Language Learning Cost Calculator
From $90 to $14,700to learn a language to B2.
The gap between the cheapest and priciest route is huge — and it changes for every language. Pick a language below and compare apps, tutors, classes and immersion side by side, in real 2025 dollars.
Cheapest overall right now: 🇪🇸 Spanish from $90 to B2.
easy ~24 weeks to B2 (FSI)
About 6 mo to reach B2 at this pace.
Cost to learn Spanish
Cheapest realistic path to B2: $90 · Textbooks + apps (self-study)
| Method | Per month | 6-mo plan | To B2 |
|---|---|---|---|
Busuu PremiumApp Great for basics — won't reach B2 alone | $10 | $60 | $60 |
Duolingo SuperApp Great for basics — won't reach B2 alone | $13 | $78 | $78 |
BabbelApp Great for basics — won't reach B2 alone | $14 | $84 | $84 |
Textbooks + apps (self-study)Self-studyBest value | $15 | $90 | $90 |
Rosetta StoneApp Great for basics — won't reach B2 alone | $16 | $96 | $96 |
Community college classClass | $60 | $360 | $360 |
italki tutor (1-on-1)Tutor | $130 | $780 | $780 |
Preply tutor (1-on-1)Tutor | $145 | $870 | $870 |
Group online class (Berlitz-style)Class | $300 | $1,800 | $1,800 |
University courseClass | $380 | $2,280 | $2,280 |
Private online classClass | $520 | $3,120 | $3,120 |
Immersion program abroad (2–4 wks)Immersion | One-time | $3,200 | $3,200 |
Estimates in USD, sorted by total cost to reach B2. Guided routes (tutors & classes) priced for part-time study.
Compare all 15 languages
Cheapest realistic path to B2 · tap a row for the full breakdown
Cost questions, answered
How much does it cost to learn a language?+
It ranges from under $100 with self-study textbooks and apps to over $10,000 with private classes or immersion abroad. The cheapest realistic path to B2 is usually self-study; guided routes like tutors and classes cost more but get you speaking sooner.
What is the cheapest way to learn a language?+
Textbooks plus a cheap app is the cheapest route to B2, typically $90–$750 depending on how hard the language is for English speakers. Community college classes are the cheapest guided option.
How are the cost estimates calculated?+
Each method has a realistic 2025 monthly price (or a lump-sum price for immersion). We multiply the monthly cost by the number of months an average English speaker needs to reach B2, using FSI difficulty estimates, to produce a total-to-B2 figure.
Do language apps get you to B2?+
On their own, usually not. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Busuu are excellent for building a foundation but rarely take you past A2–B1. Reaching B2 reliably needs speaking practice, which is why tutors and classes are included in the comparison.
Why do harder languages cost more?+
Harder languages (like Japanese, Arabic or Mandarin) take roughly twice as long to reach B2 as easier ones (like Spanish or Swedish), so any recurring monthly cost adds up for longer. Tutors for less commonly taught languages also tend to charge more.