Costly vs. Expensive: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Costly refers to something having a high price or great expense, often implying a significant expenditure relative to value, while expensive specifically denotes a high price.
Key Differences
Costly implies a high expenditure or price, often in relation to the value or utility derived. Expensive, on the other hand, simply refers to a high monetary cost, without necessarily implying a comparison to value.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
A costly item may suggest not only a high price but also a significant impact or sacrifice, possibly beyond monetary aspects. Expensive, however, focuses primarily on the monetary aspect, indicating a high price tag.
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Nov 25, 2023
Costly can also imply consequences or outcomes, suggesting that something may be expensive in terms of effort, time, or other resources. Expensive typically pertains solely to financial cost, without such broader implications.
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Nov 25, 2023
In usage, 'costly' can carry a connotation of regret or loss, hinting that the price paid may not equate to the value received. 'Expensive' is more neutral, merely indicating a high price without additional connotations.
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Nov 25, 2023
Costly items or decisions can affect one's overall situation, like a costly mistake affecting future opportunities. Expensive refers more to the immediate financial aspect, such as an expensive purchase affecting one’s budget.
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Nov 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
High cost, possibly exceeding value or expectation.
Having a high monetary price.
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Nov 25, 2023
Connotation
May imply regret or loss, broader than just monetary.
Primarily monetary, without additional implications.
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Nov 25, 2023
Scope
Can refer to monetary, time, effort, or other resources.
Mainly focuses on monetary cost.
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Nov 25, 2023
Usage Context
Often used in context of decisions or investments.
Used in context of pricing of goods or services.
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Nov 25, 2023
Implication
Implies a significant expenditure relative to value.
Indicates a high price tag, not necessarily value.
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Nov 25, 2023
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Costly and Expensive Definitions
Costly
Involving great expense; high-priced.
The restoration of the historic building was a costly project.
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Nov 21, 2023
Expensive
Costing a lot of money.
She bought an expensive dress for the gala.
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Nov 21, 2023
Costly
Requiring a lot of money or resources.
Their wedding was a costly affair.
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Nov 21, 2023
Expensive
Involving high cost or sacrifice.
Relocating to a new city is an expensive endeavor.
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Nov 21, 2023
Costly
Entailing a loss or negative consequences.
Neglecting car maintenance can be a costly mistake.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Expensive
High in price or charging high prices.
That restaurant is known for being expensive.
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Nov 21, 2023
Costly
Having a high price, especially in a way that seems unfair or disadvantageous.
The medication is lifesaving but extremely costly.
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Nov 21, 2023
Expensive
Requiring a lot of money to buy or maintain.
Luxury cars are generally very expensive to maintain.
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Nov 21, 2023
Costly
Resulting in great expense.
The legal battle turned out to be more costly than anticipated.
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Nov 21, 2023
Expensive
Having a high price or great value.
The antique vase is one of the most expensive items in the collection.
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Nov 21, 2023
Expensive
(obsolete) Given to expending a lot of money; profligate, lavish.
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Oct 19, 2023
Costly
Of great cost; expensive; dear.
He had fitted up his palace in the most costly and sumptuous style, for the accomodation of the princess.
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Oct 19, 2023
Expensive
(computing) Taking a lot of system time or resources.
An unnecessarily expensive choice of algorithm
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Oct 19, 2023
Expensive
Occasioning expense; calling for liberal outlay; costly; dear; liberal; as, expensive dress; an expensive house or family.
War is expensive, and peace desirable.
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Oct 19, 2023
Costly
Having a high price;
Costly jewelry
High-priced merchandise
Much too dear for my pocketbook
A pricey restaurant
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Oct 19, 2023
Expensive
Free in expending; very liberal; especially, in a bad sense: extravagant; lavish.
An active, expensive, indefatigable goodness.
The idle and expensive are dangerous.
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Oct 19, 2023
Expensive
High in price or charging high prices;
Expensive clothes
An expensive shop
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a service be costly?
Yes, if it requires significant resources or investment.
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Nov 25, 2023
Is expensive a subjective term?
It can be, as perceptions of what is expensive vary based on individual circumstances.
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Nov 25, 2023
Is expensive always related to money?
Primarily, but it can also refer to high value or cost in general terms.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can a product be both costly and expensive?
Yes, if it has a high price and also entails significant investment or sacrifice.
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Nov 25, 2023
Is costly used more for long-term implications?
Often, as it can imply consequences or impact beyond immediate monetary cost.
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Nov 25, 2023
Do costly endeavors always have monetary implications?
They often do, but they can also imply other types of resources or efforts.
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Nov 25, 2023
Does costly imply poor value?
Not necessarily, but it can suggest that the cost is high relative to the value.
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Nov 25, 2023
Is expensive related to luxury?
Often, as luxury goods and services typically have high prices.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can inexpensive things be costly in the long run?
Yes, if they lead to additional expenses or negative outcomes over time.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can a decision be costly?
Yes, especially if it leads to significant consequences or sacrifices.
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Nov 25, 2023
Do costly mistakes always involve money?
Not always; they can involve time, effort, or missed opportunities.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can a low-price item be expensive to maintain?
Yes, if it requires significant ongoing investment or resources.
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Nov 25, 2023
Is expensive relative to income levels?
Yes, what is expensive for one person may not be for another.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can the term expensive be used positively?
Yes, it can denote high quality or value.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Does expensive mean overpriced?
Not necessarily; it just means the price is high, not that it is unjustified.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Can an experience be costly?
Yes, in terms of time, effort, or emotional investment.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Is expensive always a negative term?
Not always; it can simply indicate a high price without a negative connotation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Is costly used in terms of risk assessment?
Yes, especially when considering potential losses or negative outcomes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Is expensive a deterrent for buyers?
It can be, depending on the perceived value and the buyer's resources.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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