GPT Image 2 Pricing & Cost
GPT Image 2 is OpenAI's flagship general-purpose image model and AetherWave's recommended default when a user wants one strong result instead of variations. Top-tier quality across photoreal, illustration, typography, and composition. The front-runner for serious creative output.
This page breaks down the credit cost for GPT Image 2 when called via the AetherWave MCP server from Claude Code, Cursor, Continue, or any MCP-aware agent. Credits map to USD at a fixed rate, so the cost is predictable.
Full cost breakdown
Fixed 9 credits per output at 1K resolution. Single deterministic image, no tiered quality knob. The model self-selects rendering depth from the prompt complexity.
Cost scenarios in USD
Here is what common workflows cost in USD at GPT Image 2's rate:
| Workflow | Credits | USD |
|---|---|---|
| 1 generation | 9 cr | $0.04 |
| 10 generations | 90 cr | $0.45 |
| 100 generations | 900 cr | $4.50 |
| Studio sub fits | 188 generations/mo (1,700 cr) | - |
How GPT Image 2 compares
vs grok-imagine-t2i at 6 cr / 2 images: GPT Image 2 returns 1 strong image at 9 cr; Grok returns 2 at about 3 cr/image but quality varies. Pick GPT Image 2 when you want one shot; Grok when you want cheap variations.
9 cr per image at 1K, higher at 2K
Best for: premium single-output image generation
grok-imagine-t2i at 6 cr / 2 images
See the comparison above for when each one wins.
Run aetherwave_list_image_models from Claude Code to see the full live pricing across all models in one call. The MCP rubrics in each tool's description also route the agent automatically when a budget hint is in the prompt.
Where credits come from
You can fund your AetherWave account three ways:
- Free: Starter credits on signup plus up to 80 credits from one-time community quests (Discord, social shares, follow channels)
- Studio subscription: $9.99/mo for 1,700 credits monthly. Cancel any time.
- One-time bundles: starting at $4.99 for 500 credits, up to $79.99 for 9,000 credits. Bundle credits never expire.
Quick install
To run GPT Image 2 from Claude Code, install the AetherWave MCP server with one command:
Get your free API key at your Profile page (Developer tab). The MCP exposes 31 tools total; aetherwave_generate_image is the one that gives the agent access to GPT Image 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does GPT Image 2 cost per generation?
Fixed 9 credits per output at 1K resolution. Single deterministic image, no tiered quality knob. The model self-selects rendering depth from the prompt complexity.
How do AetherWave credits convert to USD?
Credits map to USD at a fixed rate, so GPT Image 2's 9 cr per image at 1K, higher at 2K translates to the per-generation figures in the scenario table above. Credits come from a Studio subscription, one-time bundles, or starter credits + community quests on the free tier.
Is GPT Image 2 worth the cost vs cheaper alternatives?
vs grok-imagine-t2i at 6 cr / 2 images: GPT Image 2 returns 1 strong image at 9 cr; Grok returns 2 at about 3 cr/image but quality varies. Pick GPT Image 2 when you want one shot; Grok when you want cheap variations. The right call depends on what matters most for your workflow: variation count, deterministic output, latency, or absolute quality ceiling.
Start running GPT Image 2
Free API key plus starter credits. One MCP install. First GPT Image 2 generation in under five minutes.
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