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GPT-5.4 mini vs GPT-4.1
A straight cost comparison of GPT-5.4 mini (OpenAI) and GPT-4.1 (OpenAI), per 1,000,000 tokens, verified October 2026.
Rate-by-rate comparison
| Metric | GPT-5.4 mini | GPT-4.1 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input / 1M | $0.75 | $2 | GPT-5.4 mini |
| Cached input / 1M | $0.075 | $0.50 | GPT-5.4 mini |
| Cache write / 1M | — | — | Tie |
| Output / 1M | $4.50 | $8 | GPT-5.4 mini |
| Context window | 400,000 | 1,047,576 | GPT-4.1 |
| Batch API | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Long-context tier | None | None | — |
For per-token metrics, the lower number wins. For context window and batch support, the higher or broader option wins. A dash means the provider does not publish that rate: a missing cache-write fee means writes are not billed per token, while a missing cached-input rate means cache hits bill at the full input rate.
Blended cost: 1M input + 250K output
| Model | Blended cost | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| GPT-5.4 mini | $1.88 | Cheaper |
| GPT-4.1 | $4 | +$2.13 |
Three workloads, two bills
| Workload | GPT-5.4 mini | GPT-4.1 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support chat 1,000 requests · 4K input / 600 output | $5.70 | $12.80 | GPT-5.4 mini |
| RAG with caching 1,000 requests · 50K input (45K cached) / 1K output | $11.66 | $40.57 | GPT-5.4 mini |
| Nightly batch job 10,000 requests · 10K input / 2K output | $82.50 | $180 | GPT-5.4 mini |
Which one should you pick?
GPT-5.4 mini wins on support chat, cached RAG, nightly batch job, while GPT-4.1 wins on none of the three workloads above.
Beyond price, the two differ on input rate ($0.75 vs $2); output rate ($4.50 vs $8); cached-input rate ($0.075 vs $0.50); context window (400,000 vs 1,047,576).
Batch mode is available on GPT-5.4 mini and GPT-4.1, which halves the nightly job. Both publish cached-input discounts, so a stable system prompt is worth caching on either.
FAQ
Is GPT-5.4 mini cheaper than GPT-4.1?
On a blended 1M-input-plus-250K-output workload, GPT-5.4 mini is cheaper by 53% ($1.88 vs $4). The gap changes for cache-heavy prompts and for batch jobs, as the workload table shows.
Which handles longer prompts, GPT-5.4 mini or GPT-4.1?
GPT-5.4 mini has the larger context window (1,047,576 vs 400,000 tokens). Neither model publishes a long-context surcharge.
Do both models support prompt caching?
GPT-5.4 mini bills cached reads at $0.075 per 1M; GPT-4.1 at $0.50.