How do I track AI API costs across OpenAI, Anthropic, and Gemini?

Build a middleware tracker like the Python class above—intercept calls, calc costs from token counts using hardcoded pricing, log centrally.

What causes AI API bills to spike unexpectedly?

Inefficient prompts eating tokens, viral features, unoptimized RAG pipelines—tag requests to pinpoint culprits in real-time.

Roll your own (code here) or watch for OSS like Helicone/Langfuse extensions; they're catching up fast.

🤖 AI & Machine Learning

One dev's shock at a $15,000 AI bill sparks a wake-up call. Here's your guide to tracking multi-provider costs before they torpedo your budget.

theAIcatchup Apr 07, 2026 4 min read

AI API costs explode without tracking—startups hit $15K/month blindsided. 𝕏
Middleware tracker gives real-time visibility: per-feature, per-model breakdowns. 𝕏
Build it yourself in Python/Node; predict: OSS boom ahead like early cloud tools. 𝕏

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Community-driven. Code-first.

#AI APIs #multi-provider AI #multi-provider tracking #token tracking

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Originally reported by Dev.to