Grok 3 vs Llama 3.1 405B
Pricing verdict: Grok 3 vs Llama 3.1 405B: Grok 3 is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($3.00/M vs $3.50/M input tokens), while Grok 3 is better for long-context tasks (131,072 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Grok 3 for lower token spend and choose Grok 3 when your workload needs longer context.
Compare API pricing, input and output token costs, context windows, and monthly estimates on one page so you can pick the cheaper model fast.
Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)
Grok 3
Llama 3.1 405B
Cost Differences
Llama 3.1 405B costs less than Grok 3
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Llama 3.1 405B. At the default workload, Llama 3.1 405B saves about $15.75/month ($191.625/year) versus Grok 3.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Grok 3 | Llama 3.1 405B |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | Meta (via Together AI) |
| Input Price | $3.00/1M tokens | $3.50/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $15.00/1M tokens | $3.50/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 131,072 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | flagship | flagship |
| Capabilities | textvisionreasoningcode | textcodereasoning |
| Release Date | 2/17/2025 | 7/23/2024 |
Grok 3 vs Llama 3.1 405B: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Grok 3 and Llama 3.1 405B depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Llama 3.1 405B is the more affordable option at $3.50/1M input tokens. Meanwhile, Grok 3 offers a significantly larger context window at 131,072 tokens vs 128,000 for Llama 3.1 405B.
These models come from different providers — xAI and Meta (via Together AI) — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with xAI, switching to Meta (via Together AI)involves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
Both models are in the flagship 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 405B would save you roughly $1,575.00/month compared to Grok 3. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.
Output costs matter too. Grok 3 charges $15.00/1M output tokens vs $3.50 for Llama 3.1 405B. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Llama 3.1 405B has the edge here at $3.50/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Grok 3 supports vision (image inputs) while Llama 3.1 405B is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.
Best Use Cases
Choose Grok 3 when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need a larger context window (131,072 tokens)
- • You need more capabilities (vision)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
Choose Llama 3.1 405B when:
- • You're already using Meta (via Together AI)'s API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Grok 3
- • Input pricing: $3.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $15.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 131,072 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher output cost than Llama 3.1 405B
Llama 3.1 405B
- • Input pricing: $3.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $3.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Grok 3
- • Smaller context window than Grok 3
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Grok 3 (xAI)
Llama 3.1 405B (Meta (via Together AI))
Start using Grok 3 today
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Sign Up for Meta (via Together AI) →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Grok 3 or Llama 3.1 405B?▼
What is the context window difference between Grok 3 and Llama 3.1 405B?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare xAI and Meta (via Together AI) API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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