Find out the true cost of any product. Compare a BIFL investment against a budget alternative to see which actually saves you money over time.
The BIFL option (higher upfront cost, longer lifespan)
Total cost including tax and shipping
How long you expect it to last
How often you use it annually
Yearly upkeep, repairs, supplies
The budget option (lower upfront cost, shorter lifespan)
Total cost including tax and shipping
How long you expect it to last
How often you use it annually
Yearly upkeep, repairs, supplies
Add the purchase price, expected lifespan, how often you'll use it, and any maintenance costs for each product.
We calculate the cost per use, cost per year, and total lifetime cost for each product, factoring in replacements.
Discover which product truly saves money, how much you'll save over 10 years, and when the BIFL option pays for itself.
Cost Per Use is the total cost of a product divided by how many times you use it over its lifetime. It includes the purchase price plus any maintenance costs. A $300 pair of boots that lasts 10 years and gets worn 150 times per year has a cost per use of just $0.20.
Research the brand's reputation, check r/BuyItForLife for real-world experiences, and look for warranty length as an indicator. Quality products from reputable brands typically last 5-20+ years, while budget alternatives may only last 1-2 years.
Include annual costs like: leather conditioning and resoling for boots, seasoning oil for cast iron, sharpening for knives, replacement parts, and any professional servicing. Even small annual costs add up over a long lifespan.
Generally, if a quality product's cost per use is lower than a budget alternative, it's worth the investment. Also consider: reliability, repair availability, environmental impact, and the frustration cost of repeatedly buying replacements.
Explore our curated recommendations for products that truly last a lifetime.