How Much Does the OpenRouter API Cost?
OpenRouter gives you one API to many models — and one bill. The cost is whatever the underlying models cost, plus the convenience of a single integration.
How OpenRouter pricing works
Per-token pricing per model — the same rates the underlying providers charge, billed through OpenRouter.
A single API key and bill across many providers.
The hidden cost
Model-hopping: agents try pricier models as defaults change.
No per-agent budget on a shared key means fleet spend is one blob.
What it really costs
Model rate × volume. Control the volume per agent and the bill stays predictable.
Where the money goes
| Cost bucket | How to control it |
|---|---|
| Per-model rates | Pin model choices |
| Retry loops | Velocity limits |
| Shared key spend | Per-agent budgets |
| Unknown endpoints | Merchant allowlist |
FAQ
Is OpenRouter cheaper than direct APIs?
Rates are set by the underlying providers; OpenRouter adds the aggregation. Compare current rates for the models you use.
Can I budget per agent on one key?
Yes — per-agent rules in sipi.bot split the key's spend into budgets.
Related
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