The phrase "cost differential" refers to the difference or gap in expenses or prices between two or more items, services, or options. It highlights how much more or less you might have to spend on one thing compared to another. Full definition
There is a significant cost differential between Term life insurance and Whole life insurance. (insuranceblogbychris.com)
In the plausible scenario of $ 60 - $ 80 oil, this added transportation cost differential would mean that less oil sands resources would be developed. (corporateknights.com)
And there's a huge cost differential [between hybrids and traditional vehicles]. (grist.org)