it ends in '-e', this word is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it (e.g., 'el coste').
Coste vs. Precio
Think of 'coste' as what it takes to make or maintain something, while 'precio' is what the customer actually pays in a shop.
Abstract Use
Just like in English, you can use 'cost' to talk about things that aren't money, like time, health, or happiness.
The Wrong Gender
Mistake: “La coste de la cena.”
Correction: El coste de la cena. 'Coste' is a masculine noun.
Confusing with 'Costa'
Mistake: “A toda coste.”
Correction: A toda costa. While 'coste' means expense, 'costa' is used in the specific idiom meaning 'at all costs'.
Monetary vs. Metaphorical Cost
Related Translations
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