Local vs Cloud: The Real Cost of AI

See what you are actually paying — and what you could save

Three Ways to Deploy AI

Each model has trade-offs. The right choice depends on your volume, data sensitivity, and budget.

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Cloud AI

Pay per request, or rent the equivalent of a powerful computer ("a virtual machine") from Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud. Easy to start, but the bill scales with use and never stops. Your data leaves your network every time you call the service.

$5,000+/month at production scale
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Hosted Local

We run a small server for you — at our facility or at a local data centre. You get the convenience of a cloud service with the cost predictability of owning the hardware. Your data stays in Atlantic Canada. Either a fixed monthly fee or a one-time build.

$500–2,000/month, or a one-time build
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On Your Own Hardware

A small server in your office runs everything. One-time hardware cost, zero ongoing AI fees, your data never leaves your building. We set it up, train your team, and hand over the keys. A workstation-class server that replaces a $5,000/month cloud rental can be set up for around $20,000 (one-time, including install).

$0/month after ~$5,000–20,000 hardware (+ setup)

Interactive Cost Comparison Calculator

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24 months
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Cumulative Cost Over Time

What Edge Means

Edge computing means running AI models closer to where the work happens — not in a distant data center. For MIA clients, this can mean:

  • A server in your office running local language models (on-premise)
  • Infrastructure hosted at our facility in Miramichi, managed by us (hosted edge)
  • A hybrid setup where sensitive processing stays local and only non-sensitive work touches the cloud

We also offer hosted local cloud — we run and maintain the infrastructure at our facility, you access it like a cloud service, but your data stays in Atlantic Canada and your costs are predictable.

Real Numbers: How We Built This Website

This website runs on local AI

This website runs a local AI chatbot on ~$5,000 of hardware. Total monthly cloud AI cost: $0. For larger workloads, hardware that replaces $5,000/month cloud VMs can be built for $20,000 or less.

See the full breakdown →

Ready to see what local-first looks like for your business?

We will map your current spend, model the alternatives, and show you exactly where the savings are.

Let's Break It Down