PostgreSQL instance expensive?

[easter]

I have this website with around 600 unique monthly visitors. I have never used GCP before but now I want to test it. I do however find it very, very expensive and just have to ask if the price estimate really is correct? Or maybe its the lack of english skills that makes me misunderstand how this work?

I can only choose between Enterprise Plus and Enterprise. I obv choose Enterprice with Sandbox preset. The price estimate says it will cost around $112 bucks a month?! I am not even going to be storing 500mb in the database...

And this is just the database, then how much will the storage bucket for Docker image, the VM cost etc?

I really wanted to try out GCP but this is way to high expenses for such a small website? I currently use a VPS that I pay 4 bucks a month for where i have a total of 4 websites hosted.

[ms4446]

I understand your apprehension, especially when comparing it to your current VPS costs. Google Cloud offers a diverse range of services tailored to fit various requirements. Whether it's databases, storage, or computing power.

Service Offerings:

• Database: GCP's Cloud SQL is designed for varying traffic levels. For websites like yours with around 600 unique monthly visitors, you can opt for smaller instances and even turn them off when not in use to save costs.

• Storage: Google Cloud Storage costs are mainly driven by the amount of data stored and the number of requests. If you're not hosting a lot of media, these costs should be minimal.

• Compute Engine: There are multiple machine types available. For websites of your scale, the f1-micro instance is a cost-effective choice.

• Docker Images: Storing Docker images in the Google Container Registry does come with a cost, but the advantages of using Docker often justify this expense.

• Other Services: Each GCP service is transparently priced, so there are no surprise costs.

Cost Management Strategies:

• Free Tier: GCP offers a Free Tier with allowances for several services. This can be particularly beneficial for smaller operations like yours.

• Optimal Tier Selection: It sounds like you've been looking at the Enterprise options. For a website with your traffic, there might be more cost-effective tiers available.

• Database & CDN Optimization: By optimizing your database and using a Content Delivery Network, you can enhance site performance and reduce costs.

• Resource Management: Regularly review and terminate any unused GCP resources to avoid unnecessary charges.

• Pricing Tools & Plans: The GCP Pricing Calculator can provide a clearer picture of potential costs. Additionally, GCP offers various pricing plans, and the right one for you will depend on your specific needs.

• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): It's essential to consider both the direct costs (like hosting) and indirect costs (like training or potential staffing). GCP provides a comprehensive view of these costs.

• Support & VM Options: GCP's 24/7 support is there to assist with any queries. Also, preemptible VMs, which are more affordable, might be a suitable choice for your website given its consistent traffic patterns.

Monitoring & Control:

• Regular Monitoring & Alerts: GCP offers tools to keep track of your costs and will notify you if they exceed set thresholds.

Google Cloud might seem more expensive at first glance, its comprehensive offerings and cost management strategies can make it a competitive choice even for smaller websites. I recommend giving GCP a trial run and leveraging the strategies mentioned to see if it aligns with your needs and budget.