Cool MateCost vs Fare
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cost
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Fare
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Most common: Cost
| Cost | Fare | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kɒst/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kɔːst/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/feə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/fer/"]/ |
| Meaning | The amount of money needed to buy something. | The money you pay for a journey on public transport. |
| Example | The cost of the new car is very high. | The bus fare to downtown is $2.50. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | considerable, high, enormous, carry, have, bear, escalate, go up, increase, reduction, savings, increase, at a cost of, cost to, an increase in cost, a reduction in cost, at great cost, considerable, enormous, great, incur, pay, increase, be associated, be involved, escalate, considerable, enormous, great, outweigh, suffer, count, at cost (to), at a cost (to), at the cost of, costs and benefits, at all costs, at any cost, court, legal, administrative, incur, pay, be awarded | expensive, high, cheap, pay, charge, increase, cost (somebody) something, start at something, start from something, hike, increase, rise, at…fare, an increase in fares, a rise in fares, a reduction in fares, pick up, gourmet, rich, plain, offer, serve, sample |
| Antonyms | free, no cost | discount, rebate |
| Common mistakes | Using 'cost' in past tense improperly, like 'costed'., Confusing 'cost' with 'price' in terms of usage., Omitting the amount, e.g., saying 'This costs...' without stating the price. | Confusing 'fare' with 'fair' which refers to justice or an exhibition., Using 'fare' in expressions about food (e.g., 'dinner fare' is correct but can confuse learners). |
| Usage notes | Use 'cost' to describe the price of goods or services. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written language, but avoid using it in very formal contexts where more specific terms might be preferred. | Use 'fare' when talking about the cost of buses, taxis, or trains. It's not commonly used for other types of payments. Avoid using it in very casual contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Cost vs Fare
What's the difference between Cost and Fare?
Cost: The amount of money needed to buy something. Fare: The money you pay for a journey on public transport.
Which is more common: Cost and Fare?
Cost is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Cost and Fare?
Fare is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Cost and Fare the same CEFR level?
Cost: A1, Fare: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Cost and Fare?
Cost: noun, Fare: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Cost: The cost of the new car is very high. Fare: The bus fare to downtown is $2.50.
Can I use Cost and Fare interchangeably?
Not always. Cost and Fare are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.