If you want to know how to say cost in Spanish, the main noun is costo or coste. Both mean “cost.” Costo is especially common in Latin America, while coste is especially common in Spain. To say “how much does it cost?”, use ¿Cuánto cuesta?
“Cost” in Spanish is costo or coste. The verb “to cost” is costar. Say ¿Cuánto cuesta? for “How much does it cost?” For a polite question, add por favor.
How Do You Say Cost in Spanish?
The noun cost in Spanish is costo or coste. The verb “to cost” is costar, an -ar verb with a stem change in forms such as cuesta.
The choice between costo and coste depends mainly on region. Costo is very common in Latin America, while coste is common in Spain. Both are understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Meaning: Cost
Different Spanish Words for Cost
Use the noun when discussing an amount, and the verb when describing what something costs.
1. Costo — Cost
Costo is the noun “cost.” El costo total means “the total cost.” It is especially common in Latin American Spanish.
2. Coste — Cost
Coste means the same thing as costo and is especially common in Spain. El coste de la vida means “the cost of living.”
3. Costar — To Cost
Costar is the verb “to cost.” It changes its stem in the present tense: cuesta means “it costs,” and cuestan means “they cost.”
4. Precio — Price
Precio means “price,” not exactly “cost.” In everyday shopping, ¿Cuál es el precio? means “What is the price?”
5. Cuesta — It Costs
Cuesta is the third-person singular form of costar: Cuesta diez euros means “It costs ten euros.”
Cost in Spanish: Quick Comparison
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| Spanish | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| costo | cost | Common noun, especially Latin America |
| coste | cost | Common noun, especially Spain |
| costar | to cost | Infinitive verb |
| precio | price | Amount charged or listed |
| cuesta | it costs | Present-tense verb form |
How to Pronounce Costo and Coste
Costo is pronounced approximately “KOS-toh.” Coste is approximately “KOS-teh.” Spanish vowels stay clear and short.
In most Spanish varieties, the c in costo and coste has a “k” sound because it comes before o or a consonant. The final vowel is pronounced clearly.
How Much Does It Cost in Spanish?
The most useful question is ¿Cuánto cuesta?, meaning “How much does it cost?” For plural items, say ¿Cuánto cuestan?
You can add the item: ¿Cuánto cuesta este libro? means “How much does this book cost?” For a general price, ¿Cuánto es? can also be used in shops.
Example Sentences Using Cost in Spanish
Use: Asking the price of one item.
Use: Talking about an expensive cost.
Use: Asking about plural items.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cost in Spanish
Tap a question below to see the answer.
How do you say cost in Spanish?
Use costo or coste. Costo is especially common in Latin America, while coste is especially common in Spain.
How do you say to cost in Spanish?
The verb is costar. Its common forms include cuesta, “it costs,” and cuestan, “they cost.”
How do you ask how much something costs?
Say ¿Cuánto cuesta? for one item and ¿Cuánto cuestan? for plural items.
What is the difference between costo and coste?
They mean the same thing. Costo is more common in Latin America, and coste is more common in Spain.
What is the difference between cost and price in Spanish?
Costo/coste means “cost,” while precio means “price.” They often refer to the same amount in everyday shopping, but the words have different meanings.
How do you say cost of living in Spanish?
Say el costo de vida or el coste de vida, depending on regional preference.
Summary: How to Say Cost in Spanish
The noun cost in Spanish is costo or coste. The verb “to cost” is costar, as in ¿Cuánto cuesta?, “How much does it cost?”
Choose costo for a common Latin American form and coste for a common Spanish form. Use precio when you specifically mean “price.”
