6 Ways to Say that Something is Cheap

We usually use the adjective 'cheap' to say that something costs less money than we expected. 
Cheap can suggest that something is poor quality. To avoid the negative connotation of this word, we can use other adjectives when we talk about products and services that cost little money. 

In this lesson, you will learn how to use 6 different adjectives that can replace the word 'cheap'. 

Let's look at the example sentences below. 

LOW (meaning: not costing a lot of money) 
We use 'low' to talk about prices, rents, and fees.  

• Walmart is able to keep prices low. 
• January is always a good month to travel because prices are low. 
• A great way to save money on airline tickets is to use a low-cost carrier. 
• Some airlines offer lower fares and make travelling easier. 

REASONABLE (meaning: not too expensive) 
When a price is 'reasonable', it seems fair – neither cheap nor expensive. 

• I would definitely go to that restaurant again. They offer good food at a reasonable price. 
• Vegetables are very reasonable at this time of year. (= not too expensive) 
• They sell quality products at reasonable prices. 

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INEXPENSIVE (rather formal) (meaning: cheap; doesn't cost a lot of money) 
When we say that something is 'inexpensive', we actually mean it's good value for its price. 

• It's a simple, inexpensive meal. 
• Can you recommend a relatively inexpensive hotel? 
• I'd rather have an inexpensive cup of coffee. (= prefer to have) 

• What is the best store where I can find inexpensive furniture? 

AFFORDABLE (meaning: not expensive) 
When something is 'affordable', it is cheap enough for most people to be able to buy. 

• The restaurant is fancy, yet very affordable. 
• I love shopping for new clothes but I try to save money at the same time -- that's why I always shop online at affordable prices. 
• Public transport fares in Singapore are more affordable than those in Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong and Taipei. 
• Many governments are struggling with providing high quality affordable housing. 

COMPETITIVE (meaning: not expensive to make, buy, or use) 
Competitive prices and rates are as low as those charged by other shops and companies. 

• The store sells a large range of kitchen appliances at very competitive prices. 
• Their exchange rates are very competitive if you compare them with other banks. 

ECONOMICAL (meaning: cheap because you do not need to use a lot of money) 
We use 'economical' when something doesn't cost much money. 

• The big packet is more economical than the small one -- it's only 80 cents more. 
• It's more economical to buy a bike rather than renting one every time. 
• It wasn't very economical to get my washing machine repaired, so I bought a new one. 

Other lessons: 
10 Ways to Say that Something is Bad 
10 Ways to Say that Something is Good 
6 Ways to Say that Something is Expensive 
Common Phrases in Spoken English (Part 1) 
Common Phrases in Spoken English (Part 2) 


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