AI Model Training vs Inference: Companies Face Surprise AI Usage Bills

Companies are experiencing surprise costs with AI systems due to inference—the ongoing usage phase where AI actually generates outputs. While initial model training is a one-time expense, inference creates recurring charges every time employees use AI tools. One construction company saw costs jump from $200 to $10,000 monthly once people started using their AI analytics tool. Though inference costs are declining rapidly, businesses must focus on managing these ongoing expenses rather than just the headline-grabbing model capabilities.