What does AI really cost?
AI prices are hard to compare. We create transparency: realistic price ranges from our own market research, with the date clearly stated.
Realistic price ranges at a glance
What the most common AI projects typically cost — and which factors move the price.
AI Chatbot
- One-off (development)
- 5,000 – 15,000 €
- Ongoing (operations, monthly)
- 50 – 300 €
- Maintenance (yearly)
- 1,500 – 4,000 €
AI Phone Assistant
- One-off (development)
- 8,000 – 25,000 €
- Ongoing (operations, monthly)
- 100 – 500 €
- Maintenance (yearly)
- 2,000 – 5,000 €
Process Automation
- One-off (development)
- 12,000 – 45,000 €
- Ongoing (operations, monthly)
- 100 – 800 €
- Maintenance (yearly)
- 3,000 – 8,000 €
Custom AI Software
- One-off (development)
- 30,000 – 80,000 €
- Ongoing (operations, monthly)
- 200 – 1,000 €
- Maintenance (yearly)
- 6,000 – 15,000 €
When does it pay off?
Whether and when a project pays off depends on your numbers — team size, hours, realisation rate. Run your own calculation in two minutes.
Orientation values for the DACH region (as of August 2026), not a binding quote. Your real price depends on scope, integrations and provider.
Why so many overpay
- Vague scope instead of a fixed price, the price grows “during the project”.
- Cheap off-the-shelf tools resold at a steep markup.
- Nobody shows API and operating costs openly, they come later.
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The comparison is free for you. AI Connect is financed through providers' listing packages — not through markups on your project. We label providers that belong to the operator's Velentis network.
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