ToolsThe story, in brief
GPT-5.5 costs 49 to 92 percent more than its predecessor, depending on the input length
49 to 92 percent. That's how much GPT-5.5 actually costs more than GPT-5.4—despite OpenAI's claims that shorter responses would offset the price hike.
The KeyNews take
Why it matters
OpenAI and Anthropic are raising API costs significantly ahead of potential IPOs, and real-world usage data shows the actual price increase is far steeper than headline numbers suggest. This directly impacts unit economics for every company building on top of these models.
The key facts
6 to knowGPT-5.5 list price doubled vs GPT-5.4
Real usage costs up 49-92% depending on input length (per OpenRouter analysis)
OpenAI claimed shorter responses would offset increases
Anthropic also raised Opus 4.7 prices
Both companies eyeing IPOs
Price increases unlikely to stop given IPO pressure
Go to the source
The Decoderthe-decoder.com
Publisher excerpt: OpenAI doubled GPT-5.5's list price compared to GPT-5.4, claiming shorter responses would offset the increase. An OpenRouter analysis of real usage data tells a different story: actual costs rose 49 to 92 percent depending on input length. Anthropic hiked Opus 4.7 prices too—and with both companies…