Llama 3.1 70B vs Llama 3.1 8B
Pricing verdict: Llama 3.1 70B vs Llama 3.1 8B: Llama 3.1 8B is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.18/M vs $0.88/M input tokens), while Llama 3.1 70B is better for long-context tasks (128,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Llama 3.1 8B for lower token spend and choose Llama 3.1 70B 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)
Llama 3.1 70B
Llama 3.1 8B
Cost Differences
Llama 3.1 8B costs less than Llama 3.1 70B
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Llama 3.1 8B. At the default workload, Llama 3.1 8B saves about $3.15/month ($38.325/year) versus Llama 3.1 70B.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Llama 3.1 70B | Llama 3.1 8B |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Meta (via Together AI) | Meta (via Together AI) |
| Input Price | $0.88/1M tokens | $0.18/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $0.88/1M tokens | $0.18/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 128,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | balanced | efficient |
| Capabilities | textcode | textcode |
| Release Date | 7/23/2024 | 7/23/2024 |
Llama 3.1 70B vs Llama 3.1 8B: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Llama 3.1 70B 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 tokens — 80% cheaper than Llama 3.1 70B.
These models target different tiers: Llama 3.1 70B is a balanced model while Llama 3.1 8B is efficient. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Llama 3.1 8B targets more demanding workloads, while Llama 3.1 70B provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.
Output costs matter too. Llama 3.1 70B charges $0.88/1M 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 Llama 3.1 70B when:
- • You're already using Meta (via Together AI)'s API ecosystem
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
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Llama 3.1 70B
- • Input pricing: $0.88/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.88/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Llama 3.1 8B
- • Higher output cost than Llama 3.1 8B
Llama 3.1 8B
- • Input pricing: $0.18/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.18/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 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 70B (Meta (via Together AI))
Llama 3.1 8B (Meta (via Together AI))
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Sign Up for Meta (via Together AI) →Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the context window difference between Llama 3.1 70B and Llama 3.1 8B?▼
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