cost-effective v. cost-efficient v. low-cost

[hhtt21]

Would you please explain if there is any difference in meaning for cost-effective, cost-efficient, low-cost?

They all seem to me just the same.

Thank you.

 

[GoesStation]

"Low-cost" means cheap. It says nothing about effectiveness or efficiency. Low-cost options often end up costing more in the long run because they don't deliver required value.

"Cost-effective" means returning high value for money spent.

I haven't seen the term "cost-efficient" so I can't comment on it.

 

[teechar]

Would you please explain if there is any difference in meaning [STRIKE]for[/STRIKE] between cost-effective, cost-efficient, low-cost?

They all seem the same to me. [STRIKE]just the same.[/STRIKE]

Note that "just the same" has a different meaning.

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/just_the_same