How Much Does AI Search Optimization Cost?

There's a new line item showing up in marketing budgets that didn't exist two years ago. Clients are asking about it. Agencies are packaging it. And most of the pricing you'll find online is either vague, inflated, or built around services that haven't caught up to what AI search actually requires. Here's a straight answer on what AI search optimization costs, what drives that cost, and how to tell if what you're being quoted is legitimate.