Prednisone (Deltasone) price comparison 2026: cheapest pharmacy finder
We surveyed prices for Prednisone (brand name: Deltasone) across 8 major US pharmacies in April 2026. Prednisone is prescribed for severe allergic reactions, autoimmune conditions, and inflammation 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 $31.48 per month, which adds up to $378 per year for the same pill.
Use our free Pharmacy Price Finder to compare prices for Prednisone and 200+ other medications instantly.
Prednisone prices at every major pharmacy (April 2026)
| Pharmacy | 30-day (generic) | 90-day (generic) | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Pharmacy | $3.98 | $9.95 | Prime Rx |
| Kroger | $5.14 | $12.85 | Rx Savings Club |
| Cost Plus Drugs | $6.53 | $16.33 | Cost + 15% + $5 |
| Costco | $6.73 | $16.83 | Member Pricing |
| Walmart | $10.58 | $26.45 | $4 Generic List |
| Walgreens | $25.87 | $64.68 | Rx Savings |
| CVS | $34.10 | $85.25 | ExtraCare |
| Rite Aid | $35.46 | $88.65 | -- |
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 Prednisone.
Why Prednisone 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 Prednisone specifically, the generic has been available since 1989, which means multiple manufacturers compete on price. This competition keeps generic costs low at pharmacies that pass savings through to customers.
How to get Prednisone 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 Prednisone?
This depends on your plan. If your insurance copay for generic Prednisone is $10-$15, 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 Prednisone drops at your pharmacy.
Frequently asked questions about Prednisone pricing
What is the cheapest pharmacy for Prednisone?
Amazon Pharmacy typically offers the lowest price for generic Prednisone at approximately $3.98 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 Deltasone?
Yes, generic Prednisone has been available since 1989 and is FDA-equivalent to Deltasone. The generic version is typically 80-90% cheaper than the brand name.
Can I use a discount card for Prednisone?
Yes. Free discount cards like GoodRx and SingleCare typically reduce the cash price of Prednisone 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.