How much does an AI answering service cost compared to a human one?

AI services typically run $0.30 to $1.50 per minute, which puts a solo inspector at $50 to $300 per month for basic coverage. Human answering services for inspectors run $200 to $400 per month for similar volume with significantly more capability. The price gap is real. Whether the gap is worth it depends on what you lose in conversions and agent relationships.