Question
How much does AI image generation cost?
AI image generation ranges from a few cents per image through a developer API to monthly plans of roughly $10 to $120, by model, size and volume.
There are two common ways to pay. Developer APIs bill per image or per token. Google's Gemini API, for example, lists Nano Banana 2.1 at $0.0336 for a 1K image and $0.113 for a 4K image, and Nano Banana Pro at $0.134 for a 1K or 2K image.
Apps for people usually sell monthly plans with included usage. Midjourney lists four plans at $10, $30, $60 and $120 a month. Adobe plans include monthly generative credits, and premium features cost more credits depending on the model, the output and the file size.
The cost of one finished image is usually more than one generation. Most images go through a few rounds of edits before they are ready, and each round is usage. When you compare tools, compare what a month of your real work costs, not the price of a single image.
ImageQuarry is a paid monthly plan: Starter at $9 per month with 100 image credits, or Pro at $29 per month with 300 image credits. See How much does ImageQuarry cost?.
| How you pay | Example (official page) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Per image through an API | Gemini API: $0.0336 per 1K image (Nano Banana 2.1) | Developers building an app |
| Monthly plan with usage | Midjourney: $10 to $120 a month | Regular creative work |
| Monthly credits | Adobe: credits reset monthly; premium features cost more | People already using one suite |
Source: Google's Gemini pricing page (updated October 19, 2026), Midjourney plan comparison and Adobe generative credits FAQ, checked October 20, 2026.
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Last reviewed October 20, 2026 by ImageQuarry
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ImageQuarry plans include monthly image credits for generating, editing and refining in one workspace.
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