Technology · Canada
Printer Ink Costs in Canada: Cost Per Page, Ink Subscriptions and Laser vs Inkjet
In Canada, the cheapest printer is the one with the lowest cost per page for how much you print, not the lowest sticker price. Divide the cartridge price by its rated page yield to get the cost per page, then compare standard and high-yield cartridges, ink tank printers, ink subscriptions and laser printers. Mono laser printers suit households that print a lot of text; ink subscriptions suit steady, moderate printing; very light printers may do better using the library or a print shop.
Key takeaways
- Cost per page = cartridge price ÷ rated page yield.
- High-yield cartridges usually cost less per page than standard ones.
- Ink tank printers cost more up front and less per page.
- Ink subscriptions: monthly page allowance; cartridges may stop working if you cancel.
- Example with made-up inputs: $30 ÷ 200 pages = 15¢; $60 ÷ 3,000 pages = 2¢.
How to work out cost per page
Manufacturers publish page yields for cartridges, tested with standard pages under ISO methods. Divide the price by the yield. Your real cost will vary with what you print (photos use much more ink), but the calculation lets you compare options fairly. For colour printing, add the black and colour cartridges.
Options compared
| Option | Up-front cost | Cost per page | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inkjet with standard cartridges | Low | Often highest | Very occasional printing |
| Inkjet with high-yield cartridges | Low | Lower | Occasional printing |
| Ink tank printer | Higher | Low | Regular colour printing |
| Ink subscription | Low | Depends on monthly plan | Steady monthly printing |
| Mono laser printer | Moderate | Low for text | Lots of black-and-white text |
Ink subscriptions
Ink subscriptions charge a monthly fee for a set number of pages, and ship cartridges as needed. Check the price per extra page, whether unused pages roll over, and what happens when you cancel; subscription cartridges are often tied to the plan and may stop working after cancellation. The printer must stay connected to the internet.
Other ways to save
- Print in draft or greyscale mode for everyday documents.
- Compatible or remanufactured cartridges can cost less; some printers may reject non-original cartridges after firmware updates, so check reviews and the return policy.
- Public libraries and print shops charge per page and suit very light printing.
- Recycle cartridges through retailer or manufacturer programs.
Step by step: choosing a printer by cost
- Estimate how many pages you print in a month, and how many are colour or photos.
- Shortlist two or three printers that fit your needs (scanning, double-sided printing, wireless).
- Find the price and rated page yield of each printer's replacement cartridges or bottles, black and colour.
- Work out cost per page for black and for colour.
- Multiply by your monthly pages, then by 36 months, and add the printer price.
- Compare an ink subscription at the plan size that matches your printing.
- Pick the lowest three-year total that fits how you print.
Colour pages and photos
Rated yields for colour cartridges are based on standard test pages with modest colour coverage. Photos and full-page graphics use much more ink, so the real cost per photo is far higher than the rated cost per page. If you print photos only occasionally, a photo kiosk or online print service may cost less than ink and photo paper at home. For colour documents, add the cost per page of each colour cartridge to the black cost.
Example with made-up inputs: three-year cost
These numbers are an example with made-up inputs. A household prints 100 black pages a month for 36 months, 3,600 pages in total.
| Printer | Printer price | Cost per page | Ink for 3,600 pages | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inkjet, standard cartridges | $80 | 15¢ | $540 | $620 |
| Mono laser | $200 | 3¢ | $108 | $308 |
| Ink tank | $300 | 2¢ | $72 | $372 |
In this made-up case, the cheapest printer to buy is the most expensive to own.
Cartridge recycling and disposal
Many printer makers and office supply retailers run cartridge take-back programs, and provincial electronics recycling programs accept printers in many provinces. Recycling keeps plastics and leftover ink out of landfills. Some retailers have offered rewards for returned cartridges; check current terms.
If you print mainly documents for school or work, consider whether a digital workflow, such as signing PDFs on screen, can replace some printing altogether.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the printer with the lowest sticker price without checking cartridge costs.
- Letting an inkjet sit unused for months; ink can dry and cleaning cycles use more ink.
- Buying standard cartridges when high-yield ones are available for the same printer.
- Keeping an ink subscription after printing needs drop.
- Recycling cartridges in household bins instead of a take-back program.
Example with made-up inputs: cost per page
These numbers are an example with made-up inputs, not current prices or yields.
| Option | Price | Rated pages | Cost per page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard cartridge | $30 | 200 | 15¢ |
| High-yield cartridge | $45 | 500 | 9¢ |
| Laser toner | $90 | 3,000 | 3¢ |
| Ink tank bottle | $20 | 1,000 | 2¢ |
Sources
- Manufacturer page yields are tested to ISO standard methods; actual yields vary with use, as of 1 Oct 2026.
- The prices and page yields in the example table and chart are made-up inputs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate printer cost per page?
Divide the cartridge price by its rated page yield. Add black and colour cartridges for colour pages.
Are ink subscriptions worth it in Canada?
They can be if you print a steady amount each month. Check extra-page prices, rollover and what happens to cartridges if you cancel.
Is a laser printer cheaper than inkjet?
For lots of black-and-white text, a mono laser printer usually costs less per page. For occasional colour, an inkjet or ink tank may fit better.
Are third-party cartridges safe to use?
Many work, but some printers may reject them after firmware updates. Check reviews and the return policy.
Should I own a printer at all?
If you print only a few pages a year, a library or print shop may cost less than buying cartridges that dry out.
Why do photos cost more to print than the rated cost per page?
Rated yields use standard test pages with modest coverage. Photos and full-page graphics use much more ink, so each one costs far more.
How do I compare printers over three years?
Add the printer price to the cost per page multiplied by the pages you expect to print in 36 months, for black and colour.
How do I recycle ink cartridges in Canada?
Use a printer maker's or retailer's take-back program. Provincial electronics recycling programs accept old printers in many provinces.
Do inkjet printers waste ink when unused?
Ink can dry in unused printers, and cleaning cycles use ink. If you print rarely, a laser printer or a print shop may suit you better.
Is a laser printer good for colour?
Colour laser printers exist, but for occasional colour or photos, an inkjet or ink tank printer is often a better fit. For lots of black text, a mono laser is usually cheapest per page.
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and fact-checked against official Canadian sources. How we create content.
Disclosure: Printers, cartridges and subscriptions are described as offer types; none is named or ranked. Saving Optimizer may earn a commission if a partner link is added later; no partnership is claimed. Education only.