How Much does a Reusable Water Bottle Cost (and Why)?

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James Miller
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James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
James Miller
Updated: March 13, 2024

I know I should get one, but how much does a reusable water bottle cost? It’s a question I get asked a lot, and the answer may surprise you.

When it comes to going green, getting the best reusable water bottle is often at the top of everyone’s eco-friendly wishlist.

Whether you’re looking for a way to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles or just yearn for an endlessly customizable water bottle, making the switch can be daunting (there are LOTS of options!).

Read on as I break down the financial and environmental costs of reusable water bottles.

Factors that Influence the Financial Cost of Reusable Water Bottles

woman drinking from refillable water bottle

High-end reusable water can cost upwards of $50. Cheap and nasty ones can cost less than $15.

Like many things in life, you get what you pay for, and cheaper bottles can be a false economy in many ways.

Numerous factors determine the cost of your water bottle, including.

Materials

In my reusable water bottle materials article, I spoke about the six primary materials used to make water bottles.

The cost of the material used has a significant impact on the ticket price of the bottle.

The rough order from most expensive to less expensive is as follows:

  • Copper
  • Stainless Steel
  • Glass
  • Aluminum
  • Silicone
  • Plastic

Features

The more features your water bottle boasts, the more you can expect to pay for it.

Some of the more common features include the following:

  • Insulation: High-end metal water bottle manufacturers use double (and sometimes triple) walled vacuum insulation. This is a popular feature that can usually keep cold drinks cold for around 24 hours and hot drinks hot for around 12 hours.
  • Personalization: Some water bottle manufacturers offer personalization options, such as laser-etched name engraving or custom wrapping with an image of your choice.
  • Carry Loops: Some water bottles (especially those designed for hiking) have carry loops that can be attached to your backpack (usually with rope or a carabiner).
  • Drinking Spouts: Drinking spouts or straws are included with some water bottles. These allow for easier drinking with less spillage when on the go. Useful when exercising (especially running).
  • Color & Finish: A cheap plastic bottle often comes in limited colors (or clear). Pricier bottles will usually be available in more colors and patterns. Some will even have fancy outer coatings designed to make the bottle non-slip in your hands.
  • Wide Mouths: Wide-mouth reusable bottles are helpful for people who like to add chunks of ice to their drinks.
  • Filtration: Some bottles come with built-in filters, giving you access to filtered water on the go (even when you have to top up from a municipal supply).
  • Silicone Sleeves: A glass water bottle often needs a silicone sleeve to protect it from breakages.

Bottle Volume & Shape

The larger and more complex the bottle shape, the higher the price.

Production Process

Not all reusable bottles are made the same…literally!

Some manufacturers use eco-friendly production processes (such as closed-loop systems and paying fair wages), which cost more (a cost that’s added to the ticket price of the water bottle).

Hydro Flask, for example, has developed its own unique insulation process. The significant research and development costs of this result in Hydro Flask being one of the more expensive brands.

Green Certifications

Eco-labeling and green certifications give you added peace of mind that the eco-claims made by the manufacturer are legitimate and they’re not trying greenwashing.

Factors that Influence the Environmental Cost of Reusable Water Bottles

woman drinking from stainless steel water bottle

Sustainability of Materials

Water bottles are made from a variety of materials that also have an impact on their recyclability.

For example, aluminum bottles are often recycled more easily than stainless steel. This is because aluminum takes less energy to process, making it more economically viable.

You can also often recycle plastic bottles more easily than glass. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a plastic water bottle is better for the environment overall (disposable plastic bottles that make their way to landfill can take over 100 years to break down and release chemicals into the earth, which can be harmful to wildlife).

Some reusable plastic bottles may also contain hormones that disrupt endocrine systems. The same goes for metal bottles that are lined with plastic layers.

Production Process

As mentioned earlier, some water bottle manufacturing processes are better for the environment than others.

Stainless steel water bottles require more energy and resources to make. However, they can last much longer and are much easier to keep clean.

The Five Water Bottle Questions I’m Asked Most Often

  • How Much Is Spent Globally On Reusable Water Bottles?
  • Which Bottle Material Is The Most Popular?
  • Where In The World Do They Use The Most Reusable Water Bottles?
  • How Much Plastic Waste Does A Reusable Water Bottle Save?
  • How Much Money Can A Reusable Bottle Save Me?

You can find detailed answers to these questions (and many more) in Arabella’s fascinating reusable water bottle statistics article.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Water Bottle for Coffee?

Yes, many modern reusable bottles are designed to be used for both cold and hot liquids. Some even come with special drinking spouts and straws that allow you to enjoy your favorite hot beverages without burning yourself.

However, steer clear of plastic bottles with hot liquids. In my experience, vacuum-insulated stainless steel is the best for hot drinks.

How Much Can I Save With Home-Brewed Coffee?

If you’re used to buying your daily coffee on the go, switching to making it yourself can save you quite a bit.

Spending five bucks a day, five days a week, adds up to $1,300 per year. A good quality insulated stainless steel bottle, and decent filter coffee will cost you significantly less.

Are BPA-Free Reusable Plastic Bottles Safe to Drink From?

Yes, most BPA-free plastic bottles are considered safe to drink from. However, I prefer the cleaner taste of glass or stainless steel.

How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?

According to Mayo Clinic, “The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:

  • About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men
  • About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women”

Can You Drink Too Much Water?

The same Mayo Clinic article mentioned above states, “Drinking too much water is rarely a problem for healthy, well-nourished adults. Athletes occasionally may drink too much water in an attempt to prevent dehydration during long or intense exercise. When you drink too much water, your kidneys can’t get rid of the excess water. The sodium content of your blood becomes diluted. This is called hyponatremia and it can be life-threatening.”

The Final Word

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a reusable bottle.

From the type of material it’s made from to how easy it is to recycle, each bottle has its own unique benefits and drawbacks…all of which have an impact on financial and environmental costs.

Determining which is best for you, your lifestyle and your budget can be challenging.

With so many options on the market, it’s essential to do your research before making a purchase.

Hopefully, this article has provided some valuable insights into what you should consider when buying your next bottle.

Get In Touch

Where do you stand on reusable water costs? Are you happy to use $1 plastic water bottles? Or do you splash the cash on the best in class? Drop me a line and let me know.

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James Miller
James Miller
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
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