Microalgal cultivation system depends on optimal parameters obtained from laboratory conditions to overcome high-value compounds production and decrease cost. In this study, the laboratory-scale cultivation of Dunaliella salina was performed to explore the cost and biochemical effects on biomass cultivated using F/2, Conway, and Johnson media. D. salina cultivation was monitored by cell counting, dry biomass measurements and biochemical analyses. Photosynthetic pigment profiles were identified and quantified through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) whereas economic evaluation was based on media cost. Cellular growth parameters were significantly improved by Conway medium, whereas maximum accumulation of pigments, especially violaxanthin (0.855 mg g-1) and chlorophyll a (14.255 mg g-1) were observed when Johnson medium was used. Conway-biomass showed 43 % of total lipid content. This value represents 1.5 and 1.4 times higher than lipid content found in Johnson- and F/2-biomass, respectively. Furthermore, media cost presented a variation of US$1.17-49.62 for each 103 L of media mainly due to NaNO3, KNO3, and cyanocobalamin supplementation. Thus, biomass production showed a cost variation of US$4.64-301.61 per kg on a dry weight basis. These outcomes emphasize the suitability of laboratory parameters and cost comparison among biomass produced by different media.