Current ChatGPT Ads Pricing
ChatGPT advertising uses an auction-based pricing model similar to other digital ad platforms. You set bids and budgets, and costs vary based on competition, relevance, and targeting.
Cost by Industry
Early data shows significant variation in costs across industries:
| Industry | Estimated CPM | Estimated CPC |
|---|---|---|
| Technology / SaaS | $25-40 | $2-5 |
| Ecommerce / Retail | $15-30 | $1-3 |
| Finance / Insurance | $30-50 | $3-7 |
| Education | $15-25 | $1-3 |
| Travel / Hospitality | $20-35 | $2-4 |
| Health & Wellness | $20-35 | $2-4 |
Budget Recommendations
Sample Monthly Budgets
Why These Budget Levels?
- Testing ($1K-2K): Enough data to understand if the channel works for your business
- Small Business ($2K-5K): Consistent presence with room for optimisation
- Mid-Market ($5K-15K): Scale across multiple conversation types and audiences
- Enterprise ($15K+): Comprehensive coverage and competitive positioning
Factors That Affect Cost
1. Conversation Relevance
Ads that are highly relevant to the conversation context tend to perform better and may cost less. ChatGPT's system rewards relevance with better placement and pricing.
2. Industry Competition
Some industries have more advertisers competing for the same conversations. Finance, technology, and legal typically see higher costs than less competitive verticals.
3. Time of Year
Expect higher costs during peak advertising periods (Q4, major shopping events) as more advertisers compete for attention.
4. Ad Quality
Well-crafted ad copy that matches the conversational context tends to receive better engagement, which can improve your effective cost per acquisition.
ChatGPT Ads vs Other Platforms
| Platform | Typical CPC | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT Ads | $1-5 | Low (new) |
| Google Ads (Search) | $2-50+ | High |
| Facebook/Meta Ads | $0.50-3 | High |
| LinkedIn Ads | $5-15 | Medium |
ChatGPT ads currently offer a cost advantage due to lower competition. Early advertisers are capturing this window before costs rise as the platform matures.
Get a Custom Cost Estimate
We can provide specific cost projections based on your industry and goals.
Book a Strategy CallHow to Control Costs
Set Clear Budgets
Define daily and monthly spending limits. Start conservative and increase as you learn what works.
Focus on Relevance
Ensure your ads match the conversations you're targeting. Irrelevant ads waste budget on users unlikely to convert.
Monitor and Optimise
Track which conversation types drive the best results and shift budget toward high-performers.
Test Ad Variations
Run multiple ad versions to find messaging that resonates. Better engagement often leads to better costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ChatGPT ads cost?
ChatGPT ads typically cost $15-40 CPM (cost per thousand impressions) and $1-5 CPC (cost per click) based on early 2026 data. Costs vary by industry and competition level.
What is the minimum budget for ChatGPT ads?
There is no official minimum, but we recommend at least $1,000-2,000 per month to gather meaningful data and optimise effectively. Smaller budgets may not provide enough data to make informed decisions.
Are ChatGPT ads cheaper than Google Ads?
Currently, yes. ChatGPT ads have less competition since the platform launched in January 2026. However, costs will likely increase as more advertisers adopt the platform. See our comparison guide for more details.
How is ChatGPT ad pricing determined?
ChatGPT uses auction-based pricing similar to other digital ad platforms. Your costs depend on your bid, ad relevance, competition, and targeting. More relevant ads to the conversation context tend to perform better.