Cost drivers include data preparation, model training, and infrastructure hosting. Data preparation often requires cleaning and labeling, which can take 2–4 weeks and cost $15,000‑$30,000 depending on data volume. Model training uses GPU instances; a typical workload consumes $2,000‑$5,000 in compute credits. Hosting costs depend on usage; a steady‑state deployment on a medium‑size EC2 instance runs about $150 per month. Additional expenses arise from integration work with legacy ERP systems, which may need custom adapters. In Richmond, labor rates are slightly higher than the national average, so consulting fees range from $120‑$180 per hour. Clients can control spend by limiting model complexity and using spot instances for training. Our transparent pricing model shows each line item before work begins, so businesses can align the budget with expected ROI.