AWS docs indicate that free tier does exist for Postgres DB instances... https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/CHAP_GettingStarted.CreatingConnecting.PostgreSQL.html I wonder if you're choosing Aurora or Serverless that aren't compatible with the free tier? Answer from S7R4nG3 on reddit.com
AWS
aws.amazon.com › databases › amazon rds › free tier
Amazon RDS and AWS Free Tier
4 days ago - Explore free Amazon Aurora offers with AWS Free Tier · Use credits to access Aurora PostgreSQL features in both Free and Paid plans.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/aws › aws rds postgres no free tier?
r/aws on Reddit: AWS RDS Postgres No Free Tier?
August 15, 2021 -
AWS RDS Free tier applies to db.t2.micro
This does not show for Postgres, so that means there is no rds free tier for postgres? Am I missing something?
I also checked "Include previous generation classes" and got nothing.
Switched to MySQL to see that it has db.t2.micro...Although I don't have a MySQL database.
Meaning I need to pay for db.t3.micro on RDS Postgres
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AWS docs indicate that free tier does exist for Postgres DB instances... https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/CHAP_GettingStarted.CreatingConnecting.PostgreSQL.html I wonder if you're choosing Aurora or Serverless that aren't compatible with the free tier?
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I can confirm this is happening to me as well, not even the small ones are available, only the large which are like $250 usd a month
Free (or generous free tier) PostgreSQL hosting platforms for side project – alternatives to AWS RDS? Jan 7, 2026
r/SideProject 6mo ago
RDS is not free anymore in free tier? (After new ipv4 charges were introduced) Apr 13, 2024
r/aws 2y ago
RDS Free Tier Charge
Despite being in free tier it's ... running PostgreSQL 1.28 GB-Mo" when using the cost explorer. Is this because I'm using GP3 and free tier supports only GP2? If so why did it default to GP3 when selecting free tier? Or is this part of the wider glitch and I should open a support ticket before I am charged? ... You've identified it correctly, only gp2 volumes are in-scope of Free Tier for RDS https://aws.amazon.co... More on repost.aws
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November 7, 2024postgresql - How to downsize an AWS RDS instance to free tier - Stack Overflow
AWS Free Tier doesn't actually care about the kind of service you use. Per their website you just get 750 instance hours per month for a db.t2.micro. You can use these in any service you see fit and the discount will be applied automatically for the first 12 months. Looking at the pricing page for RDS Postgres ... More on stackoverflow.com
pricing - Charging on Free Tier of AWS RDS? - Geographic Information Systems Stack Exchange
I was experimenting with AWS RDS feature with an Free Tier account, and now I´ve been charged a large amount of money. I might misunderstood something here. I´ve been charged for theese RDS-services (which i thought was inlcuded in the 750 free hours per month): Amazon RDS Service for PostgreSQL ... More on gis.stackexchange.com
RDS Postgres usage conditions on Free Tier are absolutely unclear!
Your input can influence how we create and update our content to better support your AWS journey. ... I would like to use RDS on Free Tier and I tried to create a database in RDS console. When choosing db="Postgres" and "Free Tier" I see on the page 2 blocks , each named "Estimated Monthly costs". More on repost.aws
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August 6, 2023Videos
07:26
How to Create a PostgreSQL Database on AWS RDS and Connect from ...
04:26
AWS Postgres DB Complete Tutorial: Free Tier - YouTube
10:16
How to create PostgreSQL database on AWS RDS and connect using ...
05:47
Week 4 - RDS Free Tier Pricing and Tips - YouTube
04:08
How do I launch an Amazon RDS database instance that's covered ...
10:32
How to Set Up a Postgres Database on Amazon RDS - YouTube
AWS
aws.amazon.com › amazon rds › amazon rds for postgresql › pricing
Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL Pricing
4 days ago - New AWS customers can get started with RDS for PostgreSQL for free as part of the AWS Free Tier, which includes includes 750 hours on a selection of Single-AZ instance databases, 20 GB of General Purpose SSD (gp2) storage, and 20 GB of storage for automated database backups each month for one year.
Medium
medium.com › geekculture › setup-an-aws-database-for-free-609a49f50c7e
Setup an AWS database for FREE. Setup free tier PostgreSQL database on… | by Foo Cheechuan | Geek Culture | Medium
February 6, 2023 - With this, you can import your data into the PostgreSQL database and host it in AWS RDS for free.
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You've identified it correctly, only gp2 volumes are in-scope of Free Tier for RDS https://aws.amazon.com/rds/free/
> - 20 GB of General Purpose SSD (gp2) storage per month.
You should be able to convert youir gp3 to gp2 on-the-fly, I can't find an AWS page that explicitly says this but it was discussed at length in the answers to this question https://repost.aws/questions/QUDPKCzJclQbCwOt47lf7lFQ/changing-rds-storage-from-gp2-to-gp3
I agree that it's annoying that the setting defaults to gp3. The AWS re:Post community does not have visibility of your account, nor any billing information associated with it. To query any charges, including asking for your charges for gp3 to be waived, it is best to log a billing support call with AWS https://docs.aws.amazon.com/awsaccountbilling/latest/aboutv2/billing-get-answers.html#billing-support
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The charge you're seeing is likely due to using GP3 storage instead of GP2 for your RDS instance. The AWS RDS Free Tier specifically includes 20 GB of General Purpose SSD (gp2) storage per month. GP3 storage is not part of the free tier offering.
When setting up an RDS instance, even if you select the free tier option, it's possible that GP3 was selected as the default storage type. This could be because GP3 is a newer and more flexible storage option that AWS may be promoting. However, to stay within the free tier, you should manually select GP2 storage during the RDS instance creation process.
To resolve this issue and ensure you're using the free tier benefits:
1. Verify that your instance is using a supported free tier instance class (db.t3.micro or db.t4g.micro for PostgreSQL).
2. Check if you're within the 750 hours per month limit for the free tier.
3. Modify your RDS instance to use GP2 storage instead of GP3.
4. Ensure you're not exceeding the 20 GB storage limit for the free tier.
If you've made these adjustments and still see unexpected charges, it would be advisable to open a support ticket with AWS to clarify the situation. They can provide specific guidance based on your account and usage details.
Remember that the free tier is designed to help you get started, but it's always important to carefully review the settings when creating resources to ensure they align with the free tier specifications.
**Sources**
Can some one confirm why RDS free tier is charged a small amount? | AWS re:Post
Do I currently have free tier / will this be covered by free tier | AWS re:Post
Hosted PostgreSQL - Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL - AWS
Amazon Web Services
aws.amazon.com › aws free tier › database
Free Databases - AWS
4 days ago - Build a database in the cloud for free with AWS Free Tier, which includes everything you need to build, deploy, and run modern database applications in the cloud.
Quora
quora.com › Is-AWS-database-PostgreSQL-or-any-other-RDS-free-under-the-AWS-free-trial-If-so-what-are-the-limitations-Can-someone-with-experience-explain-how-it-works-and-if-there-are-any-hidden-charges-after-the-trial-period
Is AWS database (PostgreSQL or any other RDS) free under the AWS free trial? If so, what are the limitations? Can someone with experience explain how it works and if there are any hidden charges after the trial period? - Quora
Answer: So, the free trial period isn’t “Hey, EVERYTHING is free”. Instead, it’s a free bucket of money of a fixed size. You can spend your money any way you want. Let’s say it’s $250 (that’s one of the more common ones I’ve seen). Go to the cost calculator for AWS: ...
AWS
aws.amazon.com › databases › amazon rds › pricing
Managed Relational Database - Amazon RDS Pricing - Amazon Web Services
4 days ago - If you signed up for AWS Free Tier prior to July 15, 2025, you can continue to use RDS for free for up to 12 months on select single-AZ instance databases with up to 750 hours per month. Your usage is aggregated across instance types if using more than one instance. (Available engines: MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL...
The AWS News Feed
aws-news.com › article › 2026-03-25-amazon-aurora-postgresql-now-available-with-the-aws-free-tier
Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL now available with the AWS Free Tier | The AWS News Feed
March 25, 2026 - Aurora PostgreSQL is now accessible to new AWS customers through the Free Tier, lowering barriers to entry for managed database services.
AWS
calculator.aws
AWS Pricing Calculator
AWS Pricing Calculator lets you explore AWS services, and create an estimate for the cost of your use cases on AWS.
AWS Builder Center
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AWS Builder Center
Connect with builders who understand your journey. Share solutions, influence AWS product development, and access useful content that accelerates your growth. Your community starts here.
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The free usage tier for RDS does include 750 hours of usage per month, but it's for single-AZ Micro instance hours, not any of the larger instances. The micro instance normally costs $0.025/hour. The included storage is single-AZ without provisioned IOPs.
The AWS web site is pretty clear on what is included in the free tier.
If you haven't tried contacting AWS support, you should, They may be able to help you.
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I had exact situation of 700$ and even after suspending my account I was being billed hourly as I had not terminated the RDS instances, but I called up aws customer support at 1 (888) 280-3321 and explained the scenario and it was an honest unintended mistake from my side as I had used extra large multi A Z RDS instance instead single with free tier. Amazon was kind enough to wave off as gesture of good will and provided me video tutorials which would help me understand better.
AWS re:Post
repost.aws › questions › QUTbG9Z7vSTJK2gSEY6rq_hg › rds-postgres-usage-conditions-on-free-tier-are-absolutely-unclear
RDS Postgres usage conditions on Free Tier are absolutely unclear! | AWS re:Post
August 6, 2023 - Agreed with Riku, AWS pricing page doesn't include free tier in it when you calculate RDS cost, but what you mentioned in second paragraph and https://aws.amazon.com/rds/free/?nc1=h_ls are same and you won't be charged if your usage is within this limit. Hope that helps. ... How come the storage on the RDS portal is different that what my Postgres Database is showing in pgAdmin?
LinkedIn
linkedin.com › pulse › creating-rds-postgresql-database-aws-free-tier-dương-xuân-đà-kcj1c
Creating an RDS PostgreSQL Database on the AWS Free ...
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CloudySave
cloudysave.com › aws › rds › aws-rds-free-tier
AWS RDS Free Tier - CloudySave
– Amazon RDS free tier will be applied to the RDS for the following: MySQL · PostgreSQL · MariaDB · Oracle (Bring-Your-Own-License) SQL Server (SQL Server Express Edition) Why would you refer to using Amazon RDS today? AWS RDS Free Tier – AWS RDS DB Benefits ·
Published January 25, 2023
aldora
aldoraweb.com › aws-free-tier-rds-database-setup
AWS Free Tier RDS Database Setup
December 28, 2022 - There are two important things while setting up it: keep database storage and time usage under the free tier limit, and set up a network to connect to the database remotely(from your local machine). This article focuses on creating an RDS database covered by AWS free tier, and remote connectivity will be covered in the next article.
NetApp
netapp.com › home › blog › aws-cvo-blg-aws-rds-pricing-explained
AWS RDS Pricing Explained | NetApp
December 24, 2025 - Learn about key components of RDS pricing, including the free tier, pricing per database engine, database storage, provisioned IOPs, and more.
AWS re:Post
repost.aws › questions › QUEy6VZlhBRDSG0f5ppIpasw › charged-for-aws-free-tier-when-using-rds-and-s3
Charged for AWS Free Tier when using RDS and S3 | AWS re:Post
October 3, 2024 - Your input can influence how we create and update our content to better support your AWS journey. ... I'm not sure why I was bring charged for using these which I thought were free. ... Amazon Relational Database Service for PostgreSQL USD 0.00 $0.00 per RDS db.t4g.micro instance hour (or partial hour) running PostgreSQL under monthly free tier 23.103 Hrs USD 0.00