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Image Generation Cost Calculator

Calculate costs for AI image generation with DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, and more

Image Generation Model

Provider
OpenAI
Base Price
$0.040/image

Generation Settings

10
Total Cost
$0.400
$0.040 per image × 10

Cost Breakdown

Base Price: $0.040
Price per Image: $0.040
Image Count: 10
Total: $0.400

Price Comparison

DALL-E 3 $0.400
DALL-E 2 $0.160
Stable Diffusion XL $0.020
Midjourney $0.100
Imagen 2 $0.200

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Complete Guide to AI Image Generation Costs

How to Use This Tool

This calculator helps you estimate costs for AI image generation across multiple providers. Follow these steps to calculate your costs:

1

Select an Image Generation Model

Choose from DALL-E 3, DALL-E 2, Stable Diffusion XL, Midjourney, Imagen 2, or Flux Pro. Each model has different capabilities and pricing structures.

2

Choose Your Resolution

Select the output image resolution. Higher resolutions typically cost more. Common options include 1024x1024 (square), 1024x1792 (portrait), and 1792x1024 (landscape).

3

Set Quality Level (if available)

Some models like DALL-E 3 offer HD quality at a higher price. HD produces more detailed images with finer textures and better consistency.

4

Enter Number of Images

Use the slider or input field to specify how many images you plan to generate. The total cost updates automatically based on your selection.

5

Review and Compare

View your total cost in the results panel. Use the price comparison section to see how other models would cost for the same number of images. Click "Copy Results" to save your estimate.

Understanding AI Image Generation

AI image generation uses deep learning models to create images from text descriptions (prompts). These models have been trained on billions of images and can generate photorealistic photos, illustrations, artwork, and more. The quality and capabilities vary significantly between providers and models.

Model Comparison

ModelProviderPrice RangeBest For
DALL-E 3OpenAI$0.04-0.16Accurate prompt following
DALL-E 2OpenAI$0.016-0.02Budget-friendly option
Stable Diffusion XLStability AI$0.002High volume, artistic styles
MidjourneyMidjourney$0.01-0.02Artistic, aesthetic images
Imagen 2Google$0.02-0.025Photorealistic images
Flux ProBlack Forest Labs$0.055High quality, anatomy

Pricing Factors

R

Resolution

Higher resolutions require more computation and cost more. Most providers charge a premium for non-square aspect ratios and sizes above 1024x1024.

Q

Quality Settings

HD or high-quality modes typically double the cost but produce more detailed images with better consistency and fewer artifacts.

V

Volume Discounts

Some providers offer volume discounts or subscription plans that reduce per-image costs for high-volume users.

Cost Optimization Strategies

Tips to Reduce Costs

  • Start with Cheap Models: Use DALL-E 2 or Stable Diffusion for ideation, then switch to premium models for final images.
  • Use Standard Quality: HD is only worth it for final production images, not iterations.
  • Optimize Prompts First: Refine your prompts using cheaper models before generating with expensive ones.
  • Choose Appropriate Resolution: Don't generate at 4K if you only need 1080p for your use case.
  • Batch Strategically: Generate multiple variations in fewer sessions rather than one-off generations.

Use Cases and Budget Examples

Blog Post Illustrations

  • Images needed: 5 per post
  • Posts per month: 10
  • Total images: 50
  • Using DALL-E 3: $2.00/month
  • Using SD XL: $0.10/month

E-commerce Product Images

  • Products: 100
  • Variations per product: 4
  • Total images: 400
  • Using DALL-E 3: $16.00
  • Using SD XL: $0.80

Marketing Campaign

  • Hero images: 10 (HD)
  • Social variants: 50
  • Total: 60 images
  • Using DALL-E 3: $4.80
  • Mixed approach: $2.00

Game Asset Generation

  • Character concepts: 50
  • Environment art: 30
  • Items/icons: 100
  • Using Midjourney: $1.80
  • Using SD XL: $0.36

API vs Subscription Pricing

Important Considerations

  • API Pricing: Pay-per-image, best for variable usage or integration into applications.
  • Subscription Pricing: Fixed monthly cost for a quota of images (e.g., Midjourney plans).
  • Self-Hosting: Stable Diffusion can be run locally for free (except compute costs).
  • Rate Limits: API access may have rate limits that affect high-volume generation.

Quality Considerations

Price isn't everything. Different models excel at different tasks:

  • • DALL-E 3: Best at following complex prompts accurately, good for text in images.
  • • Midjourney: Produces the most aesthetically pleasing images, great for artistic work.
  • • Stable Diffusion: Most customizable with fine-tuned models, best for specific styles.
  • • Flux Pro: Excellent at human anatomy and photorealistic images.