I'm currently managing a project with an RDS MySQL database that's running 24/7, but it's consuming about 90% of my costs, even at the lowest settings (like a t3.micro instance with 20 GB of storage). Since the system will mainly be used during standard business hours, I'm considering switching to Aurora Serverless to cut down on expenses. However, I'm hesitant because my current Free Tier doesn't cover it, meaning I'd have to upgrade to test it out. I'm open to suggestions on reducing my RDS costs too. I've heard that automating the database to turn off during non-working hours could help, but I'm not sure how much to invest in options that might not be necessary, especially since I might still need infrequent access to the system outside of normal hours.
5 Answers
If you're mainly active from 9 to 5, just go with scheduling the shutdown at 5 PM. This way, you’ll save money without needing to migrate to Aurora. Plus, if you really need access at odd hours, just start your instance; it’s a lot simpler!
A t4g.micro instance could save you some money if you're looking to stick with RDS. If you focus on scheduling stop/start times, that can help avoid extra charges during the off-hours without complicating your setup too much.
If costs are a priority, you might want to stick with RDS and set up a Lambda function to manage your start and stop times. You could also set up a job to check the access logs to determine when to spin it down—just a little automation can go a long way!
Honestly, Aurora Serverless might end up costing you more than a t3.micro instance. If the aim is to save money, RDS can still work if you schedule it to turn off after hours. An EC2 setup could also be an option for the long haul with regular backups, but it depends on your comfort level with managing everything yourself.
Have you thought about whether you really need a full database setup? You could consider using DynamoDB or even flat files in S3 for simpler use cases. If you’re determined to use RDS, however, strategically scheduling its uptime could greatly reduce costs without over-engineering your solution.
I think I’m okay with RDS for now due to its ease of use and backups. But I hadn’t really considered alternatives like DynamoDB.
That sounds like a good plan! I might give that a shot.