Reviewing prices of online produce bag sales, a private consumer would pay about $.04 per bag if purchasing a quantity of about 2,000 thin-film plastic bags. However, supermarkets purchase in such volume that their cost is far less. According to an economic impact statement produced for Los Angeles County in 2010 and related to the county's 2012 ban on retailer use of plastic bags in unincorporated parts of the county, LA retailers spend about .01 per bag for the sturdier carry-out bags used at checkstands. (See References 3, page 18)
In contrast to plastic produce bags, mesh bags that can be laundered and reused countless times cost significantly more per bag. Reviewing online prices shows costs of about $.75 to $5.00 per bag depending on the brand and type. (See Resources 3)