Crypto Staking vs AI Inference Yield Calculator
Compare passive staking rewards against active GPU AI inference rental yield for the same capital.
Scenario presets
Capital and assumptions
Estimates are directional. Last updated: 2026-07-08. See notes.
Staking net annual yield
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Inference net annual yield
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Monthly winner margin
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Break-even utilization
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Side-by-side comparison
| Metric | Crypto staking | GPU inference |
|---|---|---|
| Gross annual return | — | — |
| Annual costs | — | — |
| After-tax annual net | — | — |
| Monthly net income | — | — |
| Period net (incl. resale) | — | — |
| Net annual yield on capital | — | — |
GPU inference cost breakdown
| Cost / credit | Monthly | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Gross rental revenue | — | — |
| Marketplace fees | — | — |
| Electricity | — | — |
| Maintenance | — | — |
| Hardware depreciation | — | — |
| Resale recovery (end of period) | — | — |
| Pre-tax net | — | — |
| Tax | — | — |
| After-tax net | — | — |
Verdict
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Frequently asked questions
What does this calculator compare?
It compares two ways to earn from the same starting capital: (1) passive crypto staking rewards, and (2) buying a GPU and renting it out for AI inference on marketplaces like Vast.ai or RunPod.
Is staking really passive?
Most liquid staking and delegated staking options are close to passive after setup. Solo staking requires validator hardware and monitoring. APYs still fluctuate with network conditions and validator performance.
What is GPU inference yield?
It is the net annual return from renting GPU compute to AI inference customers after subtracting marketplace fees, electricity, maintenance, hardware depreciation, and taxes.
How is hardware depreciation handled?
The calculator writes the GPU purchase price down straight-line over the depreciation months and subtracts that monthly cost. Resale value at the end of the period is added back as a recovery credit.
Which usually wins?
Staking is simpler and more predictable; GPU inference can pay more but depends on utilization, rental rate, and electricity cost. High utilization (>60%) on a 24 GB card often beats staking. Low utilization or expensive power usually favors staking.
Estimates are directional. Staking yields and GPU rental rates change with network conditions, marketplace demand, and hardware depreciation. Use this calculator to compare passive crypto yield against active AI inference yield for the same capital before committing.