Can Python Azure SDK Library factor in dev/test subscription pricing?

Question

I am using BASE_URL = "https://prices.azure.com/api/retail/prices?" for the Pay as you go subscription type but I now want to add support for the Dev/test subscription type as well for pricing and cost estimation as well.

I did not found anything specific to Dev/test Subscription type for the pricing related SDK/API endpoints. So, I just want to know if there is anything that is available/present at SDK level for Dev/test subscription type.

Also, I also want to leverage the Azure python SDK library function call to take into account price reductions for reserved instances or azure hybrid benefits as well?

Please share your valuable insights.

Answer 1

Hi ,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

no, the Azure Retail Prices API and the Azure Python SDK do not natively support subscription-type aware pricing such as Dev/Test, nor do they automatically apply Reserved Instance or Hybrid Benefit discounts.

more detail: https://prices.azure.com/api/retail/prices always returns list (retail) prices, primarily Pay-As-You-Go. Dev/Test pricing is not exposed as a separate flag, filter, or SKU in the API or any Azure SDK. Dev/Test discounts are enforced at billing time, not at the pricing catalog level. Similarly, Reserved Instances and Azure Hybrid Benefit are billing constructs, not price list variants. The SDK does not calculate these reductions for you. If you want accurate estimates, you must apply custom post-processing logic: detect Dev/Test–eligible services, apply known discount percentages, factor RI amortization, and adjust compute prices when AHB is enabled. For authoritative cost estimation, Azure Cost Management (Usage + Charges APIs) reflects actual billed amounts, but that is after consumption, not for upfront estimation.

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