I am currently evaluating features of Microsoft Azure, and want to try their Azure Database for MySQL service in a little test project. I just need a very basic database with minimal performance and no backups etc. However, prices seem to be north of 200$/Month.
Currently I have a hard time to find out the pricing for an MySql or MariaDb database. The prices seem also to be dependent on which way you try to get them:
Using the "Pricing Calculator" at https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/calculator/?service=mysql returns about $60 (East US, Basic Tier, 1 Core, running for 1 Month, a few storage GB's)
Using the "Pricing Details" Tab at https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/mysql/ for a similar model (especially 1 VCORE) I get something in the range of $25.
Actually trying to create a server, in the portal ("Create MySQL server)" at https://portal.azure.com/#create/Microsoft.MySQLServer/ I get something in the range of $260, however for 4 cores (which I can not change there).
Do I really need a full Db Server (with dedicated processor cores) and Database? Or is there a cheaper option to run something like a serverless MySql database or from within a container?
Note: The wording of this question is based on feedback from Are questions about Azure pricing off-topic?
