How Much Does It Typically Cost to Develop a Custom AI Solution?
If you're a business owner exploring AI adoption, the first questions that come up are what's this actually going to cost me, and how long will it take?
The honest answer is that it depends. AI project costs and timelines vary widely based on complexity, scope, and how much of your existing systems and data need to be connected or trained on. This article breaks down the key factors that drive cost and timeline, with approximate ranges and examples of various project scopes.
What Drives the Cost
A few key factors determine where a project lands on the price spectrum:
- Scope: Are you automating one task, or an entire workflow across multiple departments?
- System integrations: Connecting to your existing tools (CRM, email, document storage, etc.) adds development time.
- Data volume and sensitivity: Projects involving large internal datasets or on-site deployment require more setup, security work, and testing.
- Ongoing needs: Many AI tools need monitoring, tuning, and updates after launch, which adds a monthly cost on top of the initial build.
Why Small and Medium Sized AI Developers Are More Cost Effective
Large consulting firms often quote enterprise-level prices regardless of project size, and their processes can add months of overhead before any actual work begins. Smaller, specialized teams tend to move faster and cost significantly less for comparable results. We aren't managing large account teams or long approval chains, so we can scope a project quickly, start building sooner, and adjust as we learn more about your workflows.
Typical Cost Ranges
Here's a general breakdown of what different types of AI projects tend to cost:
| Project Type | Typical Duration | Typical Cost (CAD) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | 2–4 weeks | $2,500–$15,000 | Single workflow automation, one tool |
| Standard | 4–8 weeks | $15,000–$40,000 | Multi-step process automation connecting multiple systems |
| Complex | 8–26 weeks | $40,000–$100,000+ | Company-wide AI tool running on terabytes of internal company data with on-site deployment |
| Ongoing Support | Monthly | $100–$5,000/mo | Optimization, monitoring, updates |
Cost and timeline depend on specific project scope. Contact us for a discussion or exact quote.
Getting an Accurate Number
The ranges above are a starting point, not a quote. The best way to know what your project will actually cost is to talk through your specific goals, systems, and data with us directly. We'll help you figure out where your project fits and what a realistic timeline and budget looks like.
It's also worth knowing that part of the cost may not need to come out of pocket. Several federal and provincial programs exist to help BC businesses adopt AI, which we cover in our guide to funding your AI transformation.