Multi-Cloud Cost Comparison
Estimate monthly and annual costs across AWS, Azure, and GCP. Choose workload type and region for realistic comparisons.
Comparison Results
Stop Overpaying for Cloud Services (I Learned This the Hard Way)
Three years ago, I made a costly mistake. I chose AWS for my startup because “everyone uses it” without comparing prices. Six months later, my cloud bill hit $3,200 when it could have been $1,800 with Google Cloud. That expensive lesson taught me something important: never pick a cloud provider without comparing costs first.
That’s exactly why I built this calculator. I got tired of spending hours digging through confusing pricing pages and doing math on spreadsheets. Now, you can compare AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud prices in under 2 minutes.
Here’s What Happened When I Finally Compared Prices
Last month, I helped my friend Sarah move her e-commerce business from AWS to Google Cloud. Her monthly bill dropped from $847 to $623 – that’s $2,688 saved per year just by switching providers.
The crazy part? Her website runs exactly the same, maybe even faster.
But here’s the thing – Google Cloud isn’t always cheaper. For database-heavy applications, Azure often wins. For AI projects, each provider has different strengths. The only way to know what works for YOUR project is to actually run the numbers.
How I Built This Calculator (And Why It Actually Works)
Most cloud calculators online are terrible. They’re either too complicated or missing half the services you actually need. I wanted something different:
Simple inputs that make sense:
- How much computing power do you need?
- How much storage space?
- Where are your users located?
- How many hours will it run each month?
Real results you can trust: I pull actual pricing from AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud every week. No estimates, no guesswork – just the real numbers these companies charge.
Honest recommendations: The calculator doesn’t favor any provider. If Google Cloud is 30% cheaper for your needs, it’ll tell you. If AWS makes more sense, you’ll see that too.
What You Can Actually Compare
Computing Power
Whether you need a small server for your blog or a powerful machine for data analysis, you’ll see exactly what each provider charges. I include:
- Basic web servers (perfect for WordPress sites)
- Medium business applications
- High-performance computing for data work
Storage Costs
This is where many people get surprised. Storage pricing varies wildly between providers, especially when you factor in:
- How often you access your files
- Where your data is stored geographically
- Backup and security features
Database Hosting
If your application needs a database (most do), the price differences can be shocking. I’ve seen cases where Azure costs 50% less than AWS for the same MySQL database.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Data transfer fees, backup costs, security add-ons – these “small” charges add up fast. My calculator includes these because getting surprised by a $200 bandwidth charge is no fun.
Real Examples from People Who Used This Calculator
Mike’s Photography Business: Mike was paying $156/month on AWS for his photo storage and portfolio website. After using the calculator, he switched to Google Cloud and now pays $89/month. Same storage, same performance, $804 saved annually.
TechStart Inc: This 12-person startup was spending $2,100/month on Azure. The calculator showed they could get the same setup on AWS for $1,670/month. They made the switch and reinvested the savings into marketing.
Maria’s Online Store: Maria almost chose the most expensive option (AWS at $340/month) until the calculator showed her that Azure would handle her WooCommerce site perfectly for $220/month. She used the savings to hire a part-time developer.
The Mistakes I See People Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Picking Based on Brand Name
“I’ll use AWS because Amazon is huge” – this cost my friend Jake an extra $400/month. Bigger doesn’t always mean better value.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Geographic Regions
Where your servers are located affects both speed and cost. If your customers are in Europe, using a US data center will cost more and run slower.
Mistake #3: Not Planning for Growth
That $50/month server might become $500/month when your business grows. Always check scaling costs before committing.
Mistake #4: Forgetting About Support
Basic support is often included, but if you need 24/7 phone support, factor those costs in from day one.
How to Use This Calculator (Even If You’re Not Technical)
Step 1: Know Your Basics
- How much web traffic do you expect?
- Do you need to store files, photos, or videos?
- Will you run a database?
Don’t worry if you’re not sure – the calculator has presets for common scenarios like “Small Business Website” or “Online Store.”
Step 2: Pick Your Region Choose where most of your customers are located. If you’re unsure, US East is usually the cheapest starting point.
Step 3: Review the Results The calculator shows three quotes side by side. Look for:
- Total monthly cost
- What’s included in each quote
- Any important differences between providers
Step 4: Read the Fine Print I include notes about things like free trials, minimum commitments, and features that might matter to your specific situation.
Why I Keep This Calculator Free
I make money through affiliate partnerships – if you sign up with a cloud provider through my links, I earn a small commission. This keeps the calculator free for everyone while helping me maintain accurate pricing data.
I only recommend providers I personally use or would recommend to my own family. Your trust is more valuable than any commission.
My Last Line
Don’t make my $1,400 mistake. Spend 5 minutes comparing prices before committing to a cloud provider. The few minutes you invest now could save you thousands over the next year. Your business deserves the best value, not just the most popular option.
Questions People Ask Me
Is this actually accurate?
Yes, I update pricing weekly using official APIs. However, cloud pricing can change quickly, so always double-check with the provider before making major commitments.
What if I need help choosing?
The calculator gives recommendations, but if you need personal advice, feel free to email me. I try to respond within 24 hours.
Can I trust your recommendations?
I don’t get paid more for recommending one provider over another. The goal is helping you find the best fit for your specific needs.
What if my needs change?
Most cloud providers let you upgrade or downgrade easily. Start with what you need now – you can always adjust later.
Ready to find out which cloud provider offers the best value for your project? Use the calculator below and see the real numbers for yourself.