For mid-market businesses, realistic AI implementation costs range from $3,000-$10,000 per month with a systems partner, or $500-$200 per user per month for off-the-shelf AI tools. A custom-built AI system for a specific workflow (like document processing or lead qualification) typically costs $15,000-$50,000 for initial setup plus $2,000-$5,000/month ongoing. Enterprise-scale implementations from consulting firms run $200,000-$500,000+. The key variable is scope — automating one workflow is 10x cheaper than trying to deploy AI across an entire organization at once. Start narrow, prove ROI, then expand.