The phrase "actual cost" refers to the real or exact amount of money that is spent on something. It is the true expense or price of a product, service, or project. Full definition
These include economic damages such as actual costs for medical care, ambulance, and rehabilitation, or other similar costs. (redlandsinjurylawyer.com)
I do agree with you the final decision to purchase needs to be based on actual costs and reasonable estimates. (biggerpockets.com)
Cost of adoption will consist of reimbursement of actual costs incurred for spay, neuter, identification and transport, if applicable. (ph-club.org)