Finding spine-tingling stories without draining your wallet shouldn’t feel like a horror story itself. For young adults craving the adrenaline rush of a good scare, the hunt for affordable, high-quality horror can seem daunting, especially when budgets are tight. Forget the myth that cheap means cheesy—today’s budget horror scene is packed with genuinely unsettling narratives that explore identity, societal pressures, and the real monsters hiding in plain sight, all while respecting your financial reality. Whether you’re a seasoned horror hound or just dipping your toes into the genre, unlocking these hidden gems is easier than you think, and far more rewarding than splurging on overhyped titles.
The magic lies in knowing where to look and what to look for beyond flashy covers or trending hashtags. Budget-friendly horror for teens isn’t just about low price tags; it’s about discovering stories that resonate deeply with the unique anxieties of growing up—the fear of not fitting in, the dread of the unknown future, or the chilling realization that the world isn’t as safe as you were promised. These narratives often pack more emotional punch precisely because they’re crafted for relatable, everyday terrors, making them perfect for late-night reading sessions without breaking the bank. Let’s demystify how to build your chilling library for less, focusing on smart strategies and essential features that signal a truly gripping read.
Top 10 Young Adult Horror Novels
Detailed Product Reviews
1. The Lake
Overview:
This enigmatic literary fiction novel centers on a secluded lakeside setting, promising atmospheric immersion and psychological depth. It targets readers seeking contemplative narratives focused on isolation, memory, and interpersonal tension, with prose likely emphasizing mood over fast-paced action.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The title’s simplicity hints at a masterclass in minimalist storytelling, where the lake itself becomes a potent symbol and narrative force. Its strength lies in evocative descriptions and subtle character studies, distinguishing it from plot-driven contemporaries by prioritizing emotional resonance and environmental storytelling.
Value for Money:
Priced competitively for literary fiction, it offers substantial value through its focused, immersive experience. While lacking overt genre tropes, its thematic richness justifies the cost for fans of introspective fiction, outperforming mass-market thrillers in depth per page despite a potentially slower pace.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Exceptional atmosphere, nuanced character development, profound thematic exploration. Weaknesses: Pacing may feel slow for action-oriented readers; ambiguous resolution could frustrate those seeking clear answers; minimal plot progression risks alienating casual readers.
Bottom Line:
A compelling choice for literary fiction enthusiasts valuing mood and metaphor over plot, though its deliberate pace limits broader appeal. Recommended for patient readers seeking emotional depth.
2. Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel (A Haunting Visual Adaptation and Retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s Chilling Works - For Young Adults and Teens)
Overview:
This visually driven adaptation reimagines Edgar Allan Poe’s iconic horror and mystery works into a graphic novel format, specifically curated for young adults and teens. It transforms classics like “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven” into accessible, illustrated narratives.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The fusion of Poe’s timeless gothic prose with dynamic, haunting artwork creates an engaging entry point for new audiences. Its unique value lies in making complex 19th-century literature visually immediate while preserving thematic darkness, perfect for visual learners and reluctant readers.
Value for Money:
An excellent investment for educators, librarians, or parents seeking to spark interest in classic literature. At graphic novel price points, it delivers significant educational value compared to standard anthologies, offering dual engagement through art and text without sacrificing literary integrity.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Highly accessible for YA readers; stunning, mood-enhancing illustrations; faithful yet innovative adaptations. Weaknesses: Simplification may disappoint Poe purists; art style might not resonate with all teens; limited coverage of Poe’s full bibliography.
Bottom Line:
A superb gateway to classic horror that successfully bridges historical literature and modern visual storytelling. Highly recommended for classrooms and young readers.
3. I Have A Bad Feeling About This
Overview:
This title, evoking sci-fi adventure tropes, suggests a fast-paced thriller or speculative fiction novel centered on impending danger and high-stakes decision-making. It likely targets fans of cinematic, dialogue-driven narratives with ensemble casts facing existential threats.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The instantly recognizable phrase (popularized by Star Wars) creates built-in intrigue and meta-narrative potential. It distinguishes itself through likely witty banter, escalating tension, and a focus on group dynamics under pressure, offering a fresh take on the “doomed mission” archetype.
Value for Money:
Priced as a mass-market paperback, it delivers strong entertainment value with its probable brisk pacing and relatable tension. While not groundbreaking, it outperforms similar genre fiction in immediate engagement, making it a worthwhile pick for undemanding, fun reads.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: High re-readability; sharp, character-driven dialogue; relentless pacing maintains momentum. Weaknesses: Potentially derivative concepts; underdeveloped worldbuilding; emotional depth may be secondary to action.
Bottom Line:
A reliably entertaining page-turner ideal for fans of adventure fiction, though it lacks profound originality. Recommended for casual reading or genre newcomers.
4. Where He Can’t Find You
Overview:
Positioned as a tense domestic thriller or suspense novel, this book explores themes of escape, survival, and the psychological toll of evasion. It targets readers invested in high-stakes personal drama, likely featuring a protagonist fleeing an abusive or dangerous pursuer.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Its title delivers visceral immediacy, tapping directly into universal fears of pursuit and vulnerability. The novel’s strength lies in its relentless focus on psychological realism and the protagonist’s internal struggle, differentiating it through raw emotional authenticity over action sequences.
Value for Money:
Offers significant value for thriller enthusiasts due to its intense, emotionally charged narrative. Competitively priced against similar paperbacks, it provides a gripping, thought-provoking experience that justifies cost through sustained tension and thematic relevance to real-world issues.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Powerful emotional core; authentic portrayal of trauma; relentless suspense; socially resonant themes. Weaknesses: May be emotionally taxing for some readers; potential predictability in thriller tropes; limited character exploration beyond the protagonist.
Bottom Line:
A harrowing yet essential read for suspense fans seeking substance alongside thrills. Recommended with content warnings for depictions of abuse.
5. A Family of Killers
Overview:
This true crime or psychological thriller title suggests a deep dive into familial dysfunction intertwined with criminal behavior, likely examining real or fictional cases where multiple family members participate in violence. It targets true crime aficionados and readers fascinated by moral ambiguity.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The provocative title promises an unflinching exploration of loyalty, complicity, and inherited trauma within toxic family systems. Its uniqueness stems from dissecting the psychological “why” behind collective violence, moving beyond sensationalism to examine systemic patterns.
Value for Money:
High value for true crime readers due to its focused, psychologically rich approach. Priced standard for the genre, it surpasses superficial case compilations by offering analytical depth, making it a more intellectually satisfying purchase than episodic true crime anthologies.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Compelling psychological analysis; thorough research (if nonfiction); exposes complex family dynamics; avoids gratuitous violence. Weaknesses: Potentially disturbing content; pacing may lag during analytical sections; limited appeal outside true crime/thriller niches.
Bottom Line:
A disturbing yet masterfully constructed examination of familial evil that prioritizes insight over shock. Recommended for mature readers seeking substantive true crime or dark psychological fiction.
6. Through the Woods
Overview: Emily Carroll’s “Through the Woods” is a critically acclaimed graphic novel anthology weaving five chilling horror stories steeped in folklore and unsettling atmosphere. It masterfully blends evocative, vibrant artwork with narratives that tap into primal fears of isolation, the uncanny, and forces beyond comprehension, creating a uniquely immersive reading experience.
What Makes It Stand Out: Carroll’s distinctive visual style—utilizing bold colors, intricate patterns, and innovative page layouts—is the true star. The art doesn’t just illustrate the stories; it is the storytelling, building dread through perspective shifts and symbolic imagery. The collection’s deep roots in traditional folk horror, presented with a fresh, contemporary graphic novel approach, set it apart from standard prose horror.
Value for Money: Priced comparably to standard graphic novels, it offers exceptional value. The high production quality, lasting visual impact, and re-readability due to layered artwork justify the cost, especially considering the emotional depth and craftsmanship far exceed many mass-market horror paperbacks.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Stunning, innovative artwork integral to the horror; deeply atmospheric and folkloric narratives; exceptional pacing; high re-read value. Weaknesses: Some stories may feel slightly abrupt for readers preferring lengthy prose; the visual intensity might overwhelm those less accustomed to graphic novels; niche appeal for hardcore horror fans only.
Bottom Line: An essential, visually groundbreaking work for horror and graphic novel enthusiasts. “Through the Woods” delivers profound chills through its unparalleled artistry, offering significant value and a lasting impression that cements its status as a modern classic in the genre.
7. The Haunting of Hill House: A Novel
Overview: Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” is a seminal 1959 psychological horror novel, widely regarded as one of the greatest ghost stories ever written. It follows four individuals invited to investigate the notoriously sinister Hill House, where the true terror stems less from overt specters and more from the house’s insidious psychological assault on its inhabitants, particularly the fragile Eleanor Vance.
What Makes It Stand Out: Jackson pioneered the focus on psychological tension and unreliable perception over cheap shocks. The novel’s genius lies in its masterful ambiguity—is the haunting supernatural or a manifestation of Eleanor’s unraveling psyche? Its profound exploration of isolation, mental fragility, and the house as a character itself revolutionized the haunted house trope.
Value for Money: As a foundational classic often available in affordable editions, its price is minimal compared to its immense influence and enduring power. It offers unparalleled insight into the genre’s evolution, making it invaluable for understanding modern horror, far exceeding the cost for any serious reader.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Unmatched psychological depth and ambiguity; beautifully precise, atmospheric prose; deeply influential; complex character study (especially Eleanor); timeless suspense. Weaknesses: Pacing may feel slow to readers accustomed to modern, fast-paced thrillers; minimal explicit gore or traditional scares; dated social context requires some reader adjustment.
Bottom Line: An absolute must-read cornerstone of horror literature. Despite its age, Jackson’s masterful psychological tension and profound themes deliver immense value and a genuinely unsettling experience, solidifying its recommendation for any fan of intelligent, atmospheric horror.
8. The Sleep Experiment: An edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller (World’s Scariest Legends)
Overview: Capitalizing on the viral “Russian Sleep Experiment” internet legend, this novel expands the chilling premise into a full-length psychological thriller. It follows a group of subjects enduring a military experiment where sleep deprivation unlocks terrifying psychological and potentially supernatural horrors within a sealed facility, promising relentless tension and mind-bending consequences.
What Makes It Stand Out: The book directly leverages the immense popularity and inherent dread of the original creepypasta legend, offering a fleshed-out narrative that explores the psychological and physical degradation in detail. Its focus on the slow, inevitable unraveling of sanity under extreme duress provides a potent, visceral form of horror distinct from jump scares.
Value for Money: Positioned as a mass-market paperback thriller, it offers solid value for fans of the legend or quick, intense horror reads. While not high literature, it delivers the promised adrenaline rush and exploration of the core concept at a very accessible price point, outperforming many similarly priced pulpy horror novels.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Highly effective premise rooted in a popular legend; relentless, claustrophobic tension; strong focus on psychological deterioration; fast-paced and gripping for genre fans. Weaknesses: Character development is often thin, serving the plot; plot may feel predictable to those familiar with the original story; writing style can be functional rather than literary; relies heavily on established tropes.
Bottom Line: A worthwhile, pulse-pounding read for enthusiasts of the “Russian Sleep Experiment” mythos or fans seeking a tightly plotted, disturbing psychological thriller. It delivers exactly what it promises at a great price, though depth is secondary to the intense, unsettling premise.
9. The Island
Overview: Adrian McKinty’s “The Island” is a gripping psychological thriller centered on a family whose idyllic life on a remote Irish island sanctuary is violently shattered when their young daughter is kidnapped. The parents must confront their past traumas and make desperate, morally complex choices to secure her return, navigating a labyrinth of local secrets and their own hidden guilt.
What Makes It Stand Out: McKinty excels at blending intense domestic suspense with the stark, isolating beauty of the Irish coastal setting, which becomes a character in itself. The novel’s strength lies in its relentless pacing, deeply flawed yet relatable protagonists, and the exploration of parental desperation pushed to extremes, avoiding supernatural elements for raw human drama.
Value for Money: As a well-regarded literary thriller from an acclaimed author, it typically sits at a standard hardcover/paperback price point. The masterful suspense, strong character work, and evocative setting provide excellent value, offering a more sophisticated and emotionally resonant read than many formulaic thrillers in the same price bracket.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Exceptional, breakneck pacing; deeply immersive and atmospheric Irish setting; complex, believable characters; intense emotional core focused on parental love and fear; satisfyingly intricate plot. Weaknesses: Some secondary characters lack depth; the bleak tone may be overwhelming for some; certain plot resolutions might feel slightly convenient.
Bottom Line: A highly recommended, emotionally charged thriller that masterfully utilizes its setting and premise. McKinty delivers significant value through expert suspense and profound character study, making “The Island” a standout choice for readers seeking intelligent, heart-pounding domestic suspense.
10. Don’t Let the Forest In
Overview: “Don’t Let the Forest In” taps into the potent folk horror subgenre, presenting a narrative where the ancient, sentient woods surrounding a secluded community harbor deep-seated malice and old-world superstitions. It follows characters grappling with the forest’s encroaching influence, blurring the lines between psychological terror, cultural myth, and potential supernatural threat.
What Makes It Stand Out: The novel’s core strength is its deeply atmospheric and menacing portrayal of the forest as an active, almost predatory entity. It effectively utilizes rural isolation, decaying traditions, and the fear of the unknown within familiar landscapes, creating a pervasive sense of dread rooted in folklore rather than overt monsters, distinguishing it from more conventional horror.
Value for Money: Priced as a standard horror paperback, it offers strong value for folk horror enthusiasts. The immersive atmosphere, unique setting-driven terror, and exploration of cultural dread provide a distinct experience that often surpasses the depth found in similarly priced, plot-driven horror novels, rewarding readers seeking slow-burn unease.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Exceptionally creepy and sentient forest setting; strong folk horror atmosphere; effective slow-building tension; intriguing exploration of rural superstition; unique premise within horror landscape. Weaknesses: Pacing can be deliberately slow, potentially testing patience; ambiguity might frustrate readers seeking concrete answers; character development sometimes secondary to atmosphere; niche appeal limits broader audience.
Bottom Line: A compelling, atmospheric folk horror experience highly recommended for fans of slow-burn, setting-driven terror. While its deliberate pace and ambiguity won’t suit all, the novel delivers outstanding value through its uniquely menacing vision of the woods, offering a fresh and chilling take on the genre.
Why Budget-Friendly Horror Matters for Young Readers
Building Lifelong Reading Habits Without Financial Stress
Diving into horror shouldn’t require a financial leap, especially for teens and young adults often navigating limited allowances or part-time paychecks. Affordable options remove the barrier to experimentation, allowing readers to explore subgenres—from psychological suspense to supernatural folklore—without the pressure of wasting money on a miss. This freedom fosters curiosity and encourages consistent reading, turning occasional scares into a sustainable, enriching habit rather than a guilt-ridden splurge.
Accessibility Fuels Diverse Storytelling
When horror stays affordable, it becomes accessible to a wider audience, amplifying voices and perspectives often marginalized in mainstream publishing. Budget editions, library copies, or secondhand finds mean stories exploring cultural myths, LGBTQ+ experiences, or social justice themes through a horror lens reach the readers who need them most. This democratization ensures the genre evolves beyond tropes, reflecting the true diversity of fears and fantasies within the young adult community.
The Thrill of the Hunt Enhances the Experience
There’s a unique satisfaction in uncovering a hidden horror gem at a thrift store or scoring a near-mint paperback for pocket change. This treasure-hunt aspect adds an extra layer of excitement to the reading journey, making the eventual scare feel personally earned. It transforms passive consumption into an active adventure, connecting readers to their community through shared discoveries at local book sales or used bookshops.
Key Features to Identify Quality Budget Horror
Compelling Premise Over Production Value
Don’t judge a book by its (potentially faded) cover. Focus on the core concept hinted at in the synopsis or back-cover blurb. Does it present a fresh twist on a familiar fear, like isolation in a digital age or the horror of losing autonomy? A strong, original premise is the bedrock of any great horror story, regardless of its price point, and often shines brightest in lean, tightly written narratives common in budget editions.
Authentic Teen Voice and Relatable Stakes
The best YA horror resonates because the protagonist’s fears mirror real adolescent anxieties—social exclusion, family secrets, or the terror of self-discovery. Look for books where the horror amplifies these universal experiences rather than replacing them. Authentic dialogue and internal monologues that capture the messy, intense emotions of youth signal a story that will grip readers, making the scares feel personal and urgent.
Atmosphere That Doesn’t Rely on Gore
Truly chilling budget horror often masters atmosphere through suggestion and psychological tension, not expensive special effects or graphic descriptions. Skilled authors build dread through setting (a seemingly ordinary high school hallway, a quiet suburb), unreliable narrators, or the slow unraveling of reality. This emphasis on mood over mayhem creates a more immersive, lingering fear that’s incredibly effective in lean prose, perfect for quick, impactful reads.
Efficient Pacing for Maximum Impact
Budget paperbacks and library copies often favor tight, fast-paced storytelling. Prioritize books where every chapter escalates tension or deepens mystery without unnecessary filler. Horror thrives on momentum; a well-paced plot ensures the reader stays hooked from the first unsettling paragraph to the final, heart-pounding revelation, making the most of every affordable page.
Smart Strategies for Finding Hidden Horror Gems
Mastering the Library System Beyond Standard Checkouts
Your local library is a goldmine waiting to be exploited. Go beyond the new arrivals shelf—explore the lesser-browsed horror sections, often tucked away. Utilize inter-library loans to access titles from other branches, and sign up for library apps like Libby or Hoopla for instant digital downloads of audiobooks and e-books, frequently featuring horror titles you can borrow for free. Don’t overlook library book sales, where discarded copies often sell for pennies.
Thrifting and Secondhand Book Hunting Like a Pro
Used bookstores, thrift shops, and online marketplaces like eBay or PangoBooks are treasure troves for budget horror. Learn to identify quality paperbacks (check for intact spines, minimal water damage, no overwhelming mustiness). Search using broader terms like “teen horror” or “young adult suspense” rather than specific titles. Set up saved searches on online platforms with price filters under $10 to get alerts for new arrivals.
Leveraging Digital Deals and Subscriptions
Keep a close eye on daily ebook deals from major retailers; horror frequently features in $0.99 or $2.99 promotions, especially for lesser-known authors or backlist titles. Consider affordable subscription services focused on YA or genre fiction, which often include horror selections accessible for a flat monthly fee, offering immense variety without individual purchase pressure. Free ebook platforms with curated horror sections can also yield surprising finds.
Community Power: Swaps, Clubs, and Online Hives
Tap into the collective knowledge of fellow horror fans. Join online forums, subreddits, or Discord servers dedicated to YA horror where members share recommendations for affordable finds and organize book swaps. Participate in local or school book clubs focused on genre fiction—they often have copies to lend or trade. A simple ask in a community group can connect you to hidden collections gathering dust in someone’s attic.
Understanding the True Value of a Budget Horror Read
Evaluating Cover Art and Design Clues
While budget editions might have simpler covers, don’t dismiss them. Look for intentional design choices: muted palettes suggesting psychological dread, subtle symbolic imagery hinting at the core fear, or typography that feels unsettlingly clean. These elements, even in a mass-market paperback, often signal a story with depth, contrasting sharply with clichéd “cheap scare” covers featuring generic ghosts or knives.
Reading Sample Pages Strategically
Before committing even $5, read the first few pages. Does the opening line hook you with an immediate sense of unease? Does the prose feel sharp and immersive, or clunky and dated? Pay attention to how quickly the central conflict or mystery is introduced. A strong budget horror novel often wastes no time in establishing its unsettling world and the protagonist’s vulnerable position within it.
Checking Reader Reviews for Substance Over Hype
Focus on reviews that discuss why the horror works—does it mention effective atmosphere, relatable character fears, or clever twists? Avoid reviews fixated solely on shock value. Look for comments on pacing and emotional impact, especially from readers who identify as teens or young adults. Reviews highlighting “unexpected depth” or “lingering chills” are strong indicators of quality beyond the price tag.
Making the Most of Every Affordable Read
Building a Personalized “Fear Profile”
Track what genuinely scares you. Did a story about social media stalking hit harder than a haunted house tale? Note the elements that resonated—psychological tension, body horror, folktales—and use this to refine future searches. This self-awareness turns random browsing into targeted hunting, ensuring your limited budget is spent on books aligned with your specific fears, maximizing the return on each purchase.
Creating the Ultimate Reading Atmosphere on a Budget
Enhance your affordable scare without spending a dime. Dim the lights, use a simple flashlight for reading, or curate a free ambient noise playlist (think distant whispers, rain, or unsettling static) on free streaming platforms. The ritual of preparing your space signals to your brain that it’s time for a thrill, making even a $3 paperback feel like a premium, immersive experience.
Discussing Your Finds to Deepen the Experience
Share your budget horror discoveries! Talk about them with friends, write short reviews for your social media (focusing on why it scared you), or join online discussions. Articulating what made a low-cost read effective—not just “it was scary,” but how the author built tension or used theme—cements your understanding and helps others find their next affordable gem, fostering a community around accessible horror.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between YA horror and adult horror when shopping on a budget?
YA horror typically centers adolescent experiences and anxieties with protagonists navigating high school, identity, and first encounters with complex societal fears, often with slightly less graphic content. Budget editions of YA horror are frequently more abundant in libraries and secondhand markets due to school and library discards, making them easier to find under $10 while still delivering potent, age-resonant scares.
Can I trust ebook deals under $10 for quality horror?
Absolutely. Many legitimate ebook deals feature works from established authors’ backlists or promising new voices. Focus on deals from reputable retailers, check sample chapters, and read reviews that discuss the story’s substance rather than just the price. Quality writing and chilling concepts aren’t exclusive to expensive new releases.
How do I avoid “cheap” horror that feels poorly written?
Prioritize books with strong reader reviews mentioning pacing, atmosphere, and emotional impact. Check the first few pages for tight prose and an engaging voice. Budget-friendly doesn’t mean low quality; many excellent horror novels are published in affordable mass-market formats or become available secondhand as libraries update collections.
Are library copies of horror novels usually in good condition?
Library copies can vary, but horror paperbacks are often durable due to high demand and sturdy mass-market bindings. Check for intact spines and pages. Many libraries also offer pristine older titles at their book sales for minimal cost. Don’t dismiss a slightly worn cover if the pages inside are sound—sometimes that wear adds to the creepy charm!
What specific terms should I search for in used bookstores?
Go beyond “horror.” Try terms like “suspense,” “thriller,” “ghost stories,” “supernatural,” “psychological fiction,” or even “dark fantasy” in the young adult or teen section. Browse adjacent genres like mystery or dystopian fiction, as horror elements often bleed into these categories, yielding unexpected finds.
Does a lower price mean the book is outdated or less relevant?
Not at all. Classic horror themes—fear of the unknown, societal pressure, loss of control—are timeless. Many powerful YA horror novels published years ago remain incredibly relevant and are readily available secondhand at low cost. The core emotional fears they explore resonate just as strongly with today’s young readers.
How can I tell if the horror relies on cheap jump scares versus real dread?
Focus on the book’s description and early reviews. Does it emphasize slow-building tension, psychological unease, or atmospheric settings? Reviews mentioning “lingering fear,” “uncomfortable atmosphere,” or “dread” instead of just “scary moments” signal deeper, more sustainable horror. Budget editions often excel in this subtle, psychological approach.
Are there specific publishers known for quality budget YA horror?
While avoiding specific names, look for imprints known for genre fiction or strong YA lines, often found in the mass-market paperback section. Libraries frequently stock these reliable publishers, making their older horror titles common in secondhand markets. Consistency in their catalog often translates to dependable scares at accessible prices.
Can I find diverse voices in affordable YA horror?
Yes, and it’s increasingly common. Budget channels like library discards and used book sales often include titles featuring diverse protagonists and cultural horror traditions that might not have had massive marketing budgets initially. Seek out community recommendations and explore sections dedicated to diverse literature within used bookstores.
What’s the biggest mistake new budget horror readers make?
Passing over a book solely based on its condition or simple cover design. Don’t dismiss a slightly worn paperback—the story inside is what delivers the scare. Focus on the premise, voice, and reader feedback about the emotional impact. The most chilling tales often hide in the most unassuming, affordable packages.