One of the first questions every business owner asks about AI consulting is: "How much is this going to cost?" It's a fair question, and one that too many consulting firms dodge with vague answers like "it depends." We believe in transparency, so here's an honest breakdown of what AI consulting costs in 2026 and what you should expect at every price point.
The truth is, AI consulting pricing varies based on project scope, complexity, and the level of customization required. But that doesn't mean you should go in blind. This guide gives you real numbers, explains what drives costs up or down, and helps you calculate whether the investment makes sense for your business.
Most AI consulting projects for small and mid-sized businesses fall into one of three tiers. Here's what each looks like and what you get for your investment:
These are targeted, single-automation projects that solve one specific problem fast. Think of them as your entry point into AI consulting. You'll see results within days, not months.
This is where most businesses land. Mid-range projects involve multiple automations that work together, connecting different parts of your workflow into a cohesive system. You get a discovery audit, a custom strategy, and full implementation.
Full-scale AI transformation for businesses ready to overhaul their operations. This includes deep discovery, a multi-phase roadmap, custom-built AI agents, full system integration, team training, and ongoing optimization.
No two businesses are identical, so no two AI projects cost exactly the same. Here are the four biggest factors that move the needle on pricing:
Are you automating one process or ten? A single lead follow-up automation is a very different project than automating your entire client lifecycle from first contact to invoicing. More processes means more time, more testing, and a higher investment.
Simple if-then automations cost less than AI agents that need to make nuanced decisions, handle exceptions, or interact with customers in natural language. The more intelligence the system needs, the more development goes into it.
Connecting two tools that already have native integrations is straightforward. Building custom connections between legacy systems or platforms with limited APIs takes more engineering work and increases the cost.
Some businesses want a one-time build. Others want a consultant who monitors performance, makes adjustments, and scales the system as the business grows. Ongoing support is typically billed monthly and adds long-term value but also long-term cost.
To help you compare apples to apples, here's what a reputable AI consulting firm should deliver at each price point:
The real question isn't "can I afford AI consulting?" It's "can I afford not to?" Here's a simple formula to figure out whether the investment pays for itself:
The math is straightforward:
Hours saved per week: 15 hours
Average hourly cost (employee time): $30/hr
Weekly savings: 15 x $30 = $450
Monthly savings: $450 x 4 = $1,800/month
Annual savings: $1,800 x 12 = $21,600/year
Even a $5,000 mid-range project pays for itself in under 3 months at that rate. And those savings compound every single month after that. This doesn't even account for the revenue gains from faster lead response times, fewer errors, and happier customers.
To estimate your own ROI, list out the repetitive tasks your team handles each week, estimate how many hours they take, and multiply by your average labor cost. That number is what you're currently losing to manual work every month.
Not every AI consultant is worth your money. Watch out for these warning signs before signing any contract:
Pricing that seems too cheap. If someone offers to "implement AI across your entire business" for $500, run. Quality AI consulting requires real expertise, thorough discovery, and careful implementation. Rock-bottom pricing usually means cookie-cutter templates that don't fit your business.
No clear deliverables. A legitimate consultant should be able to tell you exactly what you're getting: how many automations, which integrations, what the timeline looks like, and what success looks like. If the scope is vague, the results will be too.
Demanding full payment upfront. Reputable firms use milestone-based billing or split payments. A deposit is normal, but requiring 100% upfront before any work begins is a red flag. You should be paying as value is delivered.
No discovery process. If a consultant quotes you a price without understanding your business first, they're guessing. Every credible AI consulting engagement starts with a thorough discovery phase to identify the right solutions.
Promising unrealistic results. AI is powerful, but it's not magic. Any consultant promising to "10x your revenue overnight" is selling hype, not solutions. Look for consultants who give you honest, data-backed projections.
AI consulting in 2026 is an investment, not an expense. The businesses that treat it as a strategic move rather than a line-item cost are the ones seeing the biggest returns. Whether you start with a $2,500 quick win or a $15,000 comprehensive overhaul, the right AI implementation pays for itself quickly and keeps saving you money every month after.
The best way to figure out what AI consulting will cost for your specific business is to have a conversation. A good consultant will walk you through your current processes, identify the biggest opportunities, and give you a transparent quote with no surprises.
At Starfish Solutions, every engagement starts with a free consultation. We'll map out your highest-impact opportunities, give you a clear scope and price, and let you decide if the ROI makes sense. No pressure, no vague promises, just the numbers.
Every business is different. Get a free consultation to understand exactly what AI can do for your business and what it will cost.