Pricing of Azure Blob Storage on Temporary Data

Question

I plan on using Azure Blob Storage to upload images which will then be run by Document Intelligence. Once these images are processed, I plan to delete them right away. I have already calculated the costs for using the Document Intelligence service, but I am confused on how I would be charged for Azure Blob Storage.

I understand that I would be charged for each data transfer operation (writing/uploading and reading/processing).

However, Blob Storage also charges a storage fee, but I am unsure how this is calculated. My understanding is that you are charged based on VOLUME and TIME PERIOD. Meaning, the quicker I delete my data, the less charges I will incur. Is that correct? If so, what is the minimum granularity that I am billed on (per hour, per day, per month)? I also want to know if the storage charges are prorated based on both size and time period.

I appreciate any assistance! Thanks

Answer 1

Hi Marques Chacon ,

Greetings & Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum! Thanks for posting your query!

You're understanding is correct that Azure Blob Storage charges are based on both the volume of data stored and the time period for which the data is stored.

Below are key points to help clarify how the storage fees are calculated:

Volume and Time Period: You are charged based on the amount of data stored (in GB) and the duration it is stored. The quicker you delete your data, the lower your storage costs will be.

Minimum Granularity: Azure Blob Storage charges are calculated on a daily basis. This means that if you store data for less than a day, you will still be charged for a full day's storage

Prorated Charges: Yes, the storage charges are prorated based on both the size of the data and the time period. For example, if you store 10 GB of data for half a month, you will be charged for 5 GB-months

Access Tiers: Azure Blob Storage offers different access tiers (Hot, Cool, and Archive) with varying costs. The Hot tier is more expensive but suitable for frequently accessed data, while the Cool and Archive tiers are cheaper and intended for infrequently accessed data

For your use case, since you plan to delete the images right after processing, you will likely incur minimal storage costs, especially if the data is stored for a very short period.

For more information:
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/storage/blobs/
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/blobs/blob-storage-estimate-costs
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-plan-manage-costs

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