Llama 3.1 405B vs Mistral Large 3
Pricing verdict: Llama 3.1 405B vs Mistral Large 3: Mistral Large 3 is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.50/M vs $3.50/M input tokens), while Mistral Large 3 is better for long-context tasks (256,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Mistral Large 3 for lower token spend and choose Mistral Large 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 right model fast.
Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)
Llama 3.1 405B
Mistral Large 3
Cost Differences
Mistral Large 3 costs less than Llama 3.1 405B
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Mistral Large 3. At the default workload, Mistral Large 3 saves about $12.00/month ($146.00/year) versus Llama 3.1 405B.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Llama 3.1 405B | Mistral Large 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Meta (via Together AI) | Mistral AI |
| Input Price | $3.50/1M tokens | $0.50/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $3.50/1M tokens | $1.50/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 128,000 tokens | 256,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | flagship | flagship |
| Capabilities | textcodereasoning | textcodereasoning |
| Release Date | 7/23/2024 | 12/2/2025 |
Llama 3.1 405B vs Mistral Large 3: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Llama 3.1 405B and Mistral Large 3 depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Mistral Large 3 is the more affordable option at $0.50/1M input tokens — 86% cheaper than Llama 3.1 405B. Meanwhile, Mistral Large 3 offers a significantly larger context window at 256,000 tokens vs 128,000 for Llama 3.1 405B.
These models come from different providers — Meta (via Together AI) and Mistral AI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with Meta (via Together AI), switching to Mistral AIinvolves 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: Mistral Large 3 would save you roughly $1,200.00/month compared to Llama 3.1 405B. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.
Output costs matter too. Llama 3.1 405B charges $3.50/1M output tokens vs $1.50 for Mistral Large 3. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Mistral Large 3 has the edge here at $1.50/1M output tokens.
Best Use Cases
Choose Llama 3.1 405B when:
- • You're already using Meta (via Together AI)'s API ecosystem
Choose Mistral Large 3 when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need a larger context window (256,000 tokens)
- • You're already using Mistral AI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
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 Mistral Large 3
- • Higher output cost than Mistral Large 3
- • Smaller context window than Mistral Large 3
Mistral Large 3
- • Input pricing: $0.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $1.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 256,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Llama 3.1 405B (Meta (via Together AI))
Mistral Large 3 (Mistral AI)
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Sign Up for Mistral AI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Llama 3.1 405B or Mistral Large 3?▼
What is the context window difference between Llama 3.1 405B and Mistral Large 3?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare Meta (via Together AI) and Mistral AI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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