What is the cheapest place for prescriptions?


Editorial team Published on

There is no single "cheapest" place for all prescriptions, as prices vary widely depending on the specific medication, your location, and whether you use insurance or a discount service.

To get the lowest price, you should compare costs using online tools or look into low-cost wholesale and mail-order options.

Top Low-Cost Services & Pharmacies

  • Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company: Sells hundreds of generic medications online with a flat 15% markup over wholesale cost, plus a $5 pharmacist labor fee and $5 shipping. Often the cheapest option for specific generics if you do not use insurance.
  • Walmart Prescription Program: Offers a 30-day supply of select generic medications starting at $4 and 90-day supplies starting at $10 at local Walmart pharmacies.
  • Amazon Pharmacy (RX Pass): Eligible Prime members can add RX Pass for an extra $5 per month for unlimited fills on a specific list of common generic medications.
  • Rx Outreach: A non-profit mail-order pharmacy providing over 1,100 low-cost medications with no insurance or membership required.

Prescription Price Comparison Tools

Because prices change by location and pharmacy, use these free tools to check local retail prices before you fill:

  • GoodRx: Compares cash prices and provides free coupons accepted at more than 70,000 pharmacies.
  • ScriptSave WellRx: Offers price comparison tools and discount cards across major U.S. retail chains.
  • SingleCare or BuzzRx: Provide free discount coupons that can beat standard insurance copays for select generic drugs.

Tip: Always ask the pharmacist to check the cash or discount-card price of your medication, as it can occasionally be cheaper than going through a high-deductible insurance plan.