Azure vs GCP: AI & ML (compute) Pricing Comparison
Azure vs GCP: AI & ML (compute) Pricing Comparison
Compare Azure pricing between GCP ai & ml (compute) across all regions and instance types. This page provides comprehensive pricing comparison across all major regions, including on-demand, reserved, and spot pricing options.
Pricing Comparison
| Instance Size | Azure | GCP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 vCPU / 8 GB | $0.0960 | $0.0940 | -2.1% |
| 4 vCPU / 16 GB | $0.1920 | $0.1880 | -2.1% |
| 8 vCPU / 32 GB | $0.3840 | $0.3760 | -2.1% |
| 16 vCPU / 64 GB | $0.7680 | $0.7520 | -2.1% |
Performance Comparison
Azure and GCP ai & ml (compute) services offer comparable performance for standard workloads. Azure provides tighter integration with its ecosystem, while GCP offers competitive pricing and unique features for specific use cases.
Key Differences
- Pricing model: Azure charges per-second with minimum billing, GCP uses per-minute billing
- Free tier: Azure offers 12-month free tier, GCP provides always-free services
- Reserved capacity: Azure Reserved Instances save up to 72%, GCP Committed Use discounts save up to 57%
- Spot/Preemptible: Azure Spot up to 90% off, GCP Spot up to 80% off
Recommendation
For ai & ml (compute) workloads, the choice between Azure and GCP depends on your specific requirements:
- Cost-sensitive workloads: GCP offers better value for standard configurations
- Performance-critical workloads: Both providers deliver similar performance; test with your actual workload
- Ecosystem integration: Choose the provider that aligns with your existing infrastructure
- Spot workloads: Compare spot pricing dynamically as availability varies by region and time
Consider using the pricing calculator to estimate costs for your specific workload.