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Are printers with individual color ink cartridges cheaper to use than those that use a single color cartridge?

Another way of putting this question is, how much ink is in a single-color cartridge compared to a multi-color cartridge?

Public Comments

1. no they're more expensive look at google shopping to compare the prices
2. they're absolutely cheaper. first, it would be extremely rare that you all the colors at the same rate. you would probably use more blue than yellow. so why pay to replace them all when you're only out of one color? second, the individual cartridges hold more ink than the 3-in-1. I get cartridges for my epsons for under $3 which hold 20 ml at http://www.ccs-digital.com. that means for under $9 I am getting 60 ml of ink. the 3-in-1 cartridges couldn't possibly hold more than 20 tops and that's all 3 colors. then I turn in the empties and get back $3 a cartridge, so I am basically getting them free. for more info read http://www.ccs-digital.com/freeink.asp
3. They cost way more. Individual tanks sell for around $10 each. If you need four colors, that's $40. Compare this with a Kodak ink tank, which contains all colors (fade resistant photo grade pigmented ink), photo black and protectant and sells for under $15. The math here is obvious. Low cost manufacturer original replacements eliminate the problems you run into refilling tanks with incompatable after market ink.