Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Cost Comparison for 2026
Semaglutide is cheaper. Tirzepatide produces stronger average weight loss. Here's the full cost breakdown and clinical data to help you choose.
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: How They Differ
Semaglutide
- Targets the GLP-1 receptor only
- ~15% average body weight reduction over 68 weeks (STEP-1 trial)
- Longer safety and efficacy track record — available since 2021
- Cheapest compounded option: $1,464/yr (Maximus)
- Brand names: Ozempic (injection), Wegovy (injection/oral), Rybelsus (oral)
Tirzepatide
- Targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors
- ~22% average body weight reduction over 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1 trial)
- Newer molecule — approved 2022, growing clinical data
- Cheapest compounded option: $1,788/yr (Gala microdose)
- Brand names: Zepbound (weight loss), Mounjaro (diabetes)
Cheapest Compounded Semaglutide Plans (2026)
All clinics below offer compounded semaglutide injections via telehealth without insurance.
| Provider | Medication | Monthly Price | Year 1 Cost | Notes | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximus ★★★★☆4.3 | Semaglutide | $99.99→ $132.99/mo | BEST VALUE$1,464 | ⓘ$99.99/mo for first 15 weeks, then $132.99/mo. Microdose at $79.99/mo. |
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| PeterMD No Rating | Comp. Semaglutide | $139/mo | $1,668 | Get Started → | |
| tonik ★★★★☆4.0 | Semaglutide | $149/mo | $1,788 | Get Started → | |
| MadeMed No Rating | Semaglutide | $139/mo | $1,817 | ⓘIncl. $149/yr membership. |
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| Oak ★★★★★4.6 | Comp. Semaglutide | $183/mo | $2,143 | ⓘ$50 off first month. All doses one price. |
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Cheapest Compounded Tirzepatide Plans (2026)
All clinics below offer compounded tirzepatide injections via telehealth without insurance.
| Provider | Medication | Monthly Price | Year 1 Cost | Notes | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gala ★★★★☆4.4 | Comp. Tirzepatide MICRODOSE | $149/mo | BEST VALUE$1,788 | ⓘMicrodose starting price. $179/mo for larger dose. |
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| Maximus ★★★★☆4.3 | Tirzepatide | $132.99→ $165.99/mo | $1,893 | ⓘ$132.99/mo for first 3 months, then $165.99/mo. Microdose at $99.99/mo. |
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| MadeMed No Rating | Tirzepatide | $149/mo | $1,937 | ⓘIncl. $149/yr membership. |
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| tonik ★★★★☆4.0 | Tirzepatide | $229/mo | $2,748 | Get Started → | |
| Oak ★★★★★4.6 | Comp. Tirzepatide | $250/mo | $2,949 | ⓘ$50 off first month. All doses one price. |
Get Started → |
Which Drug Is Right for You?
Choose Semaglutide if…
- Budget is the top priority — cheapest at $1,464/yr
- You want a drug with the longest real-world safety record
- A 15% average weight loss target meets your goals
- Your provider recommends starting with semaglutide
Choose Tirzepatide if…
- Stronger efficacy (~22% vs ~15%) is worth the extra $30–$100/month
- You've had limited results with semaglutide previously
- You want the dual GLP-1+GIP mechanism
- Your provider recommends tirzepatide for your profile
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: FAQ
Clinical trials show tirzepatide produces ~22% average weight loss (SURMOUNT-1 trial, 72 weeks) vs ~15% for semaglutide (STEP-1 trial, 68 weeks). Tirzepatide targets both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, producing a stronger dual-hormone effect. However, individual results vary significantly, and both drugs require dose escalation and lifestyle changes to achieve maximum benefit.
Semaglutide is cheaper. The cheapest compounded semaglutide is $1,464/year at Maximus. The cheapest compounded tirzepatide is $1,788/year at Gala (microdose entry). Most clinics charge $30–$100/month more for tirzepatide than semaglutide from the same platform.
This is a medical decision your provider should make based on your health history, BMI, budget, and goals. Common practice: start with semaglutide (cheaper, longer track record) and consider switching to tirzepatide if results are insufficient after 3–6 months. Many clinics like Maximus, tonik, MadeMed, and Oak offer both drugs — making it easy to switch without changing platforms.
Yes, with provider guidance. Most clinics offering both drugs can transition you between them. There is typically a washout period and dose titration when switching. Clinics like Maximus, tonik, MadeMed, Shed, Oak, enhanceMD, and Eden Health offer both drugs — making the transition straightforward within the same platform.
Ready to compare all 12 clinics across both drugs? See every injection and oral plan side by side.
Compare All 12 GLP-1 Clinics →⚕ Medical & Legal Disclaimer
Not Medical Advice. AffordableGLPs.com is an independent price comparison site. All content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any GLP-1 medication.
Affiliate Disclosure. Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you. Rankings are based on Year 1 cost data, not commission rates.
Pricing Accuracy. Prices are audited periodically and may change without notice. Always confirm current pricing on the clinic's website before purchasing. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved products.
Last Price Audit: April 2026