Britannica AI Icon

average cost

finance
Also known as: unit cost

Quick Summary

Total cost, in economics, is the sum of all expenses a firm incurs to produce a specific output. This includes fixed costs, which remain constant regardless of production volume (like rent), and variable costs, which fluctuate with output (like labor and raw materials).1

The average cost is calculated by dividing the total cost by the number of units produced. This concept is crucial for understanding a business's financial performance and pricing strategies.1

In a different context, the cost of living refers to the monetary expense of maintaining a certain standard of living, measured by the average cost of essential goods and services. For retirees, health care costs are a significant financial concern, with an average of $172,500 expected for a 65-year-old retiring in 2025, excluding long-term care.23

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.