Free tool · build + run cost

AI MVP Cost Calculator

AI products have two costs founders confuse: the one-off build and the per-request bill that never stops. This estimates both, and tells you which architecture your usage actually justifies.

See How It Works

Free 15-minute fit check · no equity · no retainer

What should the AI actually do?

What should the AI actually do?

Select every capability the first version needs.

Which model tier?

Which model tier?

Expected monthly volume

Expected monthly volume

Does it need your own data?

Does it need your own data?

Is a human in the loop?

Is a human in the loop?

Review steps cost more to build but prevent the failure mode that kills AI pilots.

How this is calculated

No black box.

Build cost

Starts at the fixed $3,500 sprint and adds engineering for retrieval, tool use, review steps and evaluation harnesses.

Running cost

Volume × a per-request cost that scales with model tier and with how many model calls each user action triggers.

Architecture

Recommended from your data answer. Most early AI MVPs do not need the infrastructure founders assume they need.

Every figure here is derived from Shiftmind Build's own fixed-price sprint model, not from third-party market surveys. It is an estimate for planning, not a quote. The written blueprint is where scope and price become fixed.

Next step

Find out if your idea fits in 14 days.

Tell us what you want to build. We reply within one business day with a straight yes, no, or here is what we would cut.

NDA available on request