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Cost guide · as of November 2026
How much does an AI receptionist cost in 2026?
An AI receptionist usually costs between about $50 and $1,500 a month, depending on whether you set it up yourself or have it built and managed for you. Here's how the options compare, using typical ranges we see as of November 2026.
The short answer
Do-it-yourself AI receptionist apps typically run about $50 to $300 a month. Done-for-you AI receptionists usually cost a setup fee of roughly $500 to $5,000 plus $300 to $1,500 a month. A live answering service is often billed per minute and can run several hundred dollars a month or more, and a full-time receptionist in Houston costs roughly $3,000 to $4,000 a month with payroll costs.
The options side by side
| DIY AI app | About $50-$300/mo. You write the script and connect your calendar yourself. Good if you have the time. |
|---|---|
| Done-for-you AI receptionist | About $500-$5,000 setup + $300-$1,500/mo. Built, tested and tuned for you. Ours: $1,500 + $397/mo. |
| Live answering service | Often about $1-$2 per minute or per call. A person answers and usually takes a message. |
| In-house receptionist | Roughly $3,000-$4,000/mo in Houston with taxes and benefits. Business hours only. |
What moves the price
- Call volume and minutes
- How many systems it connects to (calendar, CRM, phone system)
- Languages (English and Spanish)
- Outbound calling on top of answering
- How much ongoing tuning and reporting you want
Our price
$1,500 setup + $397 a month, minutes included up to a monthly cap, month to month. See all pricing or start with a free audit.
Ranges are typical market prices we've seen as of November 2026, not quotes from other companies. Your quote may differ.
Questions
Is an AI receptionist cheaper than hiring?
For answering and booking, usually yes: it covers nights and weekends at a fraction of a salary. Many businesses keep their staff and use AI for overflow and after-hours calls.