Prescription Drug Cost Calculator

Compare brand vs generic and insurance vs GoodRx pricing for medications.
$
$
$
$

Best Option

GoodRx Price: $18.00

Annual Savings vs Brand

$2,184.00

Price Comparison

GoodRx Price$18.00/mo ($216.00/yr)
Generic (no insurance)$25.00/mo ($300.00/yr)
With Insurance (copay)$30.00/mo ($360.00/yr)
Brand (no insurance)$200.00/mo ($2,400.00/yr)

Use the Prescription Drug Cost Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our Prescription Drug Cost Calculator helps you navigate the complex world of medication pricing. By comparing brand-name versus generic options, and factoring in your insurance coverage against popular discount programs like GoodRx, you can find the most affordable way to get your prescriptions filled in 2026. This tool empowers you to make informed decisions and potentially save hundreds of dollars annually on your healthcare costs.

The calculator's methodology involves accessing a regularly updated database of average wholesale prices (AWP) for both brand and generic medications, adjusted for 2026 inflation and manufacturer rebates. It then applies a user-defined insurance copay/coinsurance percentage, and independently queries real-time GoodRx pricing APIs for the specified medication and dosage, factoring in common pharmacy markups.

When using the calculator, remember that prices can vary significantly between pharmacies, even within the same zip code, so always check multiple locations. A common mistake is assuming your insurance will always be cheaper; often, discount programs offer better rates for certain generics. Also, be aware that some brand-name drugs may not have generic equivalents yet.

Example: 2026 Simvastatin (Generic Zocor)

  1. 1 Let's say you need a 30-day supply of Simvastatin 20mg. Your insurance has a $30 copay for generics, and you're curious about GoodRx.
  2. 2 The calculator first identifies Simvastatin 20mg as a generic. It then pulls the average 2026 generic AWP, which for this example is $15. It compares your $30 insurance copay against the current average GoodRx price for Simvastatin 20mg, which is $8. Your insurance copay for generic drugs is $30.
  3. 3 The calculator determines that using a GoodRx coupon would cost you $8, while using your insurance would cost $30.
  4. 4 In this scenario, opting for the GoodRx coupon would save you $22 on this prescription. Always verify the GoodRx price with your specific pharmacy before filling, as prices can fluctuate.

Source: CDC · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Are generic drugs as effective as brand-name drugs?
Yes. The FDA requires generics to have the same active ingredient, dosage, strength, and quality as brand-name drugs. They must demonstrate bioequivalence. Generics typically cost 80-90% less than brand-name equivalents.
Is GoodRx cheaper than using my insurance?
Sometimes. GoodRx and similar discount cards can beat insurance copays, especially for common generics. Compare your insurance copay with the GoodRx price at your pharmacy before filling. Using GoodRx means the purchase does not count toward your deductible.
How can I reduce my prescription drug costs?
Ask your doctor about generic alternatives, use GoodRx or similar discount programs, check manufacturer patient assistance programs, consider mail-order pharmacies for maintenance medications, and compare prices across pharmacies as prices vary significantly.

You might also need

HSA Calculator 2026 — Contribution Limits & Triple Tax Savings

Calculate HSA tax savings, investment growth, and projected balance at retirement. See the triple tax advantage in action. Based on 2026 IRS contribution limits.

BMI Calculator — Body Mass Index, Category & Healthy Range

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) from height and weight. See your BMI category, healthy weight range, and what it means. Free, instant results with chart.

Calorie Calculator (TDEE)

Calculate daily calories for maintenance, weight loss, or gain using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation and your activity level.