“How much is this?” is a common English question used when you want to know the price of something. You can use it in stores, markets, restaurants, online shopping, travel situations, and casual conversations.
However, the best phrase depends on what you are asking about. For an item in a shop, “How much is this?” sounds natural. For a service, “How much do you charge for this?” sounds better. When you want the final amount, “What’s the total?” is clearer.
This guide gives you 100 ways to say “How much is this?” in English with examples for shopping, services, restaurants, online orders, discounts, bargaining, price comparisons, texts, and polite customer conversations.
Best Alternatives to “How Much Is This?” by Shopping Situation
| Situation | Better Phrase |
|---|---|
| Asking item price | How much is this? |
| Polite price question | Could you tell me the price? |
| Store question | What’s the price of this? |
| Service cost | How much do you charge for this? |
| Total cost | What’s the total? |
| Restaurant price | How much is this dish? |
| Discount question | Is there any discount on this? |
| Bargaining | Can you do a better price? |
| Comparing prices | Is this cheaper than that one? |
| Casual text | How much is it? |
“How Much Is This?” vs “How Much Does It Cost?” vs “What’s the Price?”
These phrases are related, but they are not always used in the same way. “How much is this?” is natural when you are pointing to an item near you. “How much does it cost?” is a complete price question. “What’s the price?” is direct and common in stores.
| Phrase | Meaning | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| How much is this? | Natural when pointing to an item near you | Shops, markets, items |
| How much is it? | Natural when the item is already understood | Casual price questions |
| How much does it cost? | Clear and complete price question | General price questions |
| What’s the price? | Direct and common in stores | Shopping and sales |
| What’s the price of this? | Clear item-specific price question | Stores and online shopping |
| How much do you charge for this? | Best for services, not objects | Repairs, lessons, freelance work |
| What’s the total? | Asks for the final price | Checkout, bills, invoices |
| Does that include tax? | Asks whether tax is included | Final cost questions |
When “How Much Is This?” Works Best in English
Use “How much is this?” when you are asking about the price of a specific item. It works well when you are pointing to something, holding something, or standing near the item you want to buy.
For services, fees, repairs, lessons, or custom work, use phrases like “How much do you charge for this?” or “Could you give me a price estimate?” If you are already at checkout, “What’s the total?” is usually more natural than “How much is this?”
Polite Ways to Ask “How Much Is This?” in English
Use these phrases when you want to ask about a price respectfully.
Could you tell me the price?
A polite way to ask for the price.
Example: Could you tell me the price of this bag?
Could you let me know how much this is?
A soft and polite price question.
Example: Could you let me know how much this is?
Excuse me, how much is this?
A natural phrase in stores and markets.
Example: Excuse me, how much is this?
May I ask how much this costs?
A polite and slightly formal price question.
Example: May I ask how much this costs?
Could you check the price for me?
A useful phrase when the price is not clear.
Example: Could you check the price for me?
Do you know the price of this?
A simple and polite question.
Example: Do you know the price of this item?
Could you tell me how much it costs?
A clear and polite phrase.
Example: Could you tell me how much it costs?
What would the price be for this?
A polite phrase for asking about a product or service.
Example: What would the price be for this?
Could you give me the price, please?
A direct but polite price question.
Example: Could you give me the price, please?
How much would this be?
A natural phrase for asking about price.
Example: How much would this be with tax?
Store and Market Phrases for Asking the Price
These phrases are useful in shops, local markets, street stalls, malls, and travel situations.
How much is this?
A simple price question for one item.
Example: How much is this?
How much is it?
A natural question when the item is already clear.
Example: How much is it?
What’s the price of this?
A clear store question.
Example: What’s the price of this?
How much does this cost?
A complete price question.
Example: How much does this cost?
How much are these?
Use this for plural items.
Example: How much are these?
What’s the price per kilo?
A useful phrase for food or market items.
Example: What’s the price per kilo?
How much is one piece?
A phrase for asking the price of a single item.
Example: How much is one piece?
How much is this item?
A clear phrase for stores.
Example: How much is this item?
Is the price marked?
A useful question when you cannot see the price.
Example: Is the price marked?
Can you check the price?
A practical phrase when the seller needs to scan or check it.
Example: Can you check the price?
Price Questions for Clothes, Shoes, and Accessories
Use these phrases when shopping for clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, or accessories.
How much is this shirt?
A simple clothing price question.
Example: How much is this shirt?
How much are these shoes?
A natural question for shoes.
Example: How much are these shoes?
What’s the price of this jacket?
A clear phrase for asking about clothing.
Example: What’s the price of this jacket?
How much is this bag?
A common shopping question.
Example: How much is this bag?
Is this on sale?
A useful question for discounts.
Example: Is this on sale?
How much is this in my size?
A helpful phrase when prices may vary by size or style.
Example: How much is this in my size?
What’s the price after discount?
A phrase for sale items.
Example: What’s the price after discount?
How much are these sunglasses?
A natural question for accessories.
Example: How much are these sunglasses?
Does this price include alterations?
A useful phrase for clothing adjustments.
Example: Does this price include alterations?
How much is the matching set?
A phrase for sets or pairs.
Example: How much is the matching set?
Price Questions for Food, Groceries, and Market Items
These phrases work well for fruit, vegetables, meat, snacks, bottles, packs, and market products.
How much is this fruit?
A simple food price question.
Example: How much is this fruit?
How much is it per kilo?
A common market question.
Example: How much is it per kilo?
What’s the price per pound?
A useful phrase in places that use pounds.
Example: What’s the price per pound?
How much are these apples?
A natural question for plural food items.
Example: How much are these apples?
How much is one bunch?
A phrase for bananas, herbs, flowers, or greens.
Example: How much is one bunch?
What’s the price for a dozen?
A phrase for eggs, roses, or grouped items.
Example: What’s the price for a dozen?
How much is this pack?
A phrase for packaged items.
Example: How much is this pack?
How much is this bottle?
A phrase for drinks, sauces, or liquids.
Example: How much is this bottle?
Is this price per item or per kilo?
A helpful phrase for avoiding confusion.
Example: Is this price per item or per kilo?
How much would two kilos cost?
A phrase for calculating a larger amount.
Example: How much would two kilos cost?
Service and Fee Phrases When “How Much Is This?” Does Not Fit
“How much is this?” works best for objects. For services, repairs, lessons, appointments, or custom work, these phrases sound more natural.
How much do you charge for this?
A common question for service prices.
Example: How much do you charge for this repair?
What’s your fee for this service?
A professional way to ask about fees.
Example: What’s your fee for this service?
How much would the service cost?
A clear question about service pricing.
Example: How much would the service cost?
Could you give me a price estimate?
A polite phrase when the final price is not known yet.
Example: Could you give me a price estimate?
What would the total service fee be?
A phrase for final service cost.
Example: What would the total service fee be?
How much do you charge per hour?
A useful question for hourly work.
Example: How much do you charge per hour?
What’s the cost of the repair?
A direct repair-price question.
Example: What’s the cost of the repair?
How much would it cost to fix this?
A natural phrase for repairs.
Example: How much would it cost to fix this phone?
Could you quote me a price?
A professional phrase for a service estimate.
Example: Could you quote me a price for this job?
What’s the starting price?
A useful phrase when prices vary.
Example: What’s the starting price for this service?
Restaurant and Menu Phrases for Asking the Price
Use these phrases when asking about food, drinks, meals, add-ons, service charges, or menu items.
How much is this dish?
A simple restaurant price question.
Example: How much is this dish?
How much is the special?
A phrase for special menu items.
Example: How much is the special today?
What’s the price of this meal?
A clear question for a meal price.
Example: What’s the price of this meal?
How much is the set menu?
A phrase for fixed menus.
Example: How much is the set menu?
Does this include a drink?
A useful phrase for meal deals.
Example: Does this include a drink?
How much is the lunch combo?
A common restaurant question.
Example: How much is the lunch combo?
Is service charge included?
A useful phrase for final bill questions.
Example: Is service charge included?
How much is this with extra cheese?
A phrase for add-ons.
Example: How much is this with extra cheese?
What’s the price for a large size?
A phrase for size upgrades.
Example: What’s the price for a large size?
How much is dessert?
A simple menu price question.
Example: How much is dessert?
Ways to Ask About the Total Cost, Tax, or Extra Charges
These phrases help you ask for the final amount before paying.
What’s the total?
A common checkout phrase.
Example: What’s the total?
How much is it altogether?
A natural phrase for the full amount.
Example: How much is it altogether?
Does that include tax?
A useful question about tax.
Example: Does that include tax?
Are there any extra charges?
A helpful phrase for hidden costs.
Example: Are there any extra charges?
How much is it with delivery?
A phrase for delivery orders.
Example: How much is it with delivery?
Is service charge included?
A restaurant or service-cost question.
Example: Is service charge included?
What’s the final price?
A clear phrase for the final amount.
Example: What’s the final price?
How much will it be after tax?
A phrase for tax-inclusive cost.
Example: How much will it be after tax?
Is there a delivery fee?
A useful question for online or food orders.
Example: Is there a delivery fee?
Are there any additional fees?
A professional phrase for extra costs.
Example: Are there any additional fees?
Ways to Ask “How Much Is This?” Before Buying Online
These phrases are useful for online shopping, delivery, checkout, shipping, and marketplace messages.
How much is this online?
A simple online price question.
Example: How much is this online?
What’s the price with shipping?
A useful phrase for delivery cost.
Example: What’s the price with shipping?
Is delivery included?
A phrase for checking delivery cost.
Example: Is delivery included?
How much is it after tax?
A checkout price question.
Example: How much is it after tax?
Is there a discount code?
A useful online shopping question.
Example: Is there a discount code?
What’s the final checkout price?
A clear phrase for the full online price.
Example: What’s the final checkout price?
How much is the total with delivery?
A complete delivery-cost question.
Example: How much is the total with delivery?
Are there any hidden fees?
A phrase for checking extra charges.
Example: Are there any hidden fees?
Is this price still available?
A useful marketplace question.
Example: Is this price still available?
Does this price include shipping?
A common online shopping phrase.
Example: Does this price include shipping?
Discount and Sale Phrases for Asking the Price
Use these phrases when checking discounts, sales, offers, or special prices.
Is there any discount on this?
A polite discount question.
Example: Is there any discount on this?
Is this on sale?
A common shopping phrase.
Example: Is this on sale?
What’s the sale price?
A phrase for asking the discounted price.
Example: What’s the sale price?
How much is it after the discount?
A clear discount-price question.
Example: How much is it after the discount?
Is there a special offer?
A phrase for deals or promotions.
Example: Is there a special offer?
Do you have a lower price?
A direct but polite question.
Example: Do you have a lower price?
Is this the final price?
A useful question before paying.
Example: Is this the final price?
Are there any deals on this?
A casual discount question.
Example: Are there any deals on this?
Can I get a discount?
A common discount request.
Example: Can I get a discount?
Is there a student discount?
A specific discount question.
Example: Is there a student discount?
Bargaining Phrases That Sound Natural and Polite
These phrases are useful in markets, travel situations, secondhand shopping, and places where bargaining is normal.
Can you do a better price?
A natural bargaining phrase.
Example: Can you do a better price?
What’s your best price?
A common phrase in bargaining.
Example: What’s your best price for this?
Could you lower the price a little?
A polite bargaining phrase.
Example: Could you lower the price a little?
Is there any room to negotiate?
A professional and polite phrase.
Example: Is there any room to negotiate?
Can you give me a small discount?
A friendly discount request.
Example: Can you give me a small discount?
Would you accept less?
A bargaining phrase for offers.
Example: Would you accept less for this?
Could you make it a little cheaper?
A direct but softened phrase.
Example: Could you make it a little cheaper?
Is that your final price?
A common bargaining phrase.
Example: Is that your final price?
Can you offer a better deal?
A polite phrase for negotiation.
Example: Can you offer a better deal?
Could you do it for less?
A simple bargaining phrase.
Example: Could you do it for less?
Price Comparison Phrases Before You Decide
Use these phrases when comparing products, services, sizes, options, or deals.
Is this cheaper than that one?
A simple comparison question.
Example: Is this cheaper than that one?
Which one costs less?
A clear price comparison phrase.
Example: Which one costs less?
What’s the difference in price?
A useful phrase for comparing two options.
Example: What’s the difference in price?
Is this the cheaper option?
A natural question before choosing.
Example: Is this the cheaper option?
How much more is this one?
A phrase for comparing higher prices.
Example: How much more is this one?
Is there a less expensive version?
A polite phrase for asking about cheaper options.
Example: Is there a less expensive version?
Which one is better value?
A useful phrase for price and quality.
Example: Which one is better value?
Is this worth the price?
A phrase for judging value.
Example: Is this worth the price?
How does this price compare?
A broad comparison question.
Example: How does this price compare with the other model?
Is there a budget option?
A polite phrase for a cheaper choice.
Example: Is there a budget option?
Short Text Messages for Asking the Price
These short phrases work well in text messages, marketplace chats, DMs, and casual buying conversations.
How much is it?
A simple text question.
Example: How much is it?
What’s the price?
A short price question.
Example: What’s the price?
How much for this?
A casual marketplace phrase.
Example: How much for this?
Price?
A very short message. Use it only in casual chats.
Example: Price?
How much does it cost?
A complete price question.
Example: How much does it cost?
What’s the total?
A short final-cost question.
Example: What’s the total?
Any discount?
A casual discount question.
Example: Any discount?
Is this still available?
A common marketplace question before asking price.
Example: Is this still available?
How much with delivery?
A short delivery-cost question.
Example: How much with delivery?
Final price?
A short bargaining phrase.
Example: Final price?
Phrases That Can Sound Too Direct or Awkward
Some price questions are understandable but can sound too short, rude, or unnatural in the wrong situation.
| Phrase | Why to Use Carefully | Better Situation |
|---|---|---|
| How much? | Too short without context | Casual shopping only |
| Price? | Too abrupt | Very casual texts only |
| What cost? | Unnatural phrasing | Avoid |
| Give me price | Incorrect and direct | Avoid |
| Cheap? | Too blunt | Avoid or soften |
| Last price? | Common in some places, but not natural everywhere | Bargaining only |
| Make it cheaper | Can sound demanding | Use polite bargaining |
| Why so expensive? | Can sound rude | Avoid or soften |
| What’s the damage? | Casual/slang, not formal | Close friends or casual speech |
| How much money? | Usually less natural than “How much is it?” | Avoid in most price questions |
Common Price-Question Mistakes with “How Much Is This?”
Many English learners use “How much is this?” for every price situation, but different situations need different phrases. For items, “How much is this?” sounds natural. Services usually need “How much do you charge?” At checkout, “What’s the total?” is clearer when you need the final amount.
Also watch singular and plural grammar. Say “How much is this?” for one item, but “How much are these?” for more than one item. Avoid phrases like “Give me price” or “What cost?” because they sound unnatural in English.
Real-Life Examples for Stores, Markets, Restaurants, and Services
Store
A: Excuse me, how much is this?
B: It’s $25.
Market
A: How much is it per kilo?
B: It’s $3 per kilo.
Restaurant
A: Does this include a drink?
B: Yes, it includes one drink.
Service
A: How much do you charge for this repair?
B: The repair starts at $40.
Bargaining
A: Can you do a better price?
B: I can give you 10% off.
Best “How Much Is This?” Phrase Choices for Shopping, Texts, and Travel
| Situation | Better Phrase |
|---|---|
| Asking item price | How much is this? |
| Polite price question | Could you tell me the price? |
| Store question | What’s the price of this? |
| Service cost | How much do you charge for this? |
| Total cost | What’s the total? |
| Restaurant price | How much is this dish? |
| Discount question | Is there any discount on this? |
| Bargaining | Can you do a better price? |
| Comparing prices | Is this cheaper than that one? |
| Casual text | How much is it? |
How to Ask About Prices Without Sounding Rude
A polite price question should be clear, short, and respectful. Instead of saying only “Price?” say “Could you tell me the price?” or “Excuse me, how much is this?”
When bargaining, avoid rude phrases like “Why so expensive?” or “Make it cheaper.” Softer options like “Can you do a better price?” or “Could you lower the price a little?” sound more polite and natural.
Summary
“How much is this?” is natural in English when you are asking about the price of an item. It works well in shops, markets, restaurants, and casual buying situations.
For polite price questions, say “Could you tell me the price?” or “May I ask how much this costs?” For services, use “How much do you charge for this?” or “Could you give me a price estimate?” When asking about the final amount, “What’s the total?” and “Does that include tax?” are clearer.
FAQs
Another way to say “How much is this?” is “What’s the price of this?” You can also say “How much does this cost?” or “Could you tell me the price?”
A polite way to ask is “Could you tell me the price?” You can also say “Excuse me, how much is this?” or “May I ask how much this costs?”
“How much is this?” is natural when you are pointing to a specific item. “How much does it cost?” is a complete and general price question.
For a service, say “How much do you charge for this?” or “Could you give me a price estimate?” These sound more natural than “How much is this?” for services.
You can say “Is there any discount on this?” “Can you do a better price?” or “Could you lower the price a little?” These phrases sound polite and natural in bargaining situations.
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