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- Paid Rust server hosting is generally the more convenient option compared to self-hosting.
- Hosting costs have increased slightly over the years, with former sub-$10 plans now starting closer to $15.
- Be aware of extra fees for features like dedicated IP addresses, priority customer support, and additional storage for backups.
If you’re planning to spin up a community in Rust this year, the big question is simple: how much should you budget for hosting? In 2025, paid Rust server hosting generally costs between $11 and $20 per month for small groups, $25 and $35 per month for mid-sized communities, and $40 to $60 or more for large public servers.
The price usually depends on the number of player slots, available RAM, storage, and extra features such as backups, dedicated IP addresses, and priority support. Let’s break down the features you’ll get with different Rust server hosting plans.
Entry-level Plans: $11–$20/Month
For friends or small groups, entry-level plans are often enough. As of September 2025, most starter packages include 30 to 50 player slots, around 8 to 10 gigabytes of RAM, DDoS protection, automatic backups, and support for mods and plugins like Oxide or uMod.
Some providers also offer short refund windows or trial options. These setups generally cost between 11 and 19 dollars per month and are best suited for casual play or private communities.
Mid-range Plans: $25–$35/Month
For servers that run wipe cycles, use multiple plugins, and support 50 to 100 players, mid-range plans are the most suitable. They usually offer 75 to 100 player slots, 10 to 12 GB of RAM, and about 100 GB of fast NVMe storage.
These plans also include plugin support, scheduled backups, and automatic updates. Prices typically range from $25 to $35 per month, providing growing communities with reliable performance without the added cost of high-end options.
High-capacity Hosting: $40–$60+/Month
Larger, public-facing servers that see wipe-day spikes and raid-heavy activity need more resources. High-capacity packages often provide 125 to 160 or more player slots, 12 to 16 gigabytes of RAM, and access to premium CPU options that keep the server running smoothly during high-demand situations, such as raids and large-scale battles.
These plans typically include more storage and longer backup retention periods than basic or mid-level options, as well as DDoS protection. Prices often start at about $40 and can go beyond $60 depending on the features and server location you choose.
Hidden Costs and Add-ons
The starting price may seem simple, but extra costs often add up. Some hosts charge more for dedicated IPs, which makes connecting easier. Faster support can also mean an additional fee.
Backups are usually included, but the number of restore points or offsite storage options can vary. Player slots and memory upgrades are another factor, as some providers charge per slot, while others charge for RAM, so costs increase as your community expands.
Promotional deals are also common, with discounts for the first month or annual plans, but renewal prices are usually higher.
Self-hosting vs Paid Hosting
It is technically possible to host a Rust server on your own hardware, but while that avoids monthly fees, it comes with trade-offs. Running a server at home incurs additional costs, including electricity, hardware wear, and bandwidth usage.
It also requires you to stay on top of updates, patches, and protection from attacks, which can be time-consuming and stressful. For most players, managed hosting is the safer and easier option because it allows you to focus on gameplay and community building rather than maintenance.
How Pricing Has Shifted
In 2025, players have noticed that Rust server hosting prices have risen slightly compared to previous years. Plans that once started under $10 are now closer to $15, often because they include more resources and built-in features.
Discounts and special offers still appear, especially during seasonal events, but overall prices are slowly moving upward.
Hence, for smaller groups of ten to forty players running light mods, you should plan on spending between twelve and nineteen dollars a month. For active servers with fifty to one hundred players and regular wipe cycles, a monthly budget of twenty-five to thirty-five dollars is more realistic.
If you are aiming for a large public community with over one hundred players, heavy modding, and regular raids, expect to spend forty to sixty dollars or more per month.
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