// vs google vertex ai
Google Vertex AI alternative
Claude models served through Google Cloud Model Garden with GCP billing and IAM.
The short answer
Use Google Vertex AI when
You are a GCP shop, or you need a contractual data-residency endpoint in the US or EU.
Use llmrelay when
You want $2.50/$12.50 on the same model IDs and don't need GCP-native billing or residency guarantees.
Head-to-head
Google Vertex AI
llmrelay
Pricing on premium models
Global endpoint $5.00/$25.00 per M. US or EU multi-region $5.50/$27.50 per M (a 10% regional premium).
$2.50/M input on Opus 4.7 (50% off)
Billing model
Varies (see homepage)
Prepaid credit, no expiry
Model coverage
See homepage
Claude, GPT, Gemini, Fable
Transparency
—
Public patch log, hidden-prompt neutralizer
Where Google Vertex AI wins
- +Runs inside Google Cloud — one invoice, existing IAM and VPC controls
- +Regional and multi-region endpoints for data-residency requirements
- +Sits next to Gemini in the same console
Where Google Vertex AI loses ground
- −Global endpoint is full list price — $5.00/M input, $25.00/M output on Opus 4.7
- −US and EU multi-region endpoints cost 10% more: $5.50/M input, $27.50/M output
- −GCP project, quota requests and Model Garden enablement before the first call
Migrating from Google Vertex AI?
Both providers speak OpenAI-compatible / Anthropic-compatible. Swap two env vars and your existing app keeps working.
Get API key →