Packaging Guides
Custom Label Pricing: Cost Per Unit by Material & Size (2026)
Cubit Packaging Team
May 11, 2026
3 min read
How Much Do Custom Labels & Stickers Cost in 2026?
Custom labels range from $0.03 to $0.50 per unit depending on label size, material, adhesive type, printing method, and finishing options. Standard BOPP product labels start as low as $0.03/unit at volume, while premium holographic labels with foil stamping run $0.25–$0.50/unit.
Quick answer: A standard 2×3" product label on white BOPP with full-color digital printing costs approximately $0.06–$0.10/unit at 2,500 units, or $150–$250 total.
Price Per Unit by Quantity
Standard 2×3" rectangular label on white BOPP with full-color digital printing:
| Order Quantity | Price Per Unit | Total Cost | Printing Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 labels | $0.15–$0.25 | $38–$63 | Digital |
| 500 labels | $0.10–$0.18 | $50–$90 | Digital |
| 1,000 labels | $0.08–$0.14 | $80–$140 | Digital |
| 2,500 labels | $0.06–$0.10 | $150–$250 | Digital or Flexo |
| 5,000 labels | $0.04–$0.08 | $200–$400 | Flexo |
| 10,000+ labels | $0.03–$0.06 | $300–$600 | Flexo |
Price by Material
Using a 2×3" label at 2,500 units:
| Material | Waterproof | Durability | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White paper | ❌ No | Indoor only | $0.04–$0.07 | Shipping, indoor products |
| White BOPP | ✅ Yes | High | $0.06–$0.10 | Most product labels (default) |
| Clear BOPP | ✅ Yes | High | $0.07–$0.12 | "No-label look" bottles |
| Kraft paper | ❌ No | Moderate | $0.05–$0.09 | Artisan, natural brands |
| White vinyl | ✅ Yes | Very high | $0.10–$0.18 | Outdoor, industrial |
| Clear PET | ✅ Yes | Very high | $0.09–$0.15 | Premium glass bottles |
| Holographic | ✅ Yes | High | $0.15–$0.30 | Security, premium |
Cost by Label Shape
| Shape | Die Cost | Per-Unit Add | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangle/Square | $0 (standard) | Baseline | Most common |
| Circle/Oval | $0 (standard) | Baseline | Second most popular |
| Rounded rectangle | $0 (standard) | Baseline | Modern, premium feel |
| Custom contour | $50–$150 (one-time) | +$0.01–$0.03 | Logo-shaped, unique |
| Kiss-cut sheets | $0 (standard) | +$0.02–$0.05 | Multiple stickers per sheet |
Finishing Add-On Costs
| Finish | Cost Per Unit | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Matte lamination | +$0.01–$0.03 | Soft, elegant appearance |
| Gloss lamination | +$0.01–$0.03 | Vibrant, reflective |
| Spot UV | +$0.03–$0.08 | Selective shine on logos |
| Foil stamping | +$0.05–$0.15 | Metallic gold/silver |
| Embossing | +$0.04–$0.10 | Raised 3D texture |
| Soft-touch | +$0.03–$0.06 | Velvet feel |
Roll Labels vs Sheet Labels: Cost Comparison
| Format | Setup | Per Unit (2,500) | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roll labels | +$15–$30 core | $0.05–$0.09 | 200-500/min (machine) | Production lines, high volume |
| Sheet labels | None | $0.07–$0.12 | Manual (hand peel) | Small batch, hand-packed |
How to Reduce Label Costs
- Use BOPP instead of vinyl — saves 30–40% with nearly identical waterproofing
- Choose digital printing for under 2,500 labels — no plate fees
- Standard shapes (circle, rectangle) — avoids $50–$150 custom die fees
- Skip unnecessary finishes — matte lamination alone provides protection at minimal cost
- Order in bulk — 10,000+ units drops cost to $0.03–$0.06/unit
Ready to price your custom labels? Get a free quote or browse our label collection. Need guidance? Ask our AI packaging consultant.