Generic Lipitor is cheaper than the brand name version. Lipitor is a brand name drug, which means it is protected by a patent that prevents other companies from making and selling the same drug. However, after the patent expires, other companies can produce and sell generic versions of the drug. The generic version of Lipitor is called atorvastatin. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, which allowed other companies to produce and sell generic versions of the drug. As a result, the price of atorvastatin is significantly lower than the brand name version. According to Ro [2], the cost of atorvastatin is about 80% less than the cost of Lipitor. This is because generic drugs do not have to go through the same research and development process as brand name drugs, which makes them less expensive to produce. Additionally, according to Stat News [3], many insurance plans and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) encourage the use of generic drugs by offering lower copays for them. In conclusion, generic Lipitor (atorvastatin) is cheaper than the brand name version.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://ro.co/health-guide/generic-lipitor/
[3] https://www.statnews.com/2018/03/12/pbm-copays-brand-name-drugs-generics/