Idle nodes bill 24/7

ElastiCache cost optimization

ElastiCache nodes bill every hour they run, whether the cache is busy or empty. Idle clusters, oversized node types, and non-Graviton nodes are the usual sources of waste.

Why the waste happens

  • Clusters are spun up for a feature or a load test and never torn down.
  • Node types are sized for a peak that never arrives, so memory and CPU sit mostly idle.
  • Nodes run non-Graviton types (cache.r5, cache.m5) instead of cheaper Graviton (cache.r6g, cache.m6g).
  • Steady, long-lived clusters run fully on-demand with no reserved-node coverage.

How to spot it

  • Clusters with low CPU, low cache hits, and few connections over several weeks.
  • Large node types where memory utilization stays well below capacity.
  • Non-Graviton node families.
  • Long-running production clusters with no reserved nodes.

The fix

  • Delete clusters that are idle or were left over from tests.
  • Right-size the node type to actual memory and throughput needs.
  • Migrate to Graviton node types for a same-performance discount.
  • Buy reserved nodes for clusters that run continuously.

Find every ElastiCache issue in one scan

Cloud Cost Analyzer flags idle ElastiCache clusters using CPU, hit-rate, and connection metrics, plus oversized and non-Graviton node types, and prices each so you can right-size or retire with confidence.

$ cca scan --provider aws

Read-only, runs in about 5 minutes. Free tier, no credit card.

ElastiCache cost FAQ

How do I know if an ElastiCache cluster is idle?+

Look for low CPU utilization, a low cache-hit rate, and few active connections over a representative period. A cluster that stays quiet across weeks is a candidate to downsize or delete. Cloud Cost Analyzer combines these signals to flag idle clusters.

Does ElastiCache support Graviton?+

Yes. ElastiCache offers Graviton node types (for example cache.r6g and cache.m6g) that are typically cheaper than the equivalent Intel nodes for the same performance.

Are reserved nodes worth it for ElastiCache?+

For clusters that run continuously, reserved nodes offer a significant discount over on-demand in exchange for a one or three year commitment. Cover the steady baseline, not short-lived or bursty clusters.

See what you are overpaying for

Point a read-only CLI at your account and get a ranked fix list with dollar amounts. Free tier, no credit card.