(accounting) An excess of actual cost over budget.

(management, accounting) An expense one has avoided incurring.

A cost incurred in the production process by the producer; including tax and profit margins that are anticipated.

(economics) The total amount of money or goods expended in an endeavour. It is money paid out at some time in the past and recorded in journal entries and ledgers.

The property of being cost-effective.

Returning a benefit that justifies the initial investment; economical.

(real estate, usually in the plural) The costs that are incurred in assessing that products/services conform to the requirements. It relates to testing, executing, and examination to assess whether specified quality is being maintained. Some example component items of the total appraisal costs are: product quality audits, process control monitoring, inspection and testing of goods, and maintenance of test equipment.

(accounting) The purpose for which costs are measured.

(business) The end cost of an internationally shipped item. This includes purchase price, freight, insurance, and other costs and may sometimes include duties and taxes.

Describing an index or an increase in payment etc that is dependent upon the cost of living