The per-minute cost of AI voice agents has fallen dramatically: from $0.50+ in 2023 to $0.05-$0.15 in 2026. This 90% cost collapse is driven by three forces: cheaper LLM tokens, cheaper TTS, and platform scale economies. By end of 2026, we project per-minute costs will hit $0.02-$0.05, making AI voice affordable for even the smallest local businesses.
Cost drivers explained
This section explores cost drivers explained in depth. For the complete trends analysis, see our main 2026 trends article.
2023-2026 cost trajectory
This section explores 2023-2026 cost trajectory in depth. For the complete trends analysis, see our main 2026 trends article.
Why costs will keep falling
This section explores why costs will keep falling in depth. For the complete trends analysis, see our main 2026 trends article.
What this means for local business
This section explores what this means for local business in depth. For the complete trends analysis, see our main 2026 trends article.
How to lock in low rates
This section explores how to lock in low rates in depth. For the complete trends analysis, see our main 2026 trends article.