Fair Price Per GB of RAM for a Game Server (How to Judge It)
How to judge whether a game server's price per GB of RAM is fair: what the number should include, what makes it go up or down, and red flags.
Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 5 min read
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A fair price per GB of RAM for a game server is one where the number already includes backups, DDoS protection, file access and support, the CPU behind it is fast enough for your game, and the price you see is the price you renew at. Most managed game hosts land somewhere in the low single digits of US dollars per GB per month. GamezServers charges about 2.50 USD per GB, with all of that included. A much lower number usually means slower CPUs, add ons or a promo that ends.
The rest of this guide shows how to work out the real per GB price of any plan and what should push it up or down.
How to calculate price per GB
Take the monthly price you will pay after any promotion and divide by the GB of RAM.
monthly renewal price / GB of RAM = price per GB per month
9.99 / 4 GB = 2.50 per GB
19.99 / 8 GB = 2.50 per GB
Then add anything you need that is sold separately, and divide again:
(plan price + backup add on + dedicated IP add on) / GB = real price per GB
A plan that looks cheap per GB can end up the most expensive once you add the extras it leaves out.
What should be included in the number
A fair per GB price covers the whole server, not just the memory. Check that these are in the plan, not sold on top:
| Feature | Why it should be included |
|---|---|
| Backups | Losing a world is the worst thing that can happen to a server. |
| DDoS protection | Game servers get hit often, and filtering is done at the network level for everyone. |
| SFTP and a file manager | You need them to upload worlds, mods and configs. |
| A live console | Basic admin. |
| Support | You should be able to reach a person. |
| Changing plans | You should not be stuck on a size. |
Our guide on add ons that should be free goes through these one by one.
What makes a higher price per GB fair
Some things legitimately cost more, and a higher price per GB for them is reasonable:
- Fast single core CPUs. Minecraft, Rust, Valheim and most survival games run their main loop on one thread. A newer, faster core means better tick rate with the same RAM.
- Dedicated cores. A plan that reserves CPU instead of sharing it costs the host more.
- Low ping locations. Some regions cost more to run servers in.
- Very short rentals. Renting for a weekend costs more per day, because every server is set up from scratch.
What makes a lower price per GB suspicious
- No CPU information at all. If a host only talks about RAM, the CPU is usually the weak point.
- A first month price that doubles. Check the renewal price. See renewal price jumps.
- Long term contracts to get the price. A low number that needs 12 or 24 months paid up front is a different deal from a monthly price.
- Backups, DDoS protection or file access sold separately.
- Overselling. If dozens of big RAM plans share one host machine, they cannot all get CPU time when they need it.
Price per GB is not the whole picture
The cheapest per GB plan is only good value if the size is right for your game. Paying a little more per GB for 6 GB you actually use beats paying less per GB for 12 GB you never touch. And a plan with the perfect RAM but a slow CPU will lag no matter how cheap it was.
A good order to decide in:
- Pick the RAM your game and group need. Use how much RAM a game server needs.
- Make sure the CPU is decent. At least a stated vCPU count per plan.
- Compare the real price per GB across hosts at that size, with extras added.
- Check billing terms: monthly, no contract, refund window.
Bundles vs custom sizes
Many hosts sell fixed plans and also let you build a custom size. Fixed plans are often a little cheaper per GB because they fit the host's machines neatly. On GamezServers, plans are bundles at about 2.50 USD per GB, and Build your own on a game page lets you pick any size in between at a small premium. If a plan size fits, take the plan.
Price per GB by plan on GamezServers
| RAM | Monthly price | Per GB |
|---|---|---|
| 2 GB | 4.99 USD | 2.50 |
| 4 GB | 9.99 USD | 2.50 |
| 8 GB | 19.99 USD | 2.50 |
| 12 GB | 29.99 USD | 2.50 |
| 16 GB | 39.99 USD | 2.50 |
That is the renewal price, not a promotion. New customers get 50% off the first month on top, and yearly billing costs 10 months' price for 12 months. Backups, DDoS protection, SFTP, the live console and 24/7 email support are in every plan. See choosing a plan for details, or browse all games.
FAQ
Is 1 USD per GB of RAM a good deal for a game server?
It can be, but check what you give up. Very low per GB prices usually come with older CPUs, heavy sharing, a long contract or paid extras. Work out the real price per GB with every add on you need before deciding.
Why do heavy games cost more per month if the price per GB is the same?
Because they need more GB. ARK: Survival Ascended and Palworld want 12 GB or more, while Terraria runs on 2 GB. Same rate, very different totals.
Is it cheaper per GB to rent a VPS?
Sometimes, but you run everything yourself: installs, updates, firewall, backups and security. See game server hosting vs VPS.
Should I pay more per GB for a better CPU?
For tick sensitive games like Minecraft with many players, Rust and Valheim, yes. Single core speed often matters more than extra RAM once you have enough memory.
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