In this paper, a detailed cost analysis was presented for various configurations of passive and active solar stills. An Excel program was prepared for calculating the cost analysis parameters for the considered systems. There are only two input parameters; the present capital cost (P) and the annual yield (M = daily average productivity x 260 days). Number of life years was assumed to be 10 years. Cost comparisons between the different passive and active solar stills and with another works were presented; and some conclusions were drawn. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the production cost per liter of potable water using either passive or active solar desalination techniques was more competitive compared to the price per liter in both Egyptian and Saudi markets. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.