Gemini vs OpenAI API: per-token pricing compared
Updated 2026-11-09 · listed A to Z, not ranked
Google and OpenAI price their APIs per million tokens. Gemini has a free tier on some models and two scheduled price changes; OpenAI lists a batch discount and a data-residency uplift.
Listed A to Z from each vendor’s official pricing page on Nov 9, 2026. We do not pick a winner: the right choice depends on your usage.
- Largest model (input / output per 1M tokens)
- Gemini 4 Argon: $2 / $10 through Nov 30, 2026, then $4 / $20
- Middle models
- Gemini 3.1 Pro Preview: $2 / $12 (up to 200K); 3.8 Flash $0.75 / $3.75 through Dec 31, 2026
- Smallest model
- Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite: $0.30 / $2.50
- Cached input
- See Google’s page
- Discounts
- Batch and Flex 50% of Standard; free tier on some models
- Largest model (input / output per 1M tokens)
- GPT-6 Astra: $10 in / $50 out
- Middle models
- GPT-6.1 Sol: $2 / $10; GPT-6.1 Terra: $1 / $5
- Smallest model
- GPT-6 Luna: $0.10 / $0.50
- Cached input
- Cached input from $0.01 (Luna) to $1 (Astra)
- Discounts
- Batch 50% off; data residency +10%
How we checked: Prices in USD as shown on each official page on Nov 9, 2026. Listed A to Z, not ranked. Confirm with each provider before you buy.
Notes
Gemini 4 Argon’s price doubles on Dec 1, 2026 and Gemini 3.8 Flash’s on Jan 1, 2027, per Google’s page. Full breakdowns: Gemini API pricing, OpenAI API pricing.
FAQ
How do Gemini and OpenAI API prices compare?
On Nov 9, 2026 Gemini 4 Argon was $2 input / $10 output per 1M tokens (rising to $4 / $20 on Dec 1, 2026) and GPT-6.1 Sol $2 / $10; GPT-6 Astra was $10 / $50.
Which has a free tier?
Google lists a free tier on some Gemini models such as 3.8 Flash and 3.5 Flash-Lite.
Sources (official pages, read 2026-11-09)
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