Developers already on ChatGPT plans want an open-source terminal agent included in their subscription. 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 already on ChatGPT plans want an open-source terminal agent included in their subscription. Codex CLI has no fixed per-seat price listed — Included in ChatGPT plans (Free, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu) with usage limits based on model and plan. Compare it against Cursor's $8/mo seat before switching.
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.
Codex CLI
OpenAI Free free to use · FreemiumCodex CLI is a terminal-based coding agent that allows developers to inspect, edit, and run code directly within their command-line interface. It leverages OpenAI's advanced reasoning models to automate software development tasks, manage Git repositories, and perform code reviews while enforcing local sandbox security policies.
02Rules & cost
Convert Cursor rules to the Codex CLI format, then review the output before committing.
Codex CLI has no fixed per-seat price listed — Included in ChatGPT plans (Free, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu) with usage limits based on model and plan. Compare it against Cursor's $8/mo seat before switching.
034-step checklist
- 01
Audit & export your Cursor rulesCursor reads repo-level rules from .cursor/rules/*.mdc. Convert them to AGENTS.md with the Rules Converter, then review the output before committing. Open →
- 02
Install & configure Codex CLIInstall Codex CLI with `npm install -g @openai/codex`. Pricing: Freemium. 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. Codex CLI is best for developers needing a terminal-integrated agent for coding tasks, local repository refactoring, automated testing, and code reviews.
- 04
Run a one-week parallel pilot, then reallocate seatsCodex CLI has no fixed per-seat price listed — Included in ChatGPT plans (Free, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu) with usage limits based on model and plan. Compare it against Cursor's $8/mo seat before switching. Keep Cursor active for one sprint while Codex CLI handles new tasks; cancel seats only after velocity holds. Open →
04Trade-offs
What you gain
- Codex CLI is best for developers needing a terminal-integrated agent for coding tasks, local repository refactoring, automated testing, and code reviews.
- Interactive terminal UI (TUI) for steering coding agents.
- OS-enforced sandboxing for secure local code execution.
- Support for Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers.
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 Codex CLI covers that before cancelling seats.
- Codex CLI is not ideal for users requiring full-system access without security constraints or those seeking a non-agentic, purely manual command-line tool.
Running both together: Many teams run both: keep Cursor for ai ides work and use Codex CLI for cli agents tasks during the transition.
05Spec sheet
| Cursor | Codex CLI | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Anysphere | OpenAI |
| 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 ChatGPT plans (Free, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu) with usage limits based on model and plan; additional credits can be purchased. Can also be used via API key with pay-as-you-go token-based pricing. |
| Entry paid plan | Plus ($8/mo) | — |
| Rules file | .cursor/rules/*.mdc | AGENTS.md |
| Key features |
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06FAQ
How do I convert my Cursor rules to Codex CLI?+
Cursor reads .cursor/rules/*.mdc and Codex CLI reads AGENTS.md. Run them through the Rules Converter (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=cursor-mdc&to=agents-md) and review the output before committing.
Is Codex CLI cheaper than Cursor?+
Cursor starts at Plus ($8/mo); Codex CLI has no listed per-seat plan. Codex CLI has no fixed per-seat price listed — Included in ChatGPT plans (Free, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu) with usage limits based on model and plan. Compare it against Cursor's $8/mo seat before switching.
What do I lose when switching from Cursor to Codex CLI?+
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 Codex CLI covers that before cancelling seats. Codex CLI is not ideal for users requiring full-system access without security constraints or those seeking a non-agentic, purely manual command-line tool.
Can I use Cursor and Codex CLI together?+
Many teams run both: keep Cursor for ai ides work and use Codex CLI for cli agents tasks during the transition.