Developers want a terminal-native agent that plans and executes long multi-file tasks without leaving their existing editor. This guide maps your config files, walks a 4-step migration checklist and prices the seat delta for a 10-dev team.
01Migration brief
Developers want a terminal-native agent that plans and executes long multi-file tasks without leaving their existing editor. Costs $12/seat/mo more (+$1,440/yr for a 10-dev team).
Cursor
Anysphere $8 per month · FreemiumCursor is an AI-native code editor that functions as a coding agent capable of autonomously planning, building, and testing software features. It supports multi-agent collaboration, codebase indexing, and provides a unified workspace for managing complex development tasks.
Claude Code
Anthropic $20 per month · FreemiumClaude Code is a terminal-native agentic coding tool that integrates directly into your development environment to plan, edit, and test code across entire repositories. It operates as an autonomous agent that can handle multi-file refactors, bug fixes, and feature implementations by reading your codebase and executing shell commands with your approval.
02Rules & cost
Convert Cursor rules to the Claude Code format, then review the output before committing.
Costs $12/seat/mo more (+$1,440/yr for a 10-dev team).
034-step checklist
- 01
Audit & export your Cursor rulesCursor reads repo-level rules from .cursor/rules/*.mdc. Convert them to CLAUDE.md with the Rules Converter, then review the output before committing. Open →
- 02
Install & configure Claude CodeInstall Claude Code with `npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code`. Pricing: Freemium — entry plan Claude Pro at $20/mo. Open ↗
- 03
Adapt your daily workflow (AI IDEs → CLI Agents)You'll drive edits from the terminal instead of an editor panel; keep your editor for review and let the agent own multi-file changes. Claude Code is best for solo founders, indie hackers, and developers working in real-world codebases who need help with complex, multi-file engineering tasks like refactoring and bug fixing.
- 04
Run a one-week parallel pilot, then reallocate seatsCosts $12/seat/mo more (+$1,440/yr for a 10-dev team). Keep Cursor active for one sprint while Claude Code handles new tasks; cancel seats only after velocity holds. Open →
04Trade-offs
What you gain
- Claude Code is best for solo founders, indie hackers, and developers working in real-world codebases who need help with complex, multi-file engineering tasks like refactoring and bug fixing.
- Agentic codebase search and navigation without manual context selection.
- Autonomous multi-file editing and test-fix loops.
- Persistent project context via CLAUDE.md configuration files.
What you give up
- Cursor is positioned for developers looking for a deep-integrated AI coding experience that can manage long-running tasks, codebase context, and autonomous feature building. — confirm Claude Code covers that before cancelling seats.
- Claude Code is not ideal for developers seeking inline autocomplete or editor-embedded chat, those who avoid terminal-based workflows, or users looking for a free tool for casual experimentation.
Running both together: Many teams run both: keep Cursor for ai ides work and use Claude Code for cli agents tasks during the transition.
05Spec sheet
| Cursor | Claude Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Anysphere | Anthropic |
| Category | AI-Native IDEs & Editors | Terminal & CLI Agents |
| Pricing | Freemium Free tier available. Paid plans (The X Subscription) start at $8/month (Plus), with Premium ($30/mo), Super ($100/mo), and Ultra ($200/mo) tiers. Teams plans are available at $30+ per seat/month. | Freemium Included in Claude Pro ($20/mo), Max 5x ($100/mo), and Max 20x ($200/mo) subscription plans. API users are billed based on standard token consumption. |
| Entry paid plan | Plus ($8/mo) | Claude Pro ($20/mo) |
| Rules file | .cursor/rules/*.mdc | CLAUDE.md |
| Key features |
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06FAQ
How do I convert my Cursor rules to Claude Code?+
Cursor reads .cursor/rules/*.mdc and Claude Code reads CLAUDE.md. Run them through the Rules Converter (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=cursor-mdc&to=claude-md) and review the output before committing.
Is Claude Code cheaper than Cursor?+
Cursor starts at Plus ($8/mo); Claude Code starts at Claude Pro ($20/mo). Costs $12/seat/mo more (+$1,440/yr for a 10-dev team).
What do I lose when switching from Cursor to Claude Code?+
Cursor is positioned for developers looking for a deep-integrated AI coding experience that can manage long-running tasks, codebase context, and autonomous feature building. — confirm Claude Code covers that before cancelling seats. Claude Code is not ideal for developers seeking inline autocomplete or editor-embedded chat, those who avoid terminal-based workflows, or users looking for a free tool for casual experimentation.
Can I use Cursor and Claude Code together?+
Many teams run both: keep Cursor for ai ides work and use Claude Code for cli agents tasks during the transition.