relatively affordable

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively affordable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is not inexpensive, but still relatively reasonable in terms of its price. For example, "This new laptop is relatively affordable compared to similar models."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

They're relatively affordable.

The Guardian

And the properties are still relatively affordable.

The New York Times - Arts

Both places provided a relatively affordable taste of luxury.

The New York Times - Travel

A gastric bypass costs a relatively affordable £6,000.

The Guardian

"Chocolate is a relatively affordable obsession," Mr. Gordon said.

The New York Times - Food

Space in New London is still relatively affordable for businesses.

The New York Times

She moved on to relatively affordable ginseng jars.

The New York Times - Style

One quarter of the intended 3,600 new homes will be (relatively) affordable.

The Guardian

"Why is the Chester Court listing so relatively affordable?" Clinton hillbilly said.

The New Yorker

The sour economy is probably helping, as movies are still a relatively affordable form of entertainment.

The New York Times

What does this all mean for the new home buyer seeking a relatively affordable home?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with a comparison (e.g. "compared to previous years") to give the reader a clear frame of reference.

Common error

Do not use double adverbs such as "very relatively affordable". Since "relatively" already functions as a modifier that defines the degree of affordability based on context, adding another intensifier creates a logical redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively affordable" functions as a modified adjective. The adverb "relatively" acts as a downtoner or a comparative intensifier for the adjective "affordable", indicating that the quality of being affordable is subjective and dependent on context. According to Ludwig, this structure is frequently used to provide nuance to pricing descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "relatively affordable" is a highly versatile and professional phrase used to describe price points within a comparative framework. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a preferred term in high-tier journalism because it avoids the potentially negative connotations of the word "cheap" while still signaling value to the reader. With over 50 examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it is clearly a standard choice for writers who need to convey accessibility in markets where prices are generally high, such as real estate or luxury goods.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly affordable

A very close synonym that uses a different adverb to indicate degree.

reasonably priced

More common in retail and service contexts to suggest a fair transaction.

moderately priced

More formal and objective, often used in professional appraisals or reports.

fairly inexpensive

Leans slightly closer to 'cheap' while remaining polite and descriptive.

comparatively cheap

Stronger emphasis on low cost relative to a specific benchmark.

cost-effective

Implies a high ratio of benefit to cost, often used in professional or technical settings.

economical

Focuses on the efficiency and resource-saving nature of the price point.

budget-friendly

Modern and slightly more informal, frequently found in travel and lifestyle blogs.

within reach

Uses a metaphor to emphasize accessibility for a target audience.

attainable for most

Focuses on the demographic inclusivity rather than the price tag itself.

FAQs

What does "relatively affordable" mean in a sentence?

It describes something that is priced reasonably when compared to other similar items or expectations. For example, a luxury car might be described as "relatively affordable" if its price is lower than other vehicles in the same class.

What can I say instead of "relatively affordable"?

Depending on your context, you could use alternatives like "reasonably priced", "fairly inexpensive" or "cost-effective".

Is "relatively affordable" a formal phrase?

Yes, it is widely used in professional contexts, including news reporting and business analysis. Ludwig shows numerous examples from high-authority sources like "The New York Times" and "The Guardian".

Which is more common, "relatively affordable" or "relatively cheap"?

While both are correct, "relatively affordable" is often preferred in formal writing because "affordable" sounds more professional and less reductive than "relatively cheap".