About OSS Cost Calculator
osscostcalc.com is an independent tool that answers a deceptively simple question: how much does it actually cost to self-host this? For popular open-source applications, we match conservative recommended CPU and RAM specs against real plans from budget-friendly cloud providers and surface the cheapest option that fits.
How the estimate works
- For each app and user scale, we define a recommended minimum spec (vCPU and RAM) based on common deployment guidance.
- We compare that requirement against published plans from DigitalOcean, Hetzner, and Linode/Akamai.
- For every provider we select the cheapest plan that satisfies both the CPU and RAM requirement, and we flag the overall best value.
Why these providers
DigitalOcean, Hetzner, and Linode are chosen because they offer simple, predictable, flat monthly pricing that suits self-hosting far better than the metered complexity of the largest hyperscalers.
Accuracy & independence
Prices are approximations of public list prices and can change at any time — always confirm on the provider's site. We are not affiliated with any provider; some “Deploy Now” links are referral links that may earn us a small credit at no cost to you.
Ready to estimate? Open the calculator or browse all apps.