Andreas Jud
Deploying a Django application with a PostgreSQL database requires selecting a hosting solution that balances affordability, performance, and ease of use. While free-tier services may seem tempting, they often come with limitations such as no PostgreSQL database support, restricted custom domains, or automatic shutdowns after periods of inactivity. To help you get started on your deployment journey, here are some affordable alternatives that provide both a web service and PostgreSQL database, all under budget-friendly pricing.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) for Django
All the options listed below are Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions, which are ideal for beginners. These platforms allow you to deploy and maintain your application easily without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. For developers with a deeper understanding of DevOps, building infrastructure from scratch on bare metal might be the preferred option. However, for most developers focused on building frontend and backend functionality, these PaaS solutions can save time and effort.
If you think I should list more services that offer beginner-friendly platforms at an affordable price for a Django project with PostgreSQL database, feel free to reach out to me at ajudmeister@gmail.com.
Seenode
Seenode is a relatively new hosting platform that is designed to simplify the process of hosting Django applications with PostgreSQL databases. It's a great option for those starting with Django and PostgreSQL, thanks to its low-cost pricing and simple setup. Seenode’s straightforward pricing and ease of use make it a great starting point for Django projects that don’t require heavy server resources.
- Web Service Tier 1: $1/month
- Database Tier 1: $1/month
- 7-day free trial
- CPU: 0.125 CPU
- RAM: 512 MB
Fly.io
Fly.io is a modern hosting platform that simplifies deploying applications globally. It offers a flexible environment for managing both web services and databases, including PostgreSQL, within a unified system. Fly.io's Pay-As-You-Go Model and resource configurations make it a suitable choice for projects ranging from small-scale applications to larger, resource-intensive deployments.
- Pay-As-You-Go: $0.0027 per hour (about $2/month)
- CPU: 1 vCPU
- RAM: 256 MB
PythonAnywhere
https://www.pythonanywhere.com/
PythonAnywhere is an older service that has been popular among the Python community, especially for hosting small Python projects. While it offers a free tier, it doesn’t include a PostgreSQL database, which is why the paid plan is more suitable for Django applications. PythonAnywhere primarily uses a Bash console for managing your app and deploying code as well as the user interface feels a bit outdated compared to modern alternatives. PythonAnywhere is still a good option, particularly for those who prefer a simpler, less hands-on approach to deployment.
- Hacker Tier: $5/month (Free tier available but without PostgreSQL)
- Allowance: 2,000 seconds/month
- RAM: 512 MB
Railway
Railway is a modern hosting platform that provides a robust environment for deploying applications. It’s a full-featured platform that makes it easy to manage both web services and PostgreSQL databases with a single, unified system.
Railway’s pricing starts low, but additional charges may apply depending on usage as pay-as-you-go model. The platform is highly flexible and scalable, making it a great option for both small projects and larger applications. With a generous allocation of resources, it’s one of the best low-cost options for projects that might scale over time.
- Hobby Tier: $5/month (+ additional usage)
- CPU: 8 vCPUs
- RAM: 8 GB
Render
Render offers both a free tier and affordable paid plans, making it a great choice for developers just getting started or those with small projects.
Render is known for its clean interface and easy deployment process, making it a solid choice for developers who want to focus more on their app than on infrastructure management. It’s a bit pricier than other options but still remains affordable for many small to medium-sized Django projects.
- Web Service Starter Tier: $6/month (Free tier available)
- Database Basic Tier: $5/month (30-day free trial)
- CPU: 0.5 vCPU
- RAM: 512 MB
Heroku
Heroku is one of the most well-known PaaS solutions, offering an easy way to deploy Django apps with PostgreSQL databases. While it’s slightly more expensive than some alternatives, its extensive documentation make it a go-to for many developers. With the ability to scale as needed and a wide range of add-ons, it’s a solid option for anyone looking to deploy Django applications.
- Web Service Eco Tier: $5/month
- Database Essential 0 Tier: $5/month
- CPU: Flexible
- RAM: 512 MB
Happy deploying!