Choosing between semaglutide and tirzepatide is one of the biggest decisions GLP-1 patients face — and price plays a major role. We compared both medications across the telehealth providers in our network to give you a clear picture of what each option costs, what it delivers, and which might be the better fit for your budget and goals.
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: The Clinical Snapshot
Before diving into pricing, here's what separates these two medications clinically:
| Factor | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GLP-1 + GIP receptor agonist |
| Brand names | Wegovy (weight), Ozempic (diabetes) | Zepbound (weight), Mounjaro (diabetes) |
| Avg weight loss (trials) | ~15% body weight | ~20–22% body weight |
| Dosing frequency | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| Available compounded | Yes (widely) | Yes (growing) |
| Oral option | Yes (oral Wegovy approved) | In development |
Key takeaway: Tirzepatide's dual-receptor mechanism has shown higher average weight loss in clinical trials, but it typically costs more than semaglutide — especially in compounded form. The question for most patients is whether the additional efficacy justifies the additional cost.
The Price Gap: Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide
Across the providers we track, compounded tirzepatide consistently costs 40–80% more per month than compounded semaglutide. This premium reflects higher raw ingredient costs, more complex compounding requirements, and the medication's newer market position.
For brand-name medications, the price gap is narrower. Brand-name Wegovy and Zepbound have similar list prices, though insurance coverage and manufacturer savings programs can create different out-of-pocket costs for each.
Verified Pricing Comparison
| Provider | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | Tirz Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yucca Health | $146/mo | $258/mo | +77% |
| Embody | $149/mo (first) | See provider | — |
| Gala | $179/mo | See provider | — |
| Care Bare Rx | $199/mo | See provider | — |
For providers where we have verified pricing for both medications, the tirzepatide premium ranges from approximately 40% to 80% higher. For providers where we only have semaglutide pricing confirmed, we recommend checking directly for their tirzepatide rates.
Which Medication Offers Better Value?
This is where our cost-per-pound framework becomes especially useful. If tirzepatide costs 60% more but delivers 40% more weight loss on average, the cost-per-pound difference narrows significantly.
Illustrative example (6-month treatment, 220 lb patient):
Semaglutide: $175/mo × 6 = $1,050 ÷ 22 lbs (10%) = $47.73/lb
Tirzepatide: $280/mo × 6 = $1,680 ÷ 33 lbs (15%) = $50.91/lb
The monthly cost difference is $105, but the per-pound difference is only $3.18
Individual results vary significantly from clinical trial averages, so these numbers are illustrative rather than predictive. But the framework demonstrates an important principle: the cheapest monthly cost doesn't automatically mean the best value per outcome.
Provider Options for Semaglutide
Nearly every GLP-1 telehealth provider offers semaglutide, making it the most widely available option with the most competitive pricing.
Explore HealthRX’s compounded tirzepatide listing. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved; verify the current legal pathway, pharmacy and total price.
Explore HealthRX — tirzepatide ↗Eligibility and prices must be verified directly. Compounded GLP-1 products are not FDA-approved.Provider Options for Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide availability through telehealth has expanded significantly in 2026, though not every provider offers it. These providers offer tirzepatide or dual-agonist options:
Review consultation options, program fees, medication access, insurance considerations and what happens after your first appointment.
Explore Sesame Care ↗Eligibility and prices must be verified directly. Compounded GLP-1 products are not FDA-approved.Review current treatment pathways, screening and follow-up, and clarify which medication and monthly charges apply.
Explore Oak GLP-1 ↗Eligibility and prices must be verified directly. Compounded GLP-1 products are not FDA-approved.For Brand-Name Medications
For patients who want brand-name Wegovy or Zepbound specifically, Sesame Care provides access to FDA-approved formulations of both medications.
View Sesame Care →How to Decide: Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
Choose semaglutide if: You're budget-conscious and want the most affordable entry point. You're responding well to a GLP-1-only mechanism. You prefer an oral option (oral semaglutide is available; oral tirzepatide is not yet). Your provider recommends it based on your health profile.
Choose tirzepatide if: You've tried semaglutide with limited results and want to try the dual-mechanism approach. You have a higher BMI and want to maximize weight loss potential. The cost premium fits within your budget. Your provider recommends the dual-agonist approach for your specific situation.
Let your doctor guide you. While pricing matters, the medication choice should ultimately be a clinical decision made with your healthcare provider based on your health history, goals, and response to treatment.
Bottom line: Semaglutide offers the best value at the lowest monthly cost. Tirzepatide costs more but may deliver more weight loss per dollar spent. Use the providers above to compare current pricing for both medications and discuss the right choice with your healthcare provider.