Cloud storage cost wrt moving in same bucket

[RC1]

I have a file which I move in the same GCS bucket (using gsutil mv command). How the pricing works in this specific case  (Because I need to move a lot of files) ? Will I be charged for moving the file in the same GCS bucket?

[njervis]

I'd have thought you'd pay data processing costs which at most (according to the current pricing is $0.05 per 10,000). Be interested in what official answer may come.

[kumards]

Interesting question, @RC1 ... thanks for asking!

Besides data-retrieval charges, there could be also be early-deletion charges if the bucket is of the Nearline, Coldline, or Archive storage class. See the following docs:

• https://cloud.google.com/storage/docs/gsutil/commands/mv#non-atomic-operation
• The "caution" at the top of this page: https://cloud.google.com/storage/docs/copying-renaming-moving-objects

Not sure if there are any other costs to consider. I look forward to learning more from other experts in this forum.

[kolban]

My interpretation is that a `gcsutil mv` command where the object stays in the same bucket (and I'm going to assume standard regional storage) is that you are effectively "renaming" the object.  My test for this would be to run the gcsutil command in debug mode and look at the underlying REST APIs being made.  I am guessing that we will find a "PATCH" command as documented here:

https://cloud.google.com/storage/docs/json_api/v1/objects/patch

Where we supply the original bucket/object identity and in the updated/patched parameters, we specify the new object name.  If this is correct, then this appears to be a "class A" operation as documented here:

https://cloud.google.com/storage/pricing

where Google seems to charge $0.05 per 10,000 such operations.  Each month you are granted 5,000 class A operations before being charged.