Real Numbers: What AI Automation Actually Costs for Small Business

Every small business owner I talk to asks the same question: "What does this actually cost?" And they ask it because the automation industry has done a terrible job of answering it. Most vendors hide behind "custom quotes" and "it depends" because they do not want you comparing prices. I get it. Every project is different. But there are patterns, and if you know the patterns, you can budget with confidence before you talk to anyone. This is the cost breakdown I wish someone had given me when I started building automation systems. Every number here comes from real projects, real invoices, and real client outcomes. How Much Does Business Automation Software Cost for Small Companies? The honest answer is somewhere between $50 per month and $40,000 upfront, depending on which tier fits your situation. That is a wide range, so let me break it into three clear categories. Tier 1: DIY with No-Code Tools Monthly tool costs: $50 to $500/mo Development costs: $0 Maintenance time: 5 to 15 hours/m