Hidden cost may refer to:
Externality, a cost or benefit to an uninvolved third party that arises as an effect of another party's (or parties') activity. Hidden fee, additional surcharge not included in the advertised price Indirect cost, a cost that is not directly accountable to a cost object No such thing as a free lunch, an adage indicating that where there are benefits there are also costs, although they may be hidden Opportunity cost, the value of the best alternative forgone
See also True cost accounting