OpenAI Codex pricing explained (2026): the real cost
verified 2026-06-01If you already pay $20/mo for ChatGPT Plus, Codex adds $0; heavier or programmatic use via the API runs about $1.75 per 1M input tokens and $14.00 per 1M output tokens on GPT-5.3-Codex. Prices verified 2026-06-01 against openai.com. prices change often, verify live
The tiers
Monthly and annual. The unit you pay against, per plan.
| tier | monthly | annual | what's included | unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | n/a | Codex on web, CLI, IDE and iOS with limited usage for basic exploration | per user/mo |
| Go | $8verify live | n/a | Lightweight coding tasks with higher limits than Free | per user/mo |
| Plus | $20 | n/a | Latest models (GPT-5.5 / GPT-5.4 / GPT-5.3-Codex) across web, CLI, IDE extension and iOS; ~15-80 GPT-5.5 local messages per 5-hour window | per user/mo |
| Pro | $100verify live | n/a | 5x or 20x higher rate limits than Plus plus access to GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark (a $200/mo Pro tier with 20x limits also exists) | per user/mo |
| Business | $25verify live | $20 | Codex plus admin controls, token-based credit usage, priority access; minimum 2 seats | per user/mo |
| Enterprise | Custom (contact sales)verify live | n/a | Priority processing, enterprise security, SCIM, audit logs, data residency, token-based credits | custom |
| API (pay-as-you-go) | Usage-basedverify live | n/a | GPT-5.3-Codex $1.75 / $14.00 per 1M input/output tokens; GPT-5.4 $2.50 / $15.00; GPT-5.4-mini $0.75 / $4.50 | per 1M tokens |
// pools and per-unit rates are volatile · verified 2026-06-01 · cells flagged verify live link to the live vendor page
There is no flat "Codex plan" and the included usage is metered.
There is no flat "Codex plan" and the included usage is metered. Since April 2026 ChatGPT-plan Codex usage is governed by token-based credits and 5-hour rate-limit windows (e.g. roughly 15-80 GPT-5.5 local messages per window on Plus), so power users hit caps and must upgrade tiers or pay API token rates on top.
See live pricing on OpenAI Codex →Worth it if
- You want an agentic coding tool that comes free with a ChatGPT plan you may already pay for, working in the terminal, your IDE, and the cloud.
- Your usage stays inside the included allowance.
- You value ChatGPT subscribers who code over raw lowest cost.
Look elsewhere if
- There is no flat "Codex plan" and the included usage is metered. Since April 2026 ChatGPT-plan Codex usage is governed by token-based credits and 5-hour rate-limit windows (e.g. roughly 15-80 GPT-5.5 local messages per window on Plus), so power users hit caps and must upgrade tiers or pay API token rates on top.
- You're highly cost-sensitive at scale.
- A cheaper tool in the comparison covers your use case.
Ready to try OpenAI Codex?
Start on the free tier (Yes. Codex is included on the free ChatGPT plan ($0/mo) for basic exploration with limited usage; meaningful daily use needs a paid plan or API key.), then size your plan with the numbers above.
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Questions
How much does OpenAI Codex really cost?
If you already pay $20/mo for ChatGPT Plus, Codex adds $0; heavier or programmatic use via the API runs about $1.75 per 1M input tokens and $14.00 per 1M output tokens on GPT-5.3-Codex.
Does OpenAI Codex have a free tier?
Free tier: Yes. Codex is included on the free ChatGPT plan ($0/mo) for basic exploration with limited usage; meaningful daily use needs a paid plan or API key..
What's the catch with OpenAI Codex's pricing?
There is no flat "Codex plan" and the included usage is metered. Since April 2026 ChatGPT-plan Codex usage is governed by token-based credits and 5-hour rate-limit windows (e.g. roughly 15-80 GPT-5.5 local messages per window on Plus), so power users hit caps and must upgrade tiers or pay API token rates on top.
Is OpenAI Codex worth it?
OpenAI Codex is worth it if you specifically need ChatGPT subscribers who code. That's where it beats the alternatives. If you already pay $20/mo for ChatGPT Plus, Codex adds $0; heavier or programmatic use via the API runs about $1.75 per 1M input tokens and $14.00 per 1M output tokens on GPT-5.3-Codex. If your usage is high-volume or budget is the priority, a cheaper tool in the comparison will do the same work for less.