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Microsoft (Bing) Ads Cost: Is It Cheaper Than Google?

Published July 5, 2026

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What Are Microsoft Ads?

Microsoft Ads (formerly Bing Ads) is the pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platform that serves ads on the Bing search engine, Yahoo, and other Microsoft-owned properties. It reaches a different audience than Google Ads, often with lower competition and potentially lower costs.

How Much Do Microsoft Ads Cost?

According to WordStream's 2026 Microsoft Ads Benchmarks (which combine Google and Microsoft Search data), average costs vary widely by industry. Here are some key figures:

  • Average CPC across all industries: $4.66 (combined Google + Microsoft)
  • Average CPL across all industries: $67.35

However, individual industries can see much higher or lower costs. For example:

  • Attorneys & Legal Services: $9.87 CPC, $131.63 CPL
  • Arts & Entertainment: $1.63 CPC, $26.84 CPL
  • Automotive – For Sale: $2.27 CPC, $44.26 CPL
  • Home & Home Improvement: $8.33 CPC, $90.92 CPL
  • Travel: $2.14 CPC, $44.70 CPL

These are combined benchmarks, but Microsoft Ads typically has lower competition than Google, which can lead to lower CPCs in practice.

Is Microsoft Advertising Worth It?

Microsoft Ads can be worth it if:

  • You have a limited budget and want to test PPC with lower competition.
  • Your target audience aligns with Bing's user base (older, higher income, desktop-heavy).
  • You want to supplement Google Ads with additional reach.

However, Google has a much larger search volume. Microsoft Ads often has lower click-through rates (CTR) but can offer better conversion rates in some niches. The decision depends on your goals and budget.

How Much Does Paid Advertising Cost on Facebook?

Facebook Ads (Meta) is a different channel with its own cost structure. While Microsoft Ads is search-based, Facebook uses audience targeting. Facebook's average CPC is generally lower than Google/Microsoft (often $0.50–$2.00), but CPL varies greatly. For a direct comparison, consider your campaign objectives.

Microsoft Ads vs Google Ads: Which Is Cheaper?

Microsoft Ads is often cheaper than Google Ads because of lower competition. However, the exact difference depends on your industry. For example, in legal services, Google CPCs can exceed $10, while Microsoft may be lower. The WordStream 2026 data shows combined averages, but many advertisers report 20–30% lower CPCs on Microsoft.

To get the best of both worlds, run campaigns on both platforms and compare performance.

How to Lower Your Microsoft Ads Cost

  • Use exact match keywords and negative keywords.
  • Improve your Quality Score with relevant ads and landing pages.
  • Target specific geographic locations.
  • Set appropriate bid limits and use automated bidding strategies.
  • Test different ad copy and extensions.

Final Takeaway

Microsoft Ads can be a cost-effective alternative to Google Ads, especially for B2B, legal, and home services. Use the WordStream 2026 benchmarks to set realistic expectations and monitor your own account data for the best results.

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