COBRA vs Marketplace Cost Calculator
Compare total premium and expected out-of-pocket costs for COBRA and Marketplace coverage.
Last updated: November 5, 2026
Starting figures illustrate this model. Enter your own measurements, quoted costs and applicable terms; this page does not retrieve live prices or provider rates.
Estimated lower-cost option
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- COBRA total cost: —
- Marketplace total cost: —
- Estimated difference: —
On this page
Quick summary: Compare total premium and expected out-of-pocket costs for COBRA and Marketplace coverage.
Read the complete guide
Updated reference sections in this guide are in English.
What this calculator estimates
Compare total premium and expected out-of-pocket costs for COBRA and Marketplace coverage.
How to use it
Enter Monthly COBRA premium ($); Monthly Marketplace premium before subsidy ($); Monthly Marketplace subsidy ($); Coverage months; Expected COBRA out-of-pocket spending ($); Expected Marketplace out-of-pocket spending ($). Select Calculate to update the results.
How the calculation works
Total cost equals net premiums for the selected months plus expected out-of-pocket spending for each option.
Worked example: starting scenario
| Monthly COBRA premium ($) | 850 |
|---|---|
| Monthly Marketplace premium before subsidy ($) | 720 |
| Monthly Marketplace subsidy ($) | 300 |
| Coverage months | 12 |
| Expected COBRA out-of-pocket spending ($) | 2500 |
| Expected Marketplace out-of-pocket spending ($) | 3800 |
| Estimated lower-cost option | Marketplace by $3,860.00 |
|---|---|
| COBRA total cost | $12,700.00 |
| Marketplace total cost | $8,840.00 |
| Estimated difference | $3,860.00 |
Important limitations
Provider networks, subsidies, tax reconciliation, deductibles and coverage dates require plan-specific review.
Compare net premiums and expected care
Use the monthly premium actually payable under each option after the relevant employer contribution or entered subsidy. Match the same number of months and the same expected care assumptions. This arithmetic comparison cannot confirm subsidy eligibility, provider networks, prescription coverage or enrollment deadlines.