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AI Agent Cost Calculator
Updated Sep 4, 2026At Tunovix's flat $50/hr: a customer support agent runs $800–$1,600, a sales/research agent $1,000–$2,000, an internal ops agent $1,100–$2,250, and a custom multi-step workflow $1,500–$3,250 — before extra channels or tool integrations. Model API usage is separate, typically $20–$300/month depending on volume.
Estimate the cost of a custom AI agent or chatbot — by type, channel, and what it needs to connect to.
What should the agent do?
answers questions, resolves tickets
Where should it live?
What does it need to connect to?
Estimated cost
Ballpark estimate for planning purposes — not a binding quote. Actual pricing depends on full scope.
What this configuration actually does
How this estimate works
This estimate is based on real project scopes, not a generic formula. The base depends on what the agent needs to do — a support agent that answers questions is simpler than a custom multi-step workflow agent that takes actions across several systems. Each channel (where users reach it, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft 365) and capability (what it can look up or do) adds to the cost. See the full cost breakdown by agent type for more configurations than fit on this page, or AI agent development for what a build actually includes beyond the number. If a tool connection means an MCP server, see MCP development for what that involves specifically.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a chatbot and an AI agent?
A chatbot answers questions from a script or FAQ. An AI agent can take action — look up an order, update a CRM record, book a meeting, escalate to a human — by calling real tools and APIs, not just generating text.
Can you build an agent inside ChatGPT, Claude, or Microsoft 365?
Yes — a Custom GPT with Actions, a Claude Project, or a Copilot agent inside Teams/365, wired to your real tools. That's often faster and cheaper than a fully custom interface if your team already lives in one of those.
Does this include the ongoing AI model cost?
No — this estimate covers build cost only. Model usage (Claude/GPT API calls) is a separate, usage-based cost that's typically $20–$300/month depending on volume; we'll estimate that specifically during scoping.
What is an MCP server, and do I need one?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is the open standard AI clients — Claude Desktop, Claude Code, and a growing list of others — use to connect to your tools and data. Building an MCP server exposes your systems once, to any MCP-compatible AI client, instead of building a one-off integration per platform. Worth it if you want your data usable by whatever AI tool you or your team pick next, not just today's.
Can you connect an agent to our existing tools?
Yes — CRM, helpdesk, booking systems, internal databases, and most APIs with documented endpoints. If a tool doesn't have an API, we'll tell you honestly before quoting anything.
Have a product in mind? Let's scope it this week.
A 30-minute call gets you a rough timeline and cost — no obligation, no sales deck.