The cheapest AI models that code well
The most affordable model that still clears a minimum coding quality bar, for teams that pay for every token.
Criteria models with an LLM Stats coding index of 40 or higher, ordered by blended 3:1 price from lowest to highest; ties are broken by coding index.
- 01DeepSeek V4.1 FlashDeepSeek$0.525USD / M tokens
- 02Claude Sonnet 5.5Anthropic$4.00USD / M tokens
- 03Gemini 4 ArgonGoogle$4.00USD / M tokens
How it is calculated
- The indexes (overall, reasoning, coding) are the ones LLM Stats publishes; Codifly does not run these tests.
- Prices are each provider's official standard API prices, without caching or batching.
- The blended price weighs 3 input tokens per output token; cost-benefit divides the overall index by that price.
Which one fits your case?
The top of a ranking is not always the most cost-effective at your volume. Estimate your cost or ask us for a written recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best AI model for coding on a budget?+
DeepSeek V4.1 Flash ($0.525) leads this ranking, followed by Claude Sonnet 5.5 ($4.00) · Gemini 4 Argon ($4.00). Data reviewed on Nov 4, 2026.
Which model in this ranking has the best price-performance?+
DeepSeek V4.1 Flash: 97.0 LLM Stats index points per dollar, at a blended price of $0.525 per million tokens.
How is this ranking calculated?+
models with an LLM Stats coding index of 40 or higher, ordered by blended 3:1 price from lowest to highest; ties are broken by coding index. The indexes (overall, reasoning, coding) are the ones LLM Stats publishes; Codifly does not run these tests. Prices are each provider's official standard API prices, without caching or batching. The blended price weighs 3 input tokens per output token; cost-benefit divides the overall index by that price.
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