03/22/2026
Random fact of the day: Inkjet cartridge ink is one of the most expensive liquids you can buy by volume.
Per gallon, ink cartridge ink can range between $1,664-$9,600 per gallon!
Most cartridge ink costs between $13-$75 (depends on quality/brand) per ounce and a standard cartridge only holds between 0.1 and 0.5 oz. Printer companies will often subsidize the cost of the printer with ink profits, that’s why the machines seem cheap upfront but a refill or two can cost almost the same as a new printer.
If you don’t need the best print quality, we generally recommend ink tank printers for general printing. The print quality is a bit lower and the upfront cost is higher, but the refill ink bottles generally cost between $1-$5 per ounce.
In an ever increasing digital world, going the tank route will likely be cheaper for residential use in the long run! Laser printers are also a great option for high-volume, primarily document printing needs!
