In the context of consumer surplus and willingness to pay, which of the following best describes consumer surplus?

• A. The amount by which producer surplus exceeds consumer surplus
• B. The difference between what a consumer is willing to pay for a good and what they actually pay
• C. The difference between the market price and the cost of production
• D. The total amount paid by consumers for a good

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of willingness to pay (WTP), which is the maximum amount a consumer is ready to pay for a good or service.
2. Recognize that consumer surplus measures the benefit consumers receive when they pay less than their willingness to pay.
3. Express consumer surplus mathematically as the difference between willingness to pay and the actual market price paid: \(\text{Consumer Surplus} = \text{WTP} - \text{Price}\).
4. Note that consumer surplus is not related to producer surplus or cost of production; it focuses solely on the consumer's perspective.
5. Conclude that consumer surplus represents the extra value or utility consumers gain because they pay less than what they were willing to pay.