AI Video Generator Cost-Per-Minute Comparator: Sora vs Runway vs Pika vs Veo

Compare the cost per minute and monthly totals for Sora, Runway, Pika, and Google Veo AI video generators based on your monthly video output needs.

Mathematical Audit

AI Video Generation Cost-Per-Minute Formula

Each AI video generator bills per second (or per credit) of generated footage, with rates that vary sharply by quality tier. We convert each provider's per-second rate to a per-minute rate and multiply by your monthly video output to estimate your total spend.

Cost per Minute = Cost per Second × 60
Monthly Cost = Cost per Minute (by provider & tier) × Minutes of Video Needed per Month
Cheapest Option = the lowest of the Sora, Runway, Pika, and Veo Monthly Cost values

Rates shown are approximate API/credit-based equivalents for each provider's standard vs higher (Pro/Turbo/HD) quality tier. Actual costs vary by resolution, model version, and whether you use a subscription plan's bundled credits or pay-as-you-go API access.

Operational Guide

How to Use the AI Video Generator Cost Comparator

1

Enter your monthly video output

How many total minutes of AI-generated video do you need per month?

2

Select a quality tier for each provider

Choose Standard/Fast or Pro/Turbo/HD for Sora, Runway, Pika, and Veo to match your quality needs.

3

Click Calculate

Compare the estimated monthly cost and cost-per-minute across all four providers to find the cheapest option for your output volume.

Real-World Scenario Example

"A creator needs 5 minutes of finished AI video per month and compares Standard/Fast tiers across all four providers."

Inputs

minutesPerMonth:5
soraTier:standard
runwayTier:standard
pikaTier:standard
veoTier:fast

Result

Sora Standard is cheapest at about $30/month ($6.00/min), versus roughly $45/month for Runway, Pika, and Veo Fast at their standard tiers.

Important Disclaimer

AI video generation pricing changes frequently and varies by model version, resolution, and credit plan. Verify current rates on each provider's official pricing page before making purchasing decisions. These estimates are for educational comparison only.