Self-Host or Subscribe? — the real monthly cost, compared
Compare real monthly costs: SaaS vs. self-hosted alternatives
- Type
- Product
- Domain
- Apps & Software Development
- Subdomain
- No-code & Low-code
- Product type
- Web App
- Stage
- Live
Availability
available
Commercial
free
Free
Location
Worldwide
About
A cost calculator that compares the actual monthly expenses of using popular SaaS tools against self-hosting their open-source alternatives. Select a tool you're paying for (ChatGPT Plus, Airtable, Zapier, Notion, etc.), specify user count, and see real VPS pricing alongside SaaS subscription costs to understand actual savings. Displays server size requirements and current provider pricing without hidden assumptions.
Who it is for
SaaS users, self-hosting evaluators, cost-conscious teams, DevOps engineers
Integrations and product details
Uses current VPS pricing checked regularly (last verified September 2026). Does not factor in labor costs for setup and maintenance. SaaS prices shown are approximate starting plans and may vary by seat count or tier.
Platforms
Process
How it works
- 01Select a SaaS tool from the dropdown (ChatGPT Plus, Airtable, Zapier, Notion, Slack, etc.)
- 02Enter the number of users who will access the self-hosted instance
- 03View calculated server size needed and real monthly VPS costs from available providers
- 04Compare side-by-side with the SaaS subscription price to see actual monthly savings
Distinctive value