I built a local token cost tracker for Claude Code in Rust

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Learn how to build a local token cost tracker for Claude Code in Rust and track your expenses in real-time

intermediate Published 13 Jul 2026

Action Steps

Build a local HTTP proxy using Rust to intercept requests and parse token usage
Use a SQLite database to store token usage data locally
Create a live dashboard using Ratatui TUI to display real-time spending
Configure the proxy to support multiple AI models like Claude Code, Codex, and Gemini CLI
Install the agentwatch binary via cargo install agentwatch

Who Needs to Know This

Developers and engineers working with AI models like Claude Code can benefit from this project to monitor and optimize their token usage and costs

Key Insight

💡 Building a local token cost tracker can help optimize AI model usage and reduce unexpected costs

Key Takeaways

Learn how to build a local token cost tracker for Claude Code in Rust and track your expenses in real-time

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Title: I built a local token cost tracker for Claude Code in Rust

URL Source: https://dev.to/zaydmulani09/i-built-a-local-token-cost-tracker-for-claude-code-in-rust-500h

Published Time: 2026-07-13T21:58:53Z

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Posted on Jul 13

# I built a local token cost tracker for Claude Code in Rust

[#ai](https://dev.to/t/ai)[#opensource](https://dev.to/t/opensource)[#productivity](https://dev.to/t/productivity)[#rust](https://dev.to/t/rust)

After one too many surprise Claude Code bills, I built agentwatch.

It's a local HTTP proxy written in Rust. Point your agent at localhost:7878, and it intercepts every request, parses the token usage, and shows a live Ratatui TUI dashboard of what you're spending — in real time.

Everything stays local. SQLite database, zero signup, single binary via cargo install agentwatch.

Supports Claude Code, Codex, and Gemini CLI.

github.com/zaydmulani09/agentwatch

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I built a local token cost tracker for Claude Code in Rust

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