how to minimize cost for using Azure SQL database for learning with few tables(may be 10) with less than 100 records

Question

hello

I am new to Azure,want to learn SQL database in Azure.I am getting high cost with vCore charges.

how to minimize cost for using Azure SQL database(compute charges) for learning with few tables(may be 10) with less than 100 records.

Currently my tier is General Purpose - Serverless: Gen5, 1 vCore.I have only one database and < 10 tables with < 100 records in each.

Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

@anupama Madhav
Thank you for the question and for using Microsoft Q&A platform.
Here are some tips to help you minimize costs while using Azure SQL Database:

1. Switch to the Basic or Standard Tier: Since your database is small and has minimal records, consider using the Basic or Standard tier, as these are often more cost-effective for smaller workloads.
2. Use Serverless Compute Tier: Staying on the Serverless tier is beneficial, as it automatically adjusts compute resources based on demand and pauses during inactivity, reducing costs.
3. Optimize Resource Utilization: Ensure that your database is configured to pause when inactive, so you only pay for compute resources when the database is in use.
4. Monitor and Adjust Performance Levels: Regularly track your database performance, and adjust vCores or DTUs as needed. Scaling down during low-usage periods can help reduce expenses.
5. Leverage Azure Cost Management Tools: Use Azure Cost Management and Azure Advisor for insights into your spending and recommendations to optimize costs.
6. Consider Elastic Pools: If you plan to add more databases, elastic pools can help you share resources across them, offering a cost-effective alternative to individual provisioning.
7. Prepay with Reserved Capacity: If you’ll be using Azure SQL Database for an extended period, purchasing reserved capacity can provide a discount on compute costs.
8. Consider using Azure SQL Database Managed Instance instead of Azure SQL Database. Managed Instance provides a fully managed SQL Server instance with more features and better compatibility with on-premises SQL Server. Managed Instance also has a lower cost per vCore hour than Azure SQL Database.
9. Consider using Azure SQL Database for MySQL. Azure Database for MySQL is a fully managed database service that provides a MySQL database engine. It has a lower cost than Azure SQL Database and is suitable for small workloads.

For more information please refer to the below links:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/cost-management?view=azuresql
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/eight-ways-to-optimize-costs-on-azure-sql/
https://reintech.io/blog/azure-sql-database-cost-optimization-strategies
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/startupsatmicrosoftblog/maximizing-savings-cost-optimization-for-azure%e2%80%99s-most-used-services/3784526

Hope this helps. Do let us know if you have any further queries.

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