If you’re planning to run online ads, two major platforms you’ll likely consider are Google Ads and Instagram Ads. Both can help you reach new customers and grow your business, but they work in different ways, come with different price tags, and it’s important to compare Google Ads Cost vs Instagram Ads Cost to choose the right fit for your budget.
Google Ads connects you with people who are actively searching for products or services. On the other hand, Instagram Ads allow you to show your brand to people as they scroll through visually rich content. Each platform offers strong benefits depending on your goals, audience, and budget.
In this blog, we’ll break down the costs of both Google Ads and Instagram Ads in 2025. We’ll look at how much they typically charge, what you get in return, and how to decide which one fits your strategy best.
What Are Google Ads?
Google Ads (formerly Google AdWords) is Google’s advertising platform. It allows you to place your ads on Google Search, YouTube, Gmail, and millions of websites through its Display Network.
When someone types a search like “best yoga mats,” your ad can appear at the top of the results. You only pay when someone clicks on your ad, which is why it’s called pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.
Average Google Ads Cost in 2025
The cost of Google Ads depends on your industry, location, competition, and keywords. Here’s a general idea:
- Search Ads: The average cost per click (CPC) ranges from $1 to $2.
- Display Ads: These cost less, often around $0.50 or less per click.
- In industries like law or insurance, CPC can go beyond $40.
Google lets you control your daily or monthly budget, so you don’t overspend. You can also choose whether to pay per click, per impression, or per conversion.
What Are Instagram Ads?
Instagram Ads are visual ads that appear in users’ feeds, Stories, Reels, or Explore pages. These ads run through Meta Ads Manager (shared with Facebook), giving you access to advanced targeting options and various tools for Meta ads.
You can reach people based on their age, gender, location, interests, shopping behavior, and even past interactions with your business. Instagram works especially well for brands with strong visuals, like fashion, fitness, travel, and food.
Average Instagram Ads Cost in 2025
Instagram Ads cost are generally less than Google Ads. Here’s what most advertisers spend:
- CPC (Cost per Click): Between $0.40 and $1.00.
- CPM (Cost per 1,000 Impressions): Around $5 to $6.
- Video and Reels Ads may cost slightly more but often get better engagement.
Just like Google, you can set a daily or lifetime budget. Instagram will stop running your ads once your budget limit is reached.
Google Ads Cost vs Instagram Ads Cost: Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you compare both platforms at a glance:
| Feature | Google Ads | Instagram Ads |
| Average CPC | $1 – $2 (Search) | $0.40 – $1.00 |
| Average CPM | $10 – $20 (Display Network) | $5 – $6 |
| Audience Type | Searchers with buying intent | Scrollers with visual interest |
| Best for | Direct conversions, leads | Brand awareness, engagement |
| Ad Types | Text, banners, video, and shopping | Image, video, carousel, story |
| Targeting Options | Keywords, location, device | Interests, behavior, lookalikes |
Which One Should You Choose?
This depends entirely on your goals.
Choose Google Ads if:
- People already search for your product or service.
- You want fast traffic and high-intent leads.
- You can afford to bid competitively for top search spots.
Example: A dental clinic advertising “emergency dentist near me” will benefit more from Google Search Ads.
Choose Instagram Ads if:
- Your brand relies on visuals to create interest.
- You want to build long-term awareness and community.
- You’re targeting a younger audience (ages 18–34).
Example: A new activewear brand showcasing product videos will perform better on Instagram Reels and Stories.
What Can You Expect for $500?
Let’s say you have a budget of $500. Here’s what each platform might deliver:
| Platform | Estimated Clicks | Estimated Impressions |
| Google Ads | 250 – 500 clicks | Depends on keyword search volume |
| Instagram Ads | 500 – 1,200 clicks | Over 100,000 impressions |
Instagram will likely give you more reach and clicks for the same money. However, Google users usually have higher intent, which can lead to more conversions if you’re offering what they’re already searching for.
Final Thoughts: Choose Smart, Spend Smarter
When it comes to choosing between Google Ads and Instagram Ads, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Google Ads work best when you want to reach people actively searching with the intent to buy, while Instagram Ads are ideal for building brand recognition and connecting through visuals.
If your goal is quick conversions and you know your audience is searching on Google, then investing in Google Ads makes sense. But if you’re building a brand, launching a new product, or targeting younger, mobile-first users, Instagram gives you a cost-effective way to stand out.
The smartest move? Start small on both platforms, run test campaigns, and analyze your results. Let your data guide your decisions. With the right approach, you can get more than clicks—you can build a loyal audience and grow your business.
