Most dot matrix printers are priced between $500 and $1,000, with light-duty or older models that cost less, and heavy workhorses that are far more expensive.

Replacement ribbons will be your only consumable cost with a dot matrix printer. Ribbons are not very expensive per page if you do the majority of your printing in draft mode. If you expect to print in very high volumes, make sure to calculate the cost of replacing printer ribbons over the life of the unit before buying.