How much is this?
A slightly more formal way to ask, literally 'What price does it have?'. Useful in more established shops.
Very common across Latin America and Spain. It means 'How much is it worth?' but is used just like 'How much is it?'.
A more casual and very common question, 'How much is it?'. Use when the item you're asking about is clear to the seller.
Common in Argentina and some other regions. It means 'How much does it come out to?'.
Excuse me, sir, how much is this?
I like that shirt. What's the price?
I'll take the coffee. How much is it?
How beautiful! How much is it?
'¿Cuánto cuesta?' is the universal standard. '¿Cuánto vale?' is also extremely common and understood everywhere.
'¿Cuánto cuesta?' is most common. In markets, you will also hear '¿A cómo?' or '¿En cuánto está?' to ask the price of produce, often per kilo (e.g., '¿A cómo el kilo de tomates?').
'¿Cuánto vale?' is arguably more common than '¿Cuánto cuesta?' in everyday conversation. Both are perfectly understood.
In addition to '¿cuánto cuesta?', the phrase '¿Cuánto sale?' is very frequently used.
'¿Cuánto cuesta?' and '¿Cuánto vale?' are the standard phrases, just like in Latin America. There is no significant difference for this particular phrase.
Using 'esto', 'este', and 'esta' incorrectly. 'Esto' is neutral ('this thing'). Use 'este' for masculine nouns (este libro) and 'esta' for feminine nouns (esta camisa). — Incorrect: '¿Cuánto cuesta esto camisa?' Correct: '¿Cuánto cuesta esta camisa?'
Using 'cómo' (how) instead of 'cuánto' (how much). English speakers often confuse 'how' and 'how much'. — Incorrect: '¿Cómo mucho cuesta?' Correct: '¿Cuánto cuesta?'
Saying '¿Cuánto es esto?'. While grammatically okay, it's less natural than '¿Cuánto cuesta esto?'. The verb 'costar' (to cost) is preferred when asking about a specific item's price. '¿Cuánto es?' is better used alone when the context is obvious. — Less natural: '¿Cuánto es este sombrero?' Better: '¿Cuánto cuesta este sombrero?'
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