How Much Does AI Code Scanning Actually Cost? Find Out with this AI Cost Calculator

The recent release of Claude Mythos has propelled AI-powered application security (AppSec) into significant discussions at the board level, showcasing its capability to discover vulnerabilities across vast codebases. Executives are now probing the financial implications of implementing AI code scanning at scale, which is complex due to provider pricing structures and the varying needs of active versus stale repositories. The Arnica AI Cost Calculator is designed to help organizations estimate raw provider costs by considering factors like developer count, repository activity, and model selection. While Anthropic's Claude Code Review benchmarks suggest manageable costs per pull request (PR), the expenses can escalate significantly for companies with numerous developers. The calculator allows companies to test variables like scan frequency and model routing to optimize costs without compromising coverage. It highlights the importance of differentiating between backlog discovery and forward prevention, as these tasks have distinct cost and urgency profiles. The tool emphasizes strategies such as caching, model routing, and targeting active versus stale repositories to reduce costs effectively. Though focused on provider spend, the calculator encourages organizations to consider broader operational factors, such as engineering time and infrastructure, to ensure comprehensive risk management without unnecessary expenses.