Quick answer
OpenCode is a client that can talk to many providers, so its cost depends on which provider and model you configure. Claude Code is tied to Anthropic plans and API pricing. Compare them on cost per completed task using the same model family, or the comparison measures the provider, not the tool.
Usage visibility
| OpenCode | Claude Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Usage data | Local database, per message | Local JSONL logs |
| Cost field | Provider-reported or computed | Computed from tokens |
| Plan windows | Provider-dependent | 5-hour and weekly |
| Multi-provider | Yes | Anthropic models |
| Export | Database query | Log parsing |
Cost structure
OpenCode with a subscription-backed provider behaves like a flat fee with provider limits. OpenCode with API keys behaves like metered billing. Claude Code behaves like a plan with windows, or API billing if you choose it.
That means the same tool can be cheaper or more expensive depending on configuration. State the configuration before quoting a comparison.
Run a fair test
- Pick one task and one model family available in both.
- Run it in a fresh session in each tool.
- Record input, cached, output, and turns.
- Apply the same rates.
- Compare completed tasks, not partial attempts.
UsageAtlas tracks both from local files, using the same field definitions.
Where the two tools actually differ
| Dimension | OpenCode | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Model access | Any configured provider | Anthropic models |
| Cost | Pay the providers you configure | Subscription or API |
| Data | Local database | Local logs plus usage panel |
| Limits | Provider limits per key | Session and weekly windows |
| Reporting | Read the database | Usage panel plus logs |
OpenCode's advantage is flexibility, and its cost is that nothing aggregates across providers for you. Claude Code's advantage is a single allowance, and its cost is that you depend on one vendor's windows. That is the trade to evaluate, not a feature checklist.
See multi-provider usage for the OpenCode side and Claude Code usage for the other.
Questions, answered
Is OpenCode cheaper than Claude Code?
It depends on the provider you configure. With a cheap provider it can be; with a premium model it can cost more than a Claude plan.
Does OpenCode use Claude models?
It can, through an Anthropic API key or a compatible provider. The plan windows that apply to Claude Code do not transfer.
Which stores better usage history?
OpenCode keeps a structured database; Claude Code keeps JSONL logs. Both can be read locally, and both are lost if the files are deleted.