A standard Mega Millions ticket now costs $5 per play in most participating states as of the 2025 rule changes.

Quick Scoop

  • The base price for a single Mega Millions play increased from $2 to $5 starting with the April 2025 game update.
  • This $5 price is per play, per drawing, and applies across the multi-state game in the jurisdictions that participate in Mega Millions under the new rules.
  • Some states may have additional options (like add‑ons or local games) that can change the total you pay at the counter, but the core Mega Millions play itself is now $5.

Why the Price Went Up

  • The price hike was introduced together with “enhancements” such as larger starting jackpots and faster‑growing top prizes.
  • Game operators say the higher ticket cost helps fund bigger non‑jackpot prizes and slightly improved odds for some prize tiers.

Small Print To Keep In Mind

  • Rules and availability can vary a bit by state, so it is always smart to check your local lottery’s official site or retailer signage to confirm the exact price where you live.
  • Optional extras that used to exist in some places (like “Just the Jackpot” or certain multipliers) have been changed or removed, which also affects how much you might spend if you were used to those formats.

TL;DR: If you walk into a typical U.S. lottery retailer today and ask, “How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost?”, you should expect to pay $5 per play before any optional add‑ons or local variations.