"How much does a book cost?"

[kdavella]

Can't you also say: C'est combien, un livre?

[Sitesurf]

Yes, that is something you could say, though it is less academic than the proposed structure, that you would use in writing.

[YoungGrasshopper]

Could you use the verb "valoir"? So it would be "Combien vaut un livre?"?

[Sitesurf]

mais oui, no problem with that.

Note: "valoir" is the same family as "valeur" (value). Therefore, in certain context, "valoir" may not related to a sum of money but to a "worth" if you see what I mean?

[YoungGrasshopper]

Ah ok so it would be better for a sentence like "How much is that book worth to you?" rather than one purely about money. Think I've got that, thanks!

[Sitesurf]

We understand each other...

[LaurenG19]

Why is the generic structure "combien ca coute" for how much does that cost, and "combien coute un livre" when asking about a specific item?

[dhMuse]

I think you answered your own question in the asking?