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Codex Mini vs Llama 3.1 8B

Compare OpenAI and Meta (via Together AI) AI models

OpenAI
Codex Mini
vs
Meta (via Together AI)
Llama 3.1 8B

Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)

Codex Mini

Per Request:$0.004500
Daily:$0.45
Monthly:$13.50
Yearly:$164.25

Llama 3.1 8B

Per Request:$0.000270
Daily:$0.027
Monthly:$0.81
Yearly:$9.855

Cost Differences

$0.004230
Per Request
$0.423
Daily
$12.69
Monthly
$154.395
Yearly

Llama 3.1 8B costs less than Codex Mini

Feature Comparison

FeatureCodex MiniLlama 3.1 8B
ProviderOpenAIMeta (via Together AI)
Input Price$1.50/1M tokens$0.18/1M tokens
Output Price$6.00/1M tokens$0.18/1M tokens
Context Window200,000 tokens128,000 tokens
Max Output32,768 tokens32,768 tokens
Categoryefficientefficient
Capabilities
textcodereasoning
textcode
Release Date2/2/20267/23/2024

Codex Mini vs Llama 3.1 8B: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between Codex Mini and Llama 3.1 8B depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Llama 3.1 8B is the more affordable option at $0.18/1M input tokens88% cheaper than Codex Mini. Meanwhile, Codex Mini offers a significantly larger context window at 200,000 tokens vs 128,000 for Llama 3.1 8B.

These models come from different providers — OpenAI and Meta (via Together AI) — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with OpenAI, switching to Meta (via Together AI)involves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.

Both models are in the efficient category, making this a direct head-to-head comparison. At scale — say 10,000 requests per day — the cost difference adds up: Llama 3.1 8B would save you roughly $1,269.00/month compared to Codex Mini. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.

Output costs matter too. Codex Mini charges $6.00/1M output tokens vs $0.18 for Llama 3.1 8B. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Llama 3.1 8B has the edge here at $0.18/1M output tokens.

Best Use Cases

Choose Codex Mini when:

  • • You need a larger context window (200,000 tokens)
  • • You need more capabilities (reasoning)
  • • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
  • • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads

Choose Llama 3.1 8B when:

  • • Budget is a primary concern
  • • You're already using Meta (via Together AI)'s API ecosystem
  • • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads

Try Different Scenarios

Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns

Codex Mini (OpenAI)

Llama 3.1 8B (Meta (via Together AI))

Start using Codex Mini today

Sign Up for OpenAI

Start using Llama 3.1 8B today

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Codex Mini or Llama 3.1 8B?
Llama 3.1 8B is cheaper for input tokens at $0.18 per million tokens vs $1.50 for Codex Mini — that's 88% savings on input costs.
What is the context window difference between Codex Mini and Llama 3.1 8B?
Codex Mini supports 200,000 tokens while Llama 3.1 8B supports 128,000 tokens — a difference of 72,000 tokens in favor of Codex Mini.
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?
Both models support text. For ai chatbot, Llama 3.1 8B is the lower-cost option, while Codex Mini offers a larger context window (200,000 vs 128,000 tokens). Choose Llama 3.1 8B for budget sensitivity or Codex Mini for longer context tasks.
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?
At 100 requests/day with 1,000 input and 500 output tokens each, Codex Mini costs about $13.50/month and Llama 3.1 8B costs about $0.81/month. Overall, Llama 3.1 8B has lower combined input + output rates ($0.18 in, $0.18 out) vs Codex Mini.

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