(image credit: by Jakub Zerdzicki)
You might think luxury comes in a bottle of fine wine or designer perfume, but the real high-roller might be sitting quietly in your home office. Discover why printer ink is one of the most expensive liquids on the planet—and how you can avoid overpaying.
Inkjet Ink: Pricier Than You Think
Printer ink doesn’t get much attention—until you need to replace it. But few people realize just how costly those tiny cartridges really are. According to studies by Consumer Reports and other tech analysts, the cost of branded inkjet ink can skyrocket to $2,000–$12,000 per gallon. That’s right—more than the price of Dom Pérignon or even human blood.
Why Is It So Expensive?
The answer lies in business strategy. Most home and office printers are sold at low upfront prices—some as low as $30–$50. This is called the razor-and-blades model, where the razor (printer) is cheap, but the blades (ink cartridges) are where the real profits come in. Once you’re locked into a brand, you’re often stuck buying their pricey refills.
The Sneaky Ink Drain
Even if you don’t print often, your ink may still be disappearing. That’s because many printers run automatic cleaning cycles to prevent clogs—using ink each time. Some even block black-and-white printing if any color cartridge is empty, forcing full cartridge replacements.
How to Save (and Still Print)
Here are some smarter printing options:
Buy a laser printer – Toner lasts longer and often prints at a lower cost per page.
Switch to ink tank systems – These refillable tanks are eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Try third-party cartridges – Just be aware some brands restrict compatibility.
