Straight answers · 1 min
How much does an AI assistant cost?
No vague 'it depends' and disappearing. Here's what an AI assistant or automation for a small business is made of, what actually moves the cost, and how to get a real number for yours.
Straight answers · Updated 28 September 2026
The short answer
There's no honest single figure: a first AI assistant or automation costs what its job takes to build, plus a small monthly running cost. Simpler tools cost less; tools wired into your systems cost more. Be cautious with 'from' prices. The real cost depends on scope, connections, and data sensitivity. That's why Katalis estimates per job, not from a list. Describe your needs to her, and she'll give you an estimate for yours.
What you're actually paying for
The build
Setting the tool up and fitting it to how you work.
The connections
Plugging it into your booking system, website, inbox or spreadsheets.
The running cost
Hosting and usage, the small monthly figure.
Support
Keeping it accurate and making changes as your business shifts.
What moves the price
- How many jobs it does — one focused task is cheaper than a do-everything system.
- How deeply it connects to the tools you already use.
- Whether sensitive data means a private, self-hosted setup.
- How much is custom versus fitted from proven building blocks.
The honest test
The important number isn't the price—it's the return. If a tool saves you ten hours a month or catches enquiries you miss after hours, it usually pays for itself quickly. If it doesn't, it's not worth building, and a good adviser will tell you.
How to get a real number
The only honest quote comes from understanding what you need and what you already use. Chat with Katalis on any page for a ballpark figure tailored to your business. The first conversation is free.
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