16 Ways to Say Cheap (With Meanings & Examples)
Hello, dear English learners 👋 Welcome to a new lesson. In English, the word cheap can sometimes sound negative, suggesting poor quality. That’s why native speakers often use alternative expressions to describe something that is low in price without sounding rude or dismissive. In this lesson, you’ll learn 16 natural ways to say “cheap”, ranging from informal idioms to neutral and formal expressions. These are especially useful for B1–B2 learners, everyday conversations, reviews, and exam writing.
Informal and Idiomatic Expressions
A steal
Meaning: something bought at an extremely good price
I got this jacket for £15 — it was a steal!
At that price, the flat was an absolute steal.
Dirt cheap
Meaning: extremely inexpensive (informal)
The fruit at the market was dirt cheap.
Flights were dirt cheap during the off-season.
Easy on the pocket
Meaning: affordable and not expensive
That café is easy on the pocket but still very good.
It’s a great option if you want something easy on the pocket.
Wallet-friendly
Meaning: affordable and suitable for people on a budget
The shop is known for its wallet-friendly prices.
They offer wallet-friendly solutions for students.
Neutral and Everyday Expressions
Affordable
Meaning: reasonably priced; within your budget
They’re looking for affordable housing.
This phone is affordable and reliable.
Inexpensive
Meaning: not costing much money
We ate at an inexpensive restaurant near the station.
It’s an inexpensive way to travel.
Low-cost
Meaning: cheap but practical (often used in business or travel)
Low-cost airlines have changed the way we travel.
She chose a low-cost solution.
Low-priced
Meaning: sold at a lower price than similar items
The store sells low-priced electronics.
He always looks for low-priced books.
Reasonably priced
Meaning: fairly priced; good value for money
The hotel is comfortable and reasonably priced.
They offer reasonably priced services.
Budget-friendly
Meaning: suitable for people who want to save money
It’s a budget-friendly holiday destination.
The restaurant has a budget-friendly menu.
Shopping and Sales Language
Bargain
Meaning: something sold at a price lower than expected
I found a real bargain at the outlet store.
That sofa was a bargain.
Discounted
Meaning: sold at a reduced price
All items are discounted this weekend.
She bought a discounted laptop online.
Marked down
Meaning: reduced from the original price
The shoes were marked down by 40%.
We waited until the coats were marked down.
On sale
Meaning: available at a lower price for a short time
Winter clothes are on sale now.
I bought it on sale.
More Formal or Practical Terms
Economical
Meaning: good value and efficient in the long term
It’s an economical choice for families.
This car is economical to run.
Cost-effective
Meaning: giving good results for the money spent
Online learning can be very cost-effective.
They chose a cost-effective solution.
Final Tip
If you want to sound natural in English, avoid repeating cheap. Choose an expression that matches the situation and tone:
- informal → a steal, dirt cheap
- neutral → affordable, inexpensive
- formal → cost-effective, economical
Using the right word will make your English sound more precise, polite, and confident.
Learn ways to say expensive here
Learn vocabulary related to shopping here
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