Running Costs Explained

Running Costs & Cost per Page Explained

The purchase or lease price is just the beginning — the real cost of a printer lies in what it takes to run it. If you’re not factoring in cost per page (CPP), you could be spending hundreds or even thousands more each year without realising it.

Whether you’re comparing low running cost printers for small business or trying to calculate the total cost of ownership, here’s what to know.

What is Cost Per Page?

Cost per page (CPP) is the actual cost to print a single page, factoring in toner or ink, wear and tear, and service. It’s the most useful way to compare running costs between printers.

Example:
A low-end A4 printer might cost $500 upfront, but if toner costs $120 every 1,000 pages, you’re paying 12c per page.
A business-grade printer may cost $3,000, but toner yields 15,000 pages at $250 — that’s just 1.6c per page.

Why Cheap Printers Are Often More Expensive

• Lower toner yield = more frequent replacements
• No service agreement = out-of-pocket repairs
• Higher chance of breakdowns, paper jams, or downtime
• Not designed for shared use = slower performance for teams

Quick rule: If you print more than 1,000 pages per month, you’ll save more with a low cost per page printer, even if the lease price is higher.

Average Cost Per Page by Printer Type

💡 Tip:

Always ask suppliers for a cost per page breakdown before signing a lease. And if you’re on a service plan, check what’s included — toner, repairs, consumables? The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value.

👉 Compare printers by running cost or get matched with a low CPP device.