Imagine buying an artificial intelligence service for a fixed monthly price, only to discover that your bill has increased tenfold because every query you write is charged. This is exactly what’s happening now in the tech world.
After years of a frantic rush to adopt artificial intelligence, companies worldwide are facing a new problem: how to stop AI bills from skyrocketing?
What has changed exactly?
In the past, companies paid a fixed monthly subscription to use AI tools. However, companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have shifted to a new system called “token-based pricing.” Simply put: every word generated, every question asked, every analysis requested — has a cost.
For example, the GPT-5.5 Pro model from OpenAI costs 150 times more than the GPT-5.4 Nano model per token. Imagine the difference!
Zendesk, for instance, charges companies up to $2 every time AI solves a customer problem.
Cost catastrophe in large companies
Recent reports from global agencies reveal shocking facts:
- Uber consumed its entire annual AI budget by April (just 4 months)! The company had to set a limit on employee usage.
- Amazon canceled an internal AI monitoring panel after employees started using AI for meaningless tasks just to increase their consumption — a phenomenon they called “tokenmaxxing”.
- Walmart began to tighten control over AI usage after unexpected bill increases.
How does this affect Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is investing billions of dollars in AI as part of Vision 2030. Initiatives like King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) are driving the adoption of technology in both the public and private sectors.
Saudi small and medium-sized enterprises may be more affected, as unexpected AI costs could burden their limited budgets. The solution? Advance planning and choosing the right models for each task.
💡 Important fact
IBM said it saved $4.5 billion thanks to AI. However, JPMorgan Chase says AI saves them $2 billion annually — roughly the same amount they invested. The result is almost zero in terms of real returns!
Key points before using AI in your company
- Don’t use the most expensive model for everything — simple tasks require cheap models, and complex tasks deserve advanced models.
- Monitor consumption — what gets measured can be managed. Ensure you have a system to track token usage.
- Train your team — many employees consume tokens without real benefits.
- Consider restructuring work — instead of using AI to speed up current tasks, think about redesigning work altogether. IKEA
- Use multiple models — the best strategy is a mix: advanced models for complex tasks, and cheaper models for routine tasks.
Does AI Really Worth the Cost?
This is the hardest question. So far, few companies can prove that AI has generated real profits beyond just cost reduction. Experts say the companies that will succeed are those that completely redesign workflows, not just speed up existing tasks.
The bottom line: AI is not just a tool you run and forget about. You need to think about the cost and ensure that every riyal spent delivers real value. With proper planning, you can benefit from the technology without losing your budget.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to calculate AI costs?
Any company or institution using AI tools in its work — from startups to large enterprises. Even individuals who frequently use ChatGPT or Claude need to monitor their usage.
Where is the cost calculation process done?
In the control panels of each platform. OpenAI provides an “Usage” section in your account, Anthropic offers consumption reports, and Azure AI provides advanced tools for analyzing costs tailored for the Arab region.
How much does it cost for companies to use AI?
It varies depending on the platform and usage volume. Advanced models like GPT-5.5 Pro cost 150 times more than older models. Some companies spend thousands of dollars monthly. The best solution is to set a budget in advance and choose the right model for each task.
How long does it take to implement a cost-optimization strategy?
It takes two weeks to a month to analyze current consumption and implement an optimization plan. However, continuous monitoring is essential because model prices change frequently in the market.
How do I start optimizing AI costs?
Start by analyzing current bills, identify the most expensive models used, and ask yourself: Do all these tasks need an advanced model? Try replacing cheaper models for simple tasks and monitor the difference in cost and results for a month.
