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Foreman versus
CostX
CostX is the enterprise QS takeoff platform. Yes Foreman is the AI ops and project-budget system for trade businesses that already won the job — different layer of the stack.
LEDGERYES FOREMANCOSTX
- AI included
- Job capsJobs/mo tiersEnterprise subscript
- Field seatsUnlimitedPer seat
- Xero sync
Best for
Enterprise quantity surveying with 2D + BIM takeoff
Their pricing model
Enterprise subscription / licence (quote-led)
Feature head-to-head
| Capability | CostX | Foreman | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIM / 2D takeoff | Excellent | Not a takeoff tool | Them |
| Pricing | from ~$3,500/yr | local currency monthly job tiers | Foreman |
| AI trade ops | No | Yes | Foreman |
| Jobs + invoices + schedule | No | Core | Foreman |
| SMB time-to-value | Slow / trained | Fast | Foreman |
Where CostX is strong
- Industry-standard 2D and BIM takeoff for serious QS work
- Trusted on large commercial tenders
- Deep measurement and workbook tooling
- Export paths into broader cost-planning workflows
Where it falls short
- Enterprise price and learning curve
- Not a field job, quote-chase or AI ops product
- Desktop-only culture — weak mobile-ops story
- Overkill for residential service trades
- No Yes Foreman-style project actuals / claims hub for SMB crews
Cost at common crew sizes
Foreman prices by monthly job volume — from A$59/mo for 50 approved jobs plus 10 free buffer jobs, with unlimited members. Competitor figures are approximate published rates.
| Crew size | CostX | Foreman |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | from ~$3,500/yr | from A$59/mo excl. tax (60 approvals incl. buffer) |
| 3 | Custom enterprise | from A$59/mo excl. tax (60 approvals incl. buffer) |
| 5 | Custom enterprise | from A$59/mo excl. tax (60 approvals incl. buffer) |
• Public local guides commonly cite from ~$3,500/year per seat (subscription) or perpetual licences
• Real deals are sales-led — modules and BIM depth change the number
• Desktop-class estimating, not SMB job management
• Researched mid-2026
Choose Foreman when…
- You need day-to-day trade ops, not BIM takeoff
- You're an SMB crew, not a QS practice
- You want monthly local currency plans and AI admin
Choose CostX when…
- BIM / commercial takeoff is your core deliverable
- You're a QS office standardised on CostX
Ready to try Foreman instead?
14-day free trial · no card required · 50-job cap, unlimited members during the trial. AI on every plan.