Packaging Guides
Custom Tote Bag Pricing: Cost Per Unit by Material & Printing (2026)
Cubit Packaging Team
May 12, 2026
3 min read
How Much Do Custom Tote Bags Cost in 2026?
Custom tote bags range from $0.50 to $12.00 per unit depending on material, printing method, size, and custom features. Budget non-woven PP totes start at $0.50/unit for trade show giveaways, while premium heavy-canvas totes with DTG printing cost $6.00–$12.00/unit.
Quick answer: A standard 15×16" cotton canvas tote (12 oz) with 1-color screen printing costs approximately $3.00–$4.50/unit at 500 units.
Price by Material
Standard 15×16" tote bag at 500 units with 1-color screen print:
| Material | Weight/Type | Price Range | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-woven PP | 80 GSM | $0.50–$2.00 | 6–12 months | Trade shows, events |
| Woven PP (laminated) | 130 GSM | $1.00–$3.00 | 1–2 years | Grocery, photo prints |
| Jute/burlap | 270 GSM | $1.50–$4.00 | 2–3 years | Eco brands, grocery |
| Cotton canvas | 6–8 oz | $2.00–$4.00 | 3–5 years | Standard branded |
| Cotton canvas | 10–12 oz | $3.00–$6.00 | 5–10 years | Premium retail |
| Cotton canvas | 14–16 oz | $5.00–$10.00 | 10+ years | Luxury, structured |
| Recycled PET | 300D | $2.50–$6.00 | 3–5 years | Sustainability focus |
| Organic cotton | 10 oz | $4.00–$8.00 | 5–10 years | Eco-premium |
Price by Printing Method
Using a 12 oz cotton canvas tote at 500 units:
| Method | Colors | Setup Cost | Per-Unit Print Cost | Total/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen print | 1 color | $30–$50/screen | $0.50–$1.00 | $3.50–$5.50 | 500+ units, simple designs |
| Screen print | 4 colors | $120–$200 | $1.50–$3.00 | $4.50–$7.50 | 500+ units, multi-color |
| DTG | Unlimited | $0 | $3.00–$6.00 | $6.00–$10.00 | Under 500, photographic |
| Heat transfer | Unlimited | $0 | $1.00–$3.00 | $4.00–$7.00 | Under 100, vinyl graphics |
| Sublimation | Full-bleed | $0 | $2.00–$4.00 | $3.00–$6.00 | All-over print, polyester only |
Feature Add-On Costs
| Feature | Add-On Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom gusset | +$0.25–$0.50 | Adds depth, bag stands upright |
| Interior pocket | +$0.50–$1.00 | Phone/wallet pocket |
| Exterior pocket | +$0.75–$1.50 | Front pocket with or without zipper |
| Zippered top closure | +$0.50–$1.00 | Secures contents |
| Snap button closure | +$0.25–$0.50 | Simple closure |
| Long shoulder handles | +$0.00 | Standard 22–26" length |
| Short hand-carry handles | +$0.00 | Standard 10–12" length |
| Contrast-color handles | +$0.25–$0.50 | Design accent |
| Key clip | +$0.15–$0.30 | Internal key holder |
How to Reduce Tote Bag Costs
- Non-woven PP for events — 75% cheaper than canvas
- Screen print for 500+ units — 50% cheaper than DTG per unit
- 1-2 colors max — each additional screen color adds $0.50–$1.00
- Standard sizes — custom dimensions add $50–$100 pattern fees
- Skip interior features — pockets and zippers add $0.50–$1.50 each
- Order 1,000+ — volume discounts of 20–30%
Ready to price your custom tote bags? Get a free quote or browse our tote bag collection.