I'm considering migrating a SQL Server database from a virtual machine to a managed platform service. Is there a reliable tool or method to compare the real costs of both options? The cloud pricing calculator seems to underestimate expenses, especially storage and other usage-based charges. The database rarely reaches 50% CPU, so I'm also considering a smaller SKU with fewer virtual CPUs while keeping the same memory.
3 Answers
Azure Arc’s SQL Server migration assessment is probably the easiest starting point. It can analyze the workload, identify migration risks, recommend a suitable Azure SQL target and configuration, and provide retail pricing. The assessment runs automatically on a recurring schedule and is available without an additional charge for SQL Server editions.
The comparison shouldn’t be based only on the compute price. A managed database will often cost more for equivalent compute, but that price can include backups, high availability, patching, and other operational work. On a VM, you need to account for those separately. Managed services also give you less flexibility in choosing CPU, memory, and storage independently, and storage growth can sometimes force you into a more expensive configuration.
If CPU usage stays below 50%, checking a smaller SKU makes sense, but make sure memory, storage throughput, I/O latency, backup retention, high availability, and licensing are included in the comparison. Treat the calculator as a baseline rather than a final bill, and validate its assumptions against actual usage metrics and historical storage growth.
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