The Argus would cost 42p if it had been under the control of Brighton and Hove City Council for the past four years, a meeting was told last night.
Tory councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn made the comparison at a full council meeting to illustrate the huge increase in council tax in the city since 1998.
He said in that time The Argus had risen in price from 30 to 32p, a six per cent rise.
Meanwhile a Band D council tax charge had gone from £652.01 to £922.25, up 41 per cent.
He said: "If The Argus' achievement was reflected in council tax, it would now be £691. Whereas if the city council ran The Argus the price would be 42p."
Coun Peltzer Dunn added: "There are rumours of a massive increase in council tax in April which on the same basis could result in the arrival of the 50p Argus."
Finance councillor Jackie Lythell said: "The Argus can decide what it likes. The council cannot."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article