less costly than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less costly than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the cost of two or more items or options, indicating that one is cheaper than the other. Example: "This model is less costly than the previous version, making it a more budget-friendly choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Civil actions are far less costly than criminal prosecutions.

The New York Times

Government subsidies make diesel less costly than gasoline in India.

The New York Times

Could a marine timekeeper be made that was less costly than the exquisite H4?

The Guardian

But even at the highest end, the shades are less costly than custom draperies.

The New York Times

Withered men pull overloaded carts, their labor less costly than the price of a donkey.

The New York Times

These measures are expensive, but far less costly than repeated disasters.

The New York Times

Flying into Albuquerque, 64 miles south, is usually less costly than flying directly to Santa Fe.

The New York Times - Travel

But for those under fifty, McAllen was downright ordinary — even less costly than El Paso.

The New Yorker

Growing costs are minimal, and curing marijuana is less costly than curing tobacco.

The New Yorker

The Economist believes that cocaine's legalisation would be less costly than failed prohibition.

The Economist

Diversion can also be less costly than other criminal justice processing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing costs, be specific about what is included in each cost to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify if the cost includes taxes, shipping, or additional features.

Common error

Avoid vague comparisons; clearly state what you're comparing. Instead of saying "This is "less costly than" that", specify "This option is "less costly than" the alternative when considering long-term maintenance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less costly than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to modify a noun by indicating that it has a lower cost relative to another noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less costly than" is a common and grammatically correct way to compare the expenses of two or more options. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression. It sees frequent use in news, scientific, and business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional tone. When using the phrase, ensure you provide clear context for the comparison. Alternatives include "cheaper than" and "more affordable than". Remember to clearly state what costs are being compared to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less expensive than

A direct synonym, but slightly more formal.

cheaper than

A simpler, more direct way of expressing lower cost.

more affordable than

Focuses on affordability from the user's perspective rather than a general cost comparison.

more budget-friendly than

Emphasizes that it is easier to fit into a budget.

more economical than

Implies efficiency and resource savings, beyond just monetary cost.

at a lower price point than

Highlights the price as a specific data point in the comparison.

carries a lower price tag than

A more colloquial way to refer to the price.

a better value than

Shifts the focus to the perceived value received for the cost.

more competitive in price than

Highlights the competitive nature of the pricing.

represents better savings than

Highlights the savings aspect of the comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "less costly than" in a sentence?

Use "less costly than" to compare the expenses of two or more items or options. For example: "The generic drug is "less costly than" the brand-name version".

What is a more formal alternative to "less costly than"?

A more formal alternative to "less costly than" is "less expensive than". For example: "Investing in renewable energy is "less expensive than" continuing to rely on fossil fuels in the long run".

What's the difference between "less costly than" and "cheaper than"?

"Less costly than" is generally considered slightly more formal than "cheaper than", though both are widely acceptable. Choose based on your desired tone and audience.

Can I use "less costly than" when comparing value, not just price?

While "less costly than" typically refers to price, you can use it when comparing overall value if the value is directly tied to monetary expense. For example: "Implementing preventative maintenance is "less costly than" dealing with major repairs later on".