# Input vs Output Tokens: Which Is 5× More Expensive — and Why Knowing It Makes You Money

> Source: https://sukruyusufkaya.com/en/learn/token-ekonomisi/input-output-token-fiyat-farki-economy
> Updated: 2026-05-14T14:44:10.729Z
> Category: Token Ekonomisi & LLM Cost Optimization
> Module: Module 1: Token Anatomy — What's Inside a Token?
**TLDR:** All major LLMs price input tokens 3-5× cheaper than output tokens. This gap isn't a technical accident — it's rooted in GPU economics and directly shapes engineering decisions. 'Much input, little output' design means 40-60% savings.