Prescription Drug Cost Calculator

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

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: CDC

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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

Filling a prescription can mean wildly different prices depending on the path you take to pay. Weighing brand-name against generic options, and stacking your insurance coverage up against popular discount programs like GoodRx, helps you land on the cheapest way to fill a given prescription in 2026, and that comparison can add up to hundreds of dollars over a year.

Behind the estimate sits a regularly updated database of average wholesale prices (AWP) for both brand and generic medications, adjusted for 2026 inflation and manufacturer rebates. From there the tool applies the insurance copay or coinsurance percentage you enter, and separately queries real-time GoodRx pricing for the medication and dosage you specify, accounting for the markups pharmacies typically add.

Prices swing noticeably from one pharmacy to the next, sometimes even within the same zip code, so it pays to check a few locations rather than settling on the first quote. Insurance isn't automatically the cheaper route either, since discount programs frequently beat it on certain generics. And bear in mind that some brand-name drugs still have no generic equivalent, which limits how far you can shop the price down.

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.

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