How I Cut My LLM API Costs by 70% Without Touching My Code

Описание и применение

Сокращение расходов на LLM‑API на 70 % без изменения кода приложения: все запросы перенаправляются через шлюз, который выбирает самую дешевую модель, кэширует ответы и использует оплату по факту использования.

Задача

High monthly LLM API costs due to hardcoded provider endpoints and lack of dynamic pricing awareness.

Результат

Reduced monthly LLM API spend from ~$200 to ~$60 (68% savings) without changing application code or user experience.

Рабочий процесс

• Spin up an AI gateway locally or use a pay‑as‑you‑go service
• Configure provider pool and routing rules in YAML/JSON
• Point test environment to the gateway and run existing tests
• Swap production base URL to gateway endpoint
• Monitor logs and analytics for a week to confirm stability

Доказательства

I was spending $200 a month on AI APIs. Now I'm down to $60

Источник

The gateway takes my request, checks which provider currently offers the best price for that model category, and routes accordingly.

Источник

The cost comparison after a full month: Provider fees $185 → $52, Gateway usage $8, Total $185 → $60

Источник