---
title: "mistral-large-4 vs gemini-3.8-flash: API Pricing | VPSLedger"
description: "Compare sourced direct API input, output and cache-read prices for mistral-large-4 and gemini-3.8-flash, with a transparent 30-day cost example."
canonical: https://vpsledger.com/llm-api-pricing/mistral-large-4-vs-gemini-3.8-flash/
verified: 2026-10-23
format: text/markdown
html: https://vpsledger.com/llm-api-pricing/mistral-large-4-vs-gemini-3.8-flash/
---

# mistral-large-4 vs gemini-3.8-flash: API Pricing | VPSLedger

> Markdown alternate of <https://vpsledger.com/llm-api-pricing/mistral-large-4-vs-gemini-3.8-flash/>. Generated at build time from the
> same dataset as the HTML page; prices verified 2026-10-23. Data is a build-time
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[LLM API prices](/llm-api-pricing/) / Comparison

# mistral-large-4 vs gemini-3.8-flash: API pricing

Last checked: 2026-10-07. These are each provider's direct standard API text-token rates. The comparison describes published charges only; model quality, latency, availability and answer length need a workload-specific test. A lower token rate does not guarantee a lower invoice if one model produces more tokens or uses an extra billed feature.

| Model | Input / 1M | Output / 1M | Cached input / 1M | Context | Official source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| mistral-large-4 (Mistral) | $0.68 | $2.09 | $0.07 | 1,000,000 | [Official · 2026-10-07](https://docs.mistral.ai/models/mistral-large-4-0) |
| gemini-3.8-flash (Google) | $0.75 | $3.75 | $0.075 | TBA | [Official · 2026-10-07](https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/pricing) |

- mistral-large-4: Public preview. Official page shows these discounted rates alongside struck-through higher prices; verify before budgeting.
- gemini-3.8-flash: Paid Standard tier through December 31, 2026; rates double January 1, 2027. Output includes thinking tokens. Cache storage and grounding billed separately.

## Calculate the same workload

Assume 2,000 input tokens, 500 output tokens and 1,000 requests per day for 30 days. That produces 60 million input tokens and 15 million output tokens. For mistral-large-4, 60 × $0.68 plus 15 × $2.09 equals **$72.15**. For gemini-3.8-flash, 60 × $0.75 plus 15 × $3.75 equals **$101.25**. This arithmetic assumes every input token is billed at the base rate and every output token at the listed output rate. It excludes cache hits, writes, batch discounts, taxes, tools and regional charges.

## Where the invoice can diverge

mistral-large-4 is billed by Mistral, while gemini-3.8-flash is billed by Google. Their tokenizers can split the same text differently, so a fixed character count does not imply equal token counts. The context limit indicates the maximum request size in the cited material when verified; it does not determine the price of an ordinary short request. Long-context thresholds, where published, can raise both input and output charges once a prompt crosses the threshold. If the context field is TBA, check the official model specification before planning a large prompt.

Cached input rates matter only when a request actually qualifies for a cache hit. Some providers also charge to create or store a cache, and a cache may expire. For a fair pilot, log the provider's usage counters for uncached input, cached input and output separately. Use those totals with the relevant rate, then compare the invoices. If your application handles images or audio, consult each provider's modality rules; these text-rate examples are not an estimate for media-heavy traffic.

## How to choose

Begin with the cheapest combination that meets your own accuracy and latency target on representative requests. Test both models on the same prompts, record their actual token usage and note any failures requiring retries. Retries and longer generated answers can outweigh a small rate difference. Review the linked official pages again before committing to spend because API prices and availability change. The [calculator](/llm-api-pricing/calculator/) lets you replace this example with your measured average tokens and daily volume.

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