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Side Project Monthly Cost Calculator

Estimate the monthly operating cost of a side project by combining hosting, database, storage, API, email, analytics, and miscellaneous tools.

Reviewed by johnnyji

Calculator

What This Calculates

Monthly run rate, yearly run rate, and cost categories.

The calculation runs locally in your browser. Values are not submitted to johnnyji.dev. Results are rounded for display, so use provider statements or full-precision records when the number affects accounting, tax, or live order execution.

Formula

Monthly run rate = hosting + database + storage + API + email + analytics + other services

Example

A small app with 20 hosting, 25 database, 10 storage, 40 API usage, and 5 email tooling has a monthly run rate of 100.

Notes Before You Use It

  • Free tiers can disappear when traffic grows or usage crosses a small threshold.
  • Include observability, backups, domains, and payment fees when planning a real product.
  • Review actual invoices monthly after launch.

FAQ

Should I include my own time?

For cash budgeting, no. For business planning, add a separate labor estimate so the true cost is visible.

Is annual pricing cheaper?

Often, but annual commitments reduce flexibility. Estimate monthly first, then compare annual discounts.

What is a healthy early run rate?

It depends on revenue and learning goals. For experiments, keep the fixed run rate low until usage is proven.