4 MIN. READ

Key takeaways:

• Contacts tend to cost more than eyeglasses.
• Out-of-pocket costs can vary based on whether you wear daily, bi-weekly or monthly contacts, as well as the type of prescription you need.
• Unity Vision can help you save on contacts with plans that include a materials allowance.

Wearing contact lenses feels more natural compared to eyeglasses. However, replacing your contacts daily, biweekly or monthly comes with a cost.

Read on to get a better idea of how much contacts really cost and which factors affect your out-of-pocket costs.

Which Factors Influence the Cost of Your Contacts the Most?

In short, it’s your prescription and how often you switch your contacts. Prices also vary from one brand to another, but the type of contact you wear is the defining factor.

Here’s what’s going to have an impact on pricing:

• Daily contacts tend to cost the most. You can save by choosing biweekly or monthly contacts instead if wearing these hard contacts is a good option for you.
• Toric contacts (for astigmatism) cost more compared to the spherical contacts used to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness.
• Multifocal and bifocal contacts are more expensive than single-vision products.

How Much Does a Box of Contacts Cost?

Prices range from $25 to $160. Again, the type of correction you need is going to dictate the price, as well as how long the contacts are meant to last.

If you wear single-vision lenses:

• Daily contacts come in boxes of 30, which means you need two boxes for a one-month supply (assuming you’re wearing one contact for each eye). With one box costing $25 to $50, you’re looking at spending $50 to $100 per month.
• Bi-weekly lenses come in boxes of six and cost $30 to $50. For a one-month supply, plan on spending $20 to $16.
• Monthly lenses also come in boxes of six and can cost $50 to $80. This means you’re roughly paying $16 to $26 each month.

Toric lenses cost a little more, and you should plan on spending $35 to $60 for a box of daily contacts, $40 to $60 for a box of bi-weekly lenses and $65 to $160 for a monthly product.

Costs are comparable for multifocal contacts. A box of daily contacts costs $35 roto $60, a bi-weekly product costs $50 to $75 per box and a box of monthly contacts costs $75 to $160.

What Is the Annual Cost of Wearing Contacts?

The price difference between daily and monthly contacts is clear when looking at annual costs:

• You should expect to pay $700 on the lower end for single-vision daily contacts. If you need toric or multifocal contacts, you’ll pay closer to $1,000 a year.
• For bi-weekly contacts, prices range from $400 a year to a little over $500 for more advanced prescriptions.
• Monthly contacts are the cheapest. They start at roughly $250 a year for single-vision correction and can go up to $400 for toric and multifocal products.

Additional Considerations for Contact Costs

Bi-weekly and monthly contacts are cheaper, but there is some cleaning and care required so bacteria don’t grow on the surface. The cost of cleaning supplies is negligible, but cleaning takes a little bit of time.

Prices can vary between brands, but you shouldn’t switch to a different brand just to save. Check with your optometrist first because the new contacts might not be a good fit.

Speaking of fit, there are a few costs you should be aware of:

• You’ll pay for a routine eye exam to get your initial prescription.
• Your optometrist will also charge a contact lens fitting fee. During this add-on to your routine exam, they’ll measure your cornea, pupil and iris so they can recommend contacts that will fit comfortably.
• You’ll usually wear trial lenses for a while and go back to the optometrist for a follow-up appointment.

Expect to spend a few hundred dollars between the contact fitting fee and the follow-up appointment, if needed.

How Do Contacts Compare to Eyeglasses?

Contacts tend to cost more. The difference is negligible in the first year if you’re wearing monthly contacts for single-vision correction, but, because eyeglasses can last more than a year, eyeglasses are always the cheaper option in the long term.

If you opt for daily contacts or need toric or multifocal contacts, the cost of your contacts in the first year of wearing them will be higher than glasses.

However, there are some benefits to picking contacts over eyeglasses, including a field of vision that feels more natural and a better fit if you have an active lifestyle.

Can Vision Insurance Help You Save on Contacts?

Savings vary from one plan to another, but here’s how vision insurance typically help you reduce out-of-pocket costs on contacts:

• Most plans help you save on a routine annual eye exam during which you can get your initial prescription. If you already wear contacts, you can use this benefit to see an optometrist regularly and make sure your prescription is still accurate.
• Contact fitting fees may or may not be covered.
• Some plans have a materials allowance that you can use toward contacts. This may not cover the full annual cost of buying your contacts, but it’s a great way to save.

Save on Contacts With Unity Vision

Unity Vision offers individual plans with savings for contact wearers. On top of saving on annual exams to keep your prescription up to date, you can get an allowance toward the contacts you wear, whether it’s a daily, bi-weekly or monthly product.

Learn more about our vision plans here.

FAQ

How much do contact lenses cost per month?
Costs typically range from about $16 to $100 per month, depending on the type. Daily lenses are the most expensive, while monthly lenses are the most affordable option.

What factors affect the cost of contacts the most?
Your prescription type (single-vision, toric, or multifocal) and how often you replace your lenses (daily, bi-weekly, or monthly) have the biggest impact on price.

Are daily contacts more expensive than monthly lenses?
Yes, daily contacts cost more because you use a fresh pair every day, while monthly lenses are reused and therefore more cost-effective over time.