Top-tier AI model output prices rose 6.25x since 2024

An analysis of 66 language models from eight developers found top-tier output prices climbed from $8 to $50 per million tokens between April 2025 and September 2026. Workhorse models held at $10, the budget floor stayed at $0.40–0.60, and cached input prices fell by up to 98%.

• OpenAI top models: GPT-4.1 at $8, GPT-6 Astra at $50 per 1M output tokens
• GPT-5.5 Pro and GPT-5.4 Pro list at $180 per 1M output tokens
• Claude Opus 5.5 dropped to $4 input and $20 output
• Cached input is 10–50x cheaper than fresh input on most models