low-cost

This term carries a neutral to positive connotation when emphasizing efficiency, accessibility, or value for money. It is frequently used in business and economic contexts to describe a strategic approach to pricing or operational leaness, such as in the airline or housing industries.

While similar to cheap, low-cost avoids the negative implication of poor quality or flimsiness. Cheap often suggests that something is inferior because of its price, whereas low-cost suggests a deliberate design or systemic effort to minimize expenses without necessarily sacrificing essential utility.