To compare cost of Ambien and its numerous alternatives is not good idea because Ambien is objectively much better than alternative hypnotic medications as it works milder and causes few side-effects.

However, Ambien is inexpensive drug. Only Dimedrol is cheaper, but it cannot be compared to Ambien by efficacy.

As for phenobarbital, nitrazepam, diazepam and other known medications with hypnotic effect, they are more expensive than Ambien, but are characterized by lower quality.