starting cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial price or expense associated with a product, service, or project. Example: "The starting cost for the new software package is $500, which includes basic features and support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Most important to progressives, the projections lay the groundwork for healthcare reform, budgeting some $634bn as a starting cost and enunciating eight basic principles for universal coverage.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Didn't I always say it's going to end in women conspiring in their own genital mutilation, at a starting cost of around £3,000?" God, my vagina can't half go on.

Independent

The starting cost is low, so it's quick and easy to set up a cafe".

TechCrunch

With a starting price of $135,000, the SP 01 also has a starting cost higher than the Roadster.

TechCrunch

And with the robot's starting cost of $25,000 for a retail package, that's going to require a heck of a lot of email signups to justify the cost.

TechCrunch

She greets us in a standard huayno dress, which are inspired by traditional Andean garments, but are bejeweled and embroidered to a starting cost of $1,000 (hers are much, much more expensive).

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The Netherlands has pledged 10 years of free rent and $70 million for starting costs.

The New York Times

Huffington Post's starting costs in Australia are expected to be well under $10m, according to the Financial Review.

The Guardian

There have been more than 600,000 appeals since the WCA started, costing about £60m a year.

The Guardian

The war that he and George W Bush gratuitously started, costing 200,000-plus lives and $3trn and counting, had been a victory.

Independent

Another bureaucrat says that housing, once provided for almost nothing, will start costing around 10% of his massively increased salary.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budgets or financial planning, clearly state the "starting cost" to set realistic expectations for stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid using "starting cost" when you actually mean the total cost, including all additional expenses. "Starting cost" only refers to the initial expense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting cost" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the initial monetary value associated with a product, service, or project. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting cost" refers to the initial expense or price associated with a product, service, or project. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English, often used in news and business contexts to set financial expectations. While synonyms like "base price" and "initial outlay" exist, "starting cost" is a common and readily understood term. It is important to differentiate it from "total cost" to avoid confusion. When using this phrase, ensure you're clearly communicating the initial expense rather than the overall investment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first cost

Simple substitution, emphasizing the cost that occurs at the beginning.

base price

Focuses on the price before any additions or modifications.

baseline expense

Similar to base price, but using expense instead of price.

primary cost

Similar to first cost, but using primary to emphasize the start.

initial outlay

Replaces "cost" with "outlay", emphasizing the expenditure of money.

launch cost

Implies the expenses involved in initiating or launching a project or product.

entry-level expense

Highlights the cost associated with the most basic or introductory version.

minimum investment

Emphasizes the smallest amount of money required to begin.

preliminary expenditure

Replaces "cost" with a more formal "expenditure" and specifies it's preliminary.

opening price point

A marketing term that refers to the lowest price at which a product is offered.

FAQs

What's the difference between "starting cost" and "total cost"?

The "starting cost" refers to the initial or base expense, while the "total cost" encompasses all expenses, including any additional fees, taxes, or ongoing costs.

What are some synonyms for "starting cost"?

Alternatives to "starting cost" include "initial outlay", "base price", and "entry-level expense", depending on the specific context.

How do I use "starting cost" in a sentence?

You can use "starting cost" to specify the minimum expense required to acquire something. For example: "The "starting cost" of the project is $10,000, but additional resources may be needed."

Is it correct to say "beginning cost" instead of "starting cost"?

While "beginning cost" is understandable, "starting cost" is the more common and idiomatic expression. It is, therefore, the preferred choice for clarity and professional communication.