AI prices and costs: tokens, subscriptions, credits
How AI is billed: tokens, subscriptions and credits, and what to check before you pay.
Providers bill AI in three ways. Know which one you use, because the same task can cost very different amounts.
Three ways to pay
- Per token (API). You pay for the text that goes in and the text that comes out. The unit is the token, and prices are usually listed per million tokens (price per million tokens). Output costs more than input at the big providers. See the API price table.
- Subscription (apps). You pay a flat monthly fee for a chat app. The fee buys a usage allowance, not unlimited use. When you hit the usage limit, you wait or upgrade. See the subscription overview.
- Credits. You buy a balance in advance and each call draws it down. Check whether credits expire.
Not sure which fits? Read subscription or API.
What to check before you pay
- Input and output price. They differ. Long answers cost more than long questions.
- Cache and batch. Prompt caching and the batch API can cut the bill if your use fits. Both come with conditions.
- Limits. A rate limit caps speed. A usage limit caps volume.
- Tier. A top model costs far more than a small one. Match the model to the task.
- Spending cap. Set one on any API key. See how to set a spending limit.
Currency and VAT
Providers list prices in US dollars. Your card statement shows your currency at the bank's rate, plus any card fee. Tables on this site show USD list prices without VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the provider and your country, so the final invoice can be higher. Check it at checkout.
Use the cost calculator to turn list prices into a monthly estimate.
All pages in this section
- AI API prices compared: cost per 1 million tokens
A table of AI API list prices per 1 million tokens, with source and check date for every row.
- AI subscriptions compared: monthly plans and limits
An overview of AI chat subscriptions: monthly price, what is included, and usage limits.
- Subscription or API: what is cheaper for you?
A flat $20 plan or pay per token: one formula and three examples show where each wins, plus the limits and privacy settings that count beyond cost.
Read next
- AI API prices compared: cost per 1 million tokens
A table of AI API list prices per 1 million tokens, with source and check date for every row.
- AI subscriptions compared: monthly plans and limits
An overview of AI chat subscriptions: monthly price, what is included, and usage limits.
- AI cost calculator: estimate API cost per call and month
A free calculator that turns token counts and list prices into a cost per call and per month.
- Subscription or API: what is cheaper for you?
A flat $20 plan or pay per token: one formula and three examples show where each wins, plus the limits and privacy settings that count beyond cost.