Isn’t the death penalty cheaper than life in prison?

No. It costs a great deal more.

“Elimination of the death penalty [in California] would result in a net savings to the state of at least tens of millions of dollars annually, and a net savings to local governments in the millions to tens of millions of dollars on a statewide basis.” (Joint Legislative Budget Committee of the California Legislature, 09/9/99)

Total cost of death penalty is 38% greater than total cost of life without parole sentences. (Indiana Criminal Law Study Commission, January 10, 2002)

Since its return to New York in 1995, $160 million has been spent. The New York Daily News estimates that before the first execution takes place, $238 million will be spent.

In addition to the funds required to try death penalty cases, the New York Department of Correctional Services spent $1.3 million to construct New York’s 12-inmate death row and pays nearly $300,000 per year to guard the unit. (New York Law Journal, April 30, 2002)”

From the site.