How Much Does AI Integration Cost in 2026?
The short answer: AI integration costs $2,000 to $50,000 depending on scope. A chatbot is the low end. Custom AI features are the high end. Here is what each tier buys.
Reality Shifting Tech, a Philadelphia web development and AI agency, prices AI integrations per project, and covers ongoing AI work on a flat-fee retainer of $7,199 per month. One price, no hourly billing.
Price by AI project type
Customer support chatbotAnswers your customers' questions from your own content, 24/7.
$2,000–$8,000
AI workflow automationAutomates lead routing, intake, documents, and internal processes.
$8,000–$30,000
Custom AI featuresAI built into your product or a bespoke system for your industry.
$15,000–$50,000+
Ongoing AI work (RST)New automations, tuning, and support on the $7,199/mo retainer.
flat-fee retainer
What your money pays for
- Process mapping. We find the work AI should take off your plate.
- Integration. AI connected to your website, inbox, CRM, and tools.
- Training on your data. The model answers from your content, not guesses.
- Testing and tuning. Edge cases handled before your customers see them.
- Security. Your data handled with access controls and audit trails.
- Ongoing updates. Models change; your system stays current on the retainer.
The flat-fee advantage
- No hourly billing. AI projects never become an open-ended meter.
- Updates every 48 hours. You see progress through the whole build.
- One team. The same people who run your website run your AI.
- No surprise invoices. The price you approve is the price you pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest useful AI integration?
A customer support chatbot that answers your FAQ traffic costs $2,000 to $8,000 to build and runs on a monthly service fee. It is the most common first AI project because it pays for itself fast.
What does a full AI workflow cost?
Automating a real business process, like lead routing, intake, or document processing, costs $8,000 to $30,000. The price depends on how many systems it connects and how much custom logic it needs.
Do I need a data scientist to use AI?
No. For small and medium businesses, the work is integration: connecting existing AI models to your website, inbox, and tools. RST builds these systems without you hiring a data team.
Can AI work with my existing website and tools?
Yes. Most AI projects connect to what you already use: your site, CRM, inbox, calendar, and spreadsheets. Integration means AI works inside your current stack, not instead of it.
What does the RST retainer cover for AI?
The flat-fee retainer covers AI work alongside websites and apps: new automations, model updates, and ongoing tuning. You get the benefit of AI without a new bill every month.
How long does an AI integration take?
A chatbot ships in two to four weeks. A workflow automation takes four to eight weeks. You see progress updates every 48 hours during the build.
See what AI can do for your business
Tell us one process you want automated. You get a scope and a fixed price within 48 hours.
Get my price