Mega Millions tickets currently cost $5 per play in most participating states after a major price increase that took effect in 2025.

Quick Scoop

  • The base price for a standard Mega Millions ticket used to be $2 but was raised to $5 as part of a game overhaul aimed at offering bigger jackpots and higher non-jackpot prizes.
  • The change rolled out in April 2025 and, as of early 2026, $5 is the usual cost per play across the 45 participating states plus D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local lottery rules can still affect add‑ons like multipliers or online service fees.

Typical Add‑Ons & Extras (HTML Table)

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Item Typical Cost Notes
Base Mega Millions ticket $5 per play Standard entry, one set of numbers.
Multiplier option (e.g., Megaplier) Usually +$1 per play (varies by state) Increases non‑jackpot prizes; availability and price can differ by jurisdiction.
Online or app purchase fees Small extra service fee in some services Third‑party or state apps may charge processing or convenience fees.

Why The Price Went Up

  • Lottery officials said the higher ticket price would support larger starting jackpots, faster jackpot growth, and better odds for some prize tiers (though overall odds of winning the jackpot remain long).
  • The 2025 increase was only the second in Mega Millions history, after a prior bump from $1 to $2 in 2017.

Always check your own state lottery’s official site or retailer display, as rules and any extra fees or promotions can vary slightly by location.

TL;DR: If you’re asking “how much are Mega Millions tickets” in 2026, plan on paying about $5 per play before any optional add‑ons or online fees.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.