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How to Say "expense" in Spanish

English → Spanish

costo

KOHS-tohˈkos.to

nounA1
Use 'costo' when referring to the monetary value or price of a good or service, especially in a general or economic context.
A small, neat stack of shiny gold coins resting beside a simple white price tag, symbolizing monetary value.

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'.

coste

KOHS-tehˈkoste

nounA2
Use 'coste' similarly to 'costo' to refer to the price or monetary value of something, often used in more formal or economic discussions.
A stack of gold coins and a few paper bills on a clean surface.

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.

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.

The Wrong Gender

Mistake: “La coste de la cena.”

Correction: El coste de la cena. 'Coste' is a masculine noun.

gasto

GAHS-tohˈɡasto

nounA2
Use 'gasto' to talk about an amount of money that has been spent, especially when it's an expenditure, outlay, or a specific item on a budget.
A colorful piggy bank being opened with several gold coins spilling out onto a wooden table.

Examples

Tengo un gasto extra este mes porque se rompió mi móvil.

I have an extra expense this month because my phone broke.

Debemos reducir los gastos de la empresa para ahorrar dinero.

We must reduce the company's expenses to save money.

El gasto público en educación ha aumentado este año.

Public spending on education has increased this year.

Using Gasto vs. Coste

'Gasto' refers to the act of money leaving your pocket, while 'coste' refers to the price tag of an item.

Expense vs. Expenses

Mistake: “El gastos es alto.”

Correction: El gasto es alto (singular) or Los gastos son altos (plural). Just like in English, make sure the word matches the number of things you're talking about.

Costo/Coste vs. Gasto

Learners often confuse 'costo'/'coste' with 'gasto'. Remember that 'costo' and 'coste' refer to the price or value of something, while 'gasto' refers to the actual act or amount of spending money.

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