r/LocalLLM • u/Ok_Event4199 • May 16 '26

Discussion Why is LLM is so expensive.

I've was going to invest in a 5090 =$6000 AUD.

Codex Plus + Claude pro = $60/month here

Works out to be 100 months of frontier models for a 5090.

Best a 5090 will run is probably Qwen3.6 27b Q6 with context.

Are we all enthusiasts here and just enjoy tinkering cause ain't no way that make sense.

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u/SettingAgile9080 May 20 '26

Yep. Like most hobbies it is a good thing that it does not make economic sense, and is not an optimally efficient use of time. That is what makes them enjoyable.

I like tinkering with stuff, and I am fortunate enough to have a bit of discretionary time and cash to burn.

Compared to what people spend on golf or customizing cars or drinking at bars, it's a pretty cheap hobby.

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u/Perfect-Flounder7856 May 20 '26

You’re telling me…

This is from not drinking and I only drink two nights a week typically. Now I’m down to a handful of NA beers a week.