How Does This Cost Compare to the Total Market Capitalization of the Coin?

For smaller coins, the hourly cost of a 51% attack can be a tiny fraction of the coin's total market capitalization. This severe disparity is what makes the attack economically viable.

An attacker might spend $5,000 per hour to steal $100,000 worth of coins via double-spending. The low attack cost relative to the potential theft value, which is tied to the market cap, highlights the coin's security vulnerability.