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Local GPU vs API break-even

Compare the monthly cost of buying and running hardware with paying an API for what you use.

Official sourceLast checked: 2026-09-02
Your inputsThe numbers already entered are examples. Replace them with the prices shown on your purchase page, invoice, or usage screen.

Money fields use USD ($) for United States. Changing the market does not convert numbers you already entered.

Use either tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive prices throughout. This calculator does not add tax or convert currencies.

API amount where both options cost the same each month$85.00USD · per month
Your API estimate$120.00
Difference from that equal-cost amount$35.00

Your API estimate is $35.00 above the amount where both options cost the same. With these numbers, buying and running the local hardware costs less per month.

Equal-cost API amount = hardware purchase ÷ months of use + electricity for one month + maintenance for one month.
Why the result has this value
One month of the hardware purchase
$50.00
Electricity
$25.00
Maintenance
$10.00
What to do after calculating

Before buying hardware, compare this equal-cost amount with a normal API month and a high-usage month.

This result is an estimate. Check the official checkout before buying.