Azure Monitor Observability Logging Costs

Introduction

Azure Monitor is a comprehensive solution by Microsoft for monitoring and observability across cloud and hybrid environments. It offers powerful tools for collecting, analyzing, and responding to telemetry data. Log management is a critical component, providing insights into system performance, security, and operational issues. Managing costs associated with log data is crucial to optimizing your observability strategy. This guide explores Azure Monitor’s log management pricing, focusing on scenarios involving 100 GB and 1,000 GB of log data per day, with storage durations of 30 days in hot storage and 365 days in archival storage.

Understanding Azure Monitor’s Pricing Model

Azure Monitor's pricing is structured around several key components:

- Data Ingestion: Charges apply per GB of log data ingested. While straightforward, these costs can accumulate quickly with increasing log volumes.

- Retention: The first 31 days of data retention are included at no additional cost. Beyond this, data can be stored in various tiers (hot, cool, archive), each with different pricing.

- Query Costs: For Analytics Logs, query costs are included in the ingestion fee. However, for Auxiliary Logs and Basic Logs, query costs are separate and depend on the data volume scanned.

For the most accurate and current pricing details, visit the [Azure Monitor Pricing page](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/monitor/).

Cost Breakdown for 100 GB/day

Here’s a breakdown of costs for managing 100 GB of log data per day:

- Option 1: Auxiliary Logs

- Data Ingestion: $486/month

- Extended Retention (After 31 Days): $5,913/year

- Query Costs (100x Fair Usage): $2,700/month

- Total Monthly Cost: $3,186

- Total Annual Cost: $44,145

- Option 2: Basic Logs

- Data Ingestion: $2,424/month

- Extended Retention (After 31 Days): $5,913/year

- Query Costs (100x Fair Usage): $2,700/month

- Total Monthly Cost: $5,124

- Total Annual Cost: $67,785

- Option 3: Analytics Logs

- Data Ingestion: $11,142/month

- Extended Retention (After 31 Days): $5,913/year

- Total Monthly Cost: $11,142

- Total Annual Cost: $139,617

Cost Breakdown for 1,000 GB/day

For larger volumes of 1,000 GB per day:

- Option 1: Auxiliary Logs

- Data Ingestion: $4,860/month

- Extended Retention (After 31 Days): $59,130/year

- Query Costs (100x Fair Usage): $27,000/month

- Total Monthly Cost: $31,860

- Total Annual Cost: $441,450

- Option 2: Basic Logs

- Data Ingestion: $24,240/month

- Extended Retention (After 31 Days): $59,130/year

- Query Costs (100x Fair Usage): $27,000/month

- Total Monthly Cost: $51,240

- Total Annual Cost: $671,430

- Option 3: Analytics Logs

- Data Ingestion: $111,420/month

- Extended Retention (After 31 Days): $59,130/year

- Total Monthly Cost: $111,420

- Total Annual Cost: $1,395,930

Key Takeaways

- Auxiliary Logs: Cost-effective for moderate query needs, but query costs can rise with usage.

- Basic Logs: Offers lower ingestion costs but higher query costs, making it ideal for environments with infrequent queries.

- Analytics Logs: Ideal for environments requiring frequent, complex querying, with higher ingestion costs but inclusive query charges.

Conclusion

Azure Monitor offers a versatile log management solution, with costs varying based on log type and query needs. For 100 GB/day, costs range from $44,145/year (Auxiliary Logs) to $139,617/year (Analytics Logs). For 1,000 GB/day, costs vary from $441,450/year to $1,395,930/year. Aligning your strategy with these options can optimize both performance and cost.

Disclaimer

Pricing data is based on available information as of the publication date and may vary due to factors such as discounts and regional pricing. For the most up-to-date pricing, refer to the [Azure Monitor Pricing page](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/monitor/).