Ways to say EXPENSIVE

Ways to Say EXPENSIVE in English

Hello English learners! Today we are expanding your vocabulary with a wonderful set of expressions you can use instead of simply saying expensive.

Whether you’re shopping, travelling, or talking about your daily expenses, these phrases will help you sound more natural, expressive, and fluent — especially at B2–C1 level.

Here are 12 useful words and expressions you can use.

Dear

Meaning: expensive (mainly British). This word is very common in the UK and works well in everyday conversations.

• Petrol prices are rising again. They’re so dear that we’re considering using the bus more often.
• Everything in that boutique is dear. Let’s check the shops down the road instead.

Pricey

Meaning: slightly informal, meaning “expensive” — often used when something is nice but costs more than expected.

• That café is a bit pricey, but their coffee is outstanding.
• Hybrid cars are pricier than regular ones due to their advanced technology.

Overpriced

Meaning: costing more than it’s really worth.

• Souvenirs in tourist areas are usually overpriced. You can find better deals elsewhere.
• We ordered a bottle of overpriced wine that wasn’t even very good.

Steep

Meaning: shockingly or unexpectedly expensive.

• The holiday itself was affordable, but the flights were a little steep.
• Those concert tickets are far too steep for our budget.

Stiff

Meaning: unreasonably expensive; difficult to pay for.

• The tea shop had some stiff prices for their chocolate and specialty teas.
• We paid a stiff fee for just one night at that hotel.

Posh

Meaning: stylish, luxurious, and often expensive — usually referring to lifestyle, restaurants, or areas.

• Brian took us to a posh restaurant last night. Luckily, he insisted on paying.
• She lives in a posh neighbourhood where even basic groceries cost more.

Cost a fortune

Meaning: very expensive; costing a very large amount of money.

• Renovating that old house must have cost a fortune.
• Those designer handbags cost a fortune, but people still buy them.

A rip-off

Meaning: extremely overpriced; not worth the money (informal).

• £30 for a simple T-shirt? What a rip-off!
• Drinks in that restaurant are a total rip-off.

Can’t afford

Meaning: not having enough money to buy or do something.

• Not everyone can afford to pay top dollar for online courses.
• We’d love to travel more, but we simply can’t afford it at the moment.

Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning: extremely expensive; almost painfully so.

• University fees these days cost an arm and a leg.
• A holiday in Hawaii would cost an arm and a leg, so we’re staying local this year.

Top dollar

Meaning: a very high amount of money, usually for premium quality.

• People are willing to pay top dollar for the latest smartphones.
• You need to spend top dollar if you want truly professional equipment.

Premium

Meaning: high quality and therefore more expensive.

• This gym offers premium membership with extra classes and personal training.
• The premium seats in the theatre are closest to the stage and cost noticeably more.

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