High cost involved for the data transfer rate for using Azure Files within the Azure VM in the same region?

Question

Folks,

Can someone please explain why there is a high cost for data transfer rates when using Azure Files within an Azure VM in the same region?

What can I do to minimize or avoid this unnecessary cost?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi EnterpriseArchitect,

Using Azure Files within an Azure VM in the same region can incur costs due to several factors related to data transfer and usage. While Azure generally does not charge for data transfer within the same region, there are still costs associated with transactions and storage utilization that can contribute to high expenses.

If the data transfer is happening within the same Availability Zone, then the data transfer is free. This means if your Storage Account and VM are in the same Availability Zone, you would not incur any data transfer costs.

However, if the data transfer is happening between two different Availability Zones, even if they are in the same region, then there is a cost of $0.014 per GB. The data transfer costs in Azure apply to all services, including when a virtual machine transfers files from storage accounts by virtual network.

1. Transaction Costs: Each operation performed on Azure Files, such as reading or writing data, generates transactions. If your application frequently accesses or modifies files, the transaction costs can accumulate quickly.
2. Snapshot Utilization: Azure File Sync takes snapshots of your files, which can also contribute to costs. Although snapshots are differential, they still consume resources and can add to your overall bill.
3. If files are frequently changed, this generates additional transactions as changes are synchronized between the Azure VM and Azure Files. This churn can lead to higher costs due to the increased number of transactions.

To minimize or avoid unnecessary costs, consider the following strategies:

1. Optimize Transaction Usage: Reduce the frequency of file operations where possible. Batch operations can help minimize the number of transactions.
2. Evaluate Access Tiers: Choose the most cost-effective access tier for your Azure Files based on your usage patterns. The "cool" tier may offer savings if your access patterns allow for it.
3. Monitor and Analyze Costs: Use Azure's pricing calculator and monitoring tools to keep track of your usage and expenses. This can help identify areas where costs can be reduced.
4. Implement Caching: If applicable, consider caching frequently accessed files locally to reduce the number of transactions against Azure Files.

Hope the above suggestion helps! Please let us know do you have any further queries.

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