OpenClaw API Costs Hit $275 in 5.5 Hours, Annualizing to Over $200K

A Reddit user shared their experience with the operational costs of running OpenClaw using state-of-the-art (SOTA) AI models via API. The post details a specific cost test conducted after switching from subscription-based access.

Key Details from the Test

• The user had been using OpenClaw with subscriptions for several months prior.
• They decided to test the cost via API for their typical daily use.
• They used OpenAI GPT-5.4 as the model.
• The test began at 11:00 AM.
• By 4:30 PM (a span of 5.5 hours), they had spent $275.
• Annualizing this run-rate would result in a cost well over $200,000 per year.
• The user estimates the annual cost would likely be closer to $300,000.
• The user had previously used a stack of free credits from OpenAI.

The user's conclusion was that significant optimization of usage or costs would be necessary, and they retracted previous comments about providers canceling subscriptions (noted as a joke). This serves as a practical, real-world data point for developers considering the infrastructure costs of running AI-powered coding agents like OpenClaw with high-end model APIs.