Build vs. Buy vs. Hire — 3-Year TCO Calculator

Configure your situation once. See all three paths evaluated in real time — with costs, timelines, risks, and a logic-based recommendation.

1. Use Case Type

2. Team Python / ML Expertise

3. Timeline Pressure

4. Annual Process Volume

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Recommended for your situation: Hire an Agency
An agency gives you production-grade quality without requiring internal AI expertise, and ownership without the long-term SaaS lock-in. For most organizations, it delivers the best 3-year TCO.
Build In-House
Your engineers own the full stack
Feasibility
No
Requires ML engineer hire before starting
First Value
12–18 months
Year 1 Cost
$190K
3-Year TCO
$586K
Risks
  • ›Requires dedicated ML/AI engineer hire
  • ›Framework knowledge debt as ecosystem evolves
  • ›Full maintenance burden on your team
  • ›High risk of architectural mistakes without domain expertise
Benefits
  • ›Full control over architecture and roadmap
  • ›No vendor dependency or lock-in
  • ›Internal knowledge compounds over time
Buy SaaS
Off-the-shelf platform, ongoing license
Feasibility
Yes
Strong SaaS options available for this use case
First Value
2–4 weeks
Year 1 Cost
$10K
3-Year TCO
$32K
Risks
  • ›Vendor lock-in — difficult to migrate when needs grow
  • ›Limited customization for edge cases
  • ›Price increases or platform shutdowns outside your control
Benefits
  • ›Fastest path to production
  • ›No engineering resources required
  • ›Vendor handles infrastructure and updates
Lowest 3-Year TCO
Hire an Agency
Custom-built, full IP ownership after delivery
Feasibility
Yes
Any agency can take this on regardless of your internal expertise
First Value
10–14 weeks
Year 1 Cost
$35K
3-Year TCO
$46K
Risks
  • ›Higher upfront investment vs SaaS
  • ›Agency quality varies significantly — vetting required
Benefits
  • ›Full IP and code ownership — no recurring license
  • ›Custom-built for your exact use case
  • ›Agency expertise de-risks the engineering
  • ›Ongoing maintenance is optional (not locked in)
  • ›No internal ML expertise needed
Find Agencies for Your Use Case →

Estimates are indicative. Actual costs vary by agency, geography, and project complexity. Engineer salaries based on US market averages.