Free open source AI cost tracker – pip install tokenbudget (github.com)

A new open-source tool called TokenBudget has been launched to help developers and companies track the costs associated with AI API usage, specifically for platforms like OpenAI and Anthropic. By acting as a proxy between applications and these APIs, TokenBudget captures detailed cost data—including token usage, model type, and latency—without storing sensitive information such as API keys or user prompts. This innovative tool provides a comprehensive dashboard that allows users to analyze expenses by feature, user, or project, thus enabling startups and teams to manage their AI-related costs more effectively and avoid unexpected bills. The significance of TokenBudget lies in its potential to democratize access to cost tracking for AI services, which has become increasingly important as usage of these APIs surges. Key technical features include a real-time dashboard powered by a PostgreSQL backend and Redis caching, as well as the flexibility to self-host the tool or use it in various authentication modes. With its user-friendly setup and fully accessible features, TokenBudget empowers developers, particularly those in startups, to make data-driven decisions regarding their AI expenditures, underscoring the growing need for financial transparency in AI/ML investments.