In short
- PETG usually costs € 15 to € 32 per kilo, sometimes less in multipacks.
- Per print, PETG is often only a few cents more expensive than PLA.
- PETG is slightly heavier than PLA, so you get about 2 to 3% fewer prints from a kilo.
- PETG needs to stay dry. A filament dryer is a one-off expense of about € 40 to € 60.
Prices per kilo
| Segment | Examples | Price per kg |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Sunlu, eSun, multipacks | € 15 – 20 |
| Mid-range | Bambu Lab, Elegoo, Creality | € 20 – 25 |
| Premium | Polymaker, Prusament | € 25 – 32 |
Typical prices for a 1 kg spool, 1.75 mm, in October 2026. Prices change often due to promotions. A more expensive spool is not always better, but the diameter is usually more consistent and the spool better wound.
PETG or PLA: the difference per print
| Weight | PLA (€ 20/kg) | PETG (€ 22/kg) | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone stand | 40 g | € 0.80 | € 0.88 | + € 0.08 |
| Plant pot | 120 g | € 2.40 | € 2.64 | + € 0.24 |
| Tool holder | 250 g | € 5.00 | € 5.50 | + € 0.50 |
This is filament only. PETG is often printed a bit slower with a hotter bed, which adds a few cents per hour in electricity and time. To include everything, use the calculator.
Costs you do not see right away
- Drying. PETG absorbs moisture from the air. Wet filament causes stringing and weak prints. Read drying filament.
- Your build plate. PETG sticks so well to a smooth PEI plate that it can tear pieces out. Use a glue stick as a release layer, or a textured plate.
- Failed prints. Without good settings, PETG fails more often than PLA. See what failed prints cost.
When is PETG worth the money?
- For things that stand outside or in the sun: PETG only deforms around 70 – 80 °C, PLA already around 55 – 60 °C.
- For parts that need to bend without breaking, such as clips and hinges.
- For boxes and holders that need to take a knock.
- For decoration and prototypes, PLA is usually cheaper and easier. Not sure? Read PLA vs PETG.
Frequently asked questions
Is PETG more expensive than PLA?
Usually by a few euros per kilo. Per print the difference is small: about 8 cents for a 40 gram print.
What does a 1 kg spool of PETG cost?
Usually between € 15 and € 32. Budget brands and multipacks are at the low end, brands like Polymaker and Prusament at the high end.
Why is my PETG stringy?
Usually the filament is damp or the nozzle is too hot. Dry the spool for a few hours at 60 – 65 °C and lower the temperature in steps of 5 degrees.
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