You cannot downgrade the model, so reduce steps

ProblemThe usual cost lever, choosing a cheaper model, does not exist here.

TechniqueManage spend by reducing agent steps and re-read context: fewer browser actions, shorter threads, state in files, slower cadences.

Why it worksCursor manages model selection and there is no picker for users or team admins, so price per step is fixed and step count is the only variable.

When to useEvery cost decision.