How Much Does an AI Chatbot Cost for a Small Business?

From automated 24/7 appointment scheduling to intelligent FAQ handling, AI chatbots have become a standard operating tool for US small businesses in 2026. But what does it actually cost to build and deploy one?

Cost Breakdown

A custom-trained AI chatbot connected to your business documents and booking calendar typically costs between $799 and $2,500 to develop and deploy, with ongoing LLM token costs averaging just $20 to $50 per month.

Key Capabilities

• Trained on your private knowledge base, FAQs, and price sheets
• Integrated with Google Calendar, Cal.com, or your CRM
• Instant escalation to human staff when necessary
• Lead capture directly into your database