Local image AI economics
Local Image AI vs Cloud Payback Calculator
Compare a measured local Stable Diffusion or ComfyUI workflow with the cloud rate you would otherwise pay.
When to use this
Before buying a GPU for image generation
Compare the same model, resolution, steps, batch settings, and output quality using measured wall power and current cloud rates.
Default result
No market price or performance benchmark is prefilled. The result stays empty until the essential comparison values are entered.
Method and formulas
Local energy per image equals system kilowatts multiplied by render hours. Monthly local operating cost adds electricity and your maintenance allowance. Monthly cloud cost multiplies images by the entered unit price and adds any fixed fee.
Break-even divides the full upfront hardware and setup investment by monthly operating savings. The horizon comparison subtracts expected resale value only at the end of that horizon and caps it at the original investment.
Measurement checklist
- Measure complete system power at the wall.
- Average several representative image runs.
- Use the same resolution, model, steps, and batch settings.
- Enter current invoices or provider quotes instead of remembered prices.
FAQ
Does this calculator include a built-in GPU or cloud price?
No. Enter the hardware price and cloud cost that apply to your region, provider, workflow, and current quote. This avoids treating changing market prices as fixed facts.
How is local electricity cost per image calculated?
The calculator converts average local power draw and render seconds into kilowatt-hours per image, then multiplies that energy by your electricity rate.
Does break-even include resale value?
The break-even month uses the full upfront hardware and setup investment because resale value is not available until the hardware is sold. Expected resale value is applied only to the selected horizon comparison.
Can I use this for Stable Diffusion, ComfyUI, or another local image workflow?
Yes. The formulas are workflow-neutral. Measure or estimate the render time and average system power for the exact model, resolution, batch size, and settings you plan to use.
Are my calculation inputs uploaded?
No upload needed for browser-local tools. Inputs are not stored by Useful Atlas.