OpenClaw Cost Analysis: What You'll Really Pay in 2026

Running an AI agent isn't just about the software; there are infrastructure and API costs to consider. Let's break it down.

Self-Hosted Costs

If you run OpenClaw on your own server:

• VPS: $10 - $40 / month (depending on RAM/CPU).
• LLM API: Pay-as-you-go (e.g., $0.01 per 1000 tokens). Average heavy user: $20/month.
• Total: ~$30 - $60 / month.

Managed Wrapper Costs

Many wrappers offer a SaaS model:

• Basic Plan: $9 - $15 / month (usually includes some API credits).
• Pro Plan: $29 - $49 / month (higher limits, priority support).
• Enterprise: Custom Pricing.

Hidden Costs to Watch

• Vector Databases: Some long-term memory solutions might charge extra for storage.
• Data Egress: If your agent processes high-bandwidth data (like images or video).

Conclusion

For hobbyists, self-hosting is often cheaper but requires more setup. For business use, a managed wrapper's reliability and support are usually worth the premium.