{
  "brand": "HyperLake",
  "canonical": "https://hyperlake.cloud/solutions/inference-cost",
  "intent": "inference-cost",
  "title": "LLM API vs self-hosted cost calculator",
  "summary": "Compare API spend with self-hosted inference using your own prices, request volume and GPU assumptions.",
  "capabilities": [
    "Workload-based monthly cost comparison",
    "Break-even volume and GPU utilization",
    "Calculator runs in your browser"
  ],
  "criteria": [
    "Compare model quality and required latency before treating API and self-hosted requests as interchangeable.",
    "GPU utilization, batch size and idle capacity can change self-hosted economics materially.",
    "Include platform, storage, networking, operations and migration costs alongside inference compute."
  ],
  "inputs": [
    "Actual API rates and request/token volume",
    "Candidate model, GPU price and measured throughput",
    "Expected utilization, latency target and operating effort"
  ],
  "steps": [
    "Enter your real workload and prices in the calculator.",
    "Test representative requests on the candidate model.",
    "Compare low, expected and high utilization scenarios.",
    "Pilot at production-like load and review the measured break-even assumptions."
  ],
  "verification": [
    "Confirm output quality on representative tasks.",
    "Measure throughput and tail latency at target concurrency.",
    "Compare actual billed cost with the model after the pilot."
  ],
  "economics": "Use your actual API rates, cloud prices and expected utilization. Include software and operational costs when making the buying decision.",
  "switching": "Verify throughput, model quality, latency and operational requirements before replacing an API service.",
  "sources": [
    "https://hyperlake.cloud/tools/llm-api-vs-self-hosted-cost-calculator",
    "https://hyperlake.cloud/"
  ],
  "nextStep": {
    "label": "Discuss this workflow",
    "url": "https://hyperlake.cloud/contact"
  },
  "freePlanning": {
    "headline": "Start with your workload, not a blank platform",
    "benefit": "Get a free deployment checklist, then create your workspace. Free expert help with your use case is also available through our contact form.",
    "label": "Create your HyperLake workspace",
    "note": "No free cloud capacity is promised. Deployment scope and charges are agreed separately; AWS and Google Cloud are available today.",
    "signupUrl": "https://app.hyperlake.cloud/users/sign_in?intent=inference-cost&offer_id=starter-checklist-v1&utm_source=hyperlake&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=signup-journey&utm_content=landing_hero",
    "checklistUrl": "/solutions/inference-cost.txt"
  }
}