Metformin (Glucophage) price comparison 2026: cheapest pharmacy finder
Reviewed by RxGrab Pharmacy Research Team, RxGrab Editorial Team
We surveyed prices for Metformin (brand name: Glucophage) across 8 major US pharmacies in April 2026. Metformin is prescribed for type 2 diabetes management and is one of the most commonly filled prescriptions in the United States.
If you are paying out of pocket, the pharmacy you choose matters. The price difference between the cheapest and most expensive option is $25.48 per month, which adds up to $286 per year for the same pill.
Use our free Pharmacy Price Finder to compare prices for Metformin and 200+ other medications instantly.
Metformin prices at every major pharmacy (April 2026)
| Pharmacy | 30-day (generic) | 90-day (generic) | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kroger | $5.63 | $24.08 | Rx Savings Club |
| Amazon Pharmacy | $5.89 | $24.73 | Prime Rx |
| Cost Plus Drugs | $6.76 | $26.90 | Cost + 15% + $5 |
| Costco | $7.11 | $27.78 | Member Pricing |
| Walmart | $20.40 | $26.00 | $4 Generic List |
| CVS | $23.66 | $24.15 | ExtraCare |
| Rite Aid | $28.78 | $46.95 | -- |
| Walgreens | $21.11 | $52.78 | Rx Savings |
Prices shown are estimated cash prices without insurance. With a free discount card, prices at CVS and Walgreens drop significantly. GoodRx and SingleCare both cover Metformin.
Why Metformin prices vary so much
Pharmacy pricing is not standardized. Each chain negotiates its own wholesale rates, sets its own markup, and runs its own discount programs. Warehouse pharmacies like Costco operate on thin margins with high volume. Retail chains like CVS and Walgreens price higher but offer convenience and widespread locations.
For Metformin specifically, the generic has been available since 2002, which means multiple manufacturers compete on price. This competition keeps generic costs low at pharmacies that pass savings through to customers.
How to get Metformin even cheaper
Even the best pharmacy price might not be the lowest you can pay. Here are proven ways to reduce your cost further:
- 90-day supply: Most pharmacies offer a 15-20% discount when you fill 90 days at once. Ask your doctor to write the prescription for a 90-day supply with refills.
- Discount cards: Free cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver can cut retail prices by 40-80%. Always ask your pharmacist to compare the discount card price against your insurance copay.
- Mail order: Amazon Pharmacy and Cost Plus Drugs ship directly to your door, often at lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores.
- Patient assistance: If your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level ($62,400 for an individual in 2026), you may qualify for free medication through manufacturer programs.
The team at Health Britannica also covers evidence-based supplement alternatives that may complement your prescription regimen.
Should you use insurance or pay cash for Metformin?
This depends on your plan. If your insurance copay for generic Metformin is $20-$25, that is competitive with the best cash prices. But if you have a high-deductible plan and have not met your deductible yet, you are paying full retail through your insurance, which is almost always more expensive than cash price at Costco or Walmart.
We break this decision down fully in our guide: insurance vs cash price for prescriptions.
If you are a freelancer or self-employed, you may be able to deduct prescription costs as a medical expense. The team at CeoCult covers this in detail for 1099 workers.
We track prices weekly. Get notified when Metformin drops at your pharmacy.
What You Should Know About Metformin
Metformin is a biguanide oral antidiabetic that serves as the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes worldwide. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue. Originally marketed as Glucophage by Bristol-Myers Squibb, metformin lost patent protection in 2002. It has since become the most prescribed diabetes medication in the United States, with tens of millions of prescriptions filled each year. Beyond diabetes, researchers are studying metformin for potential longevity and cancer-prevention benefits, though these uses remain off-label.
Generic metformin is a staple on $4 generic lists at Walmart, Kroger, Target, and other major pharmacy chains. Available in 500mg, 850mg, and 1000mg tablets, the immediate-release (IR) formulation is almost always cheaper than extended-release (ER). This price gap matters because many patients take the ER version to reduce gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea. In 2020, the FDA requested recalls of several ER metformin products from manufacturers including Apotex, Amneal, and Teva due to elevated NDMA (a probable carcinogen) levels. Those contamination issues have since been resolved, and ER metformin is widely available again. For patients who need the liquid form, Riomet brand oral solution can cost 100 times more than generic tablets for the same active ingredient.
To minimize costs, ask your doctor whether immediate-release metformin taken with meals would work for you, since IR tablets are the cheapest option. A 90-day supply through Costco or Cost Plus Drugs often drops the per-month cost below . If side effects are an issue with IR tablets, taking them in the middle of a meal rather than before can reduce stomach discomfort without requiring the more expensive ER formulation.
Frequently asked questions about Metformin pricing
What is the cheapest pharmacy for Metformin?
Kroger typically offers the lowest price for generic Metformin at approximately $5.63 for a 30-day supply. Costco and Cost Plus Drugs are also consistently competitive. Use our Pharmacy Price Finder to compare prices for your specific dosage.
Is there a generic version of Glucophage?
Yes, generic Metformin has been available since 2002 and is FDA-equivalent to Glucophage. The generic version is typically 80-90% cheaper than the brand name.
Can I use a discount card for Metformin?
Yes. Free discount cards like GoodRx and SingleCare typically reduce the cash price of Metformin by 40-80%. You can use a discount card even if you have insurance, and your pharmacist is required to give you the lower price if you ask.