So, you’re ready to start your own Rust server, butt how much is it actually going to cost?
Whether you’re setting up a private world for a few friends or planning to launch a public, modded Rust community, understanding the true cost of server hosting is key to making the right decision. Prices can range anywhere from $5 per month for a basic shared host to over $150+ per month for a high-performance dedicated server.
And it’s not just about the monthly fee, factors like the number of player slots, mods, storage, RAM, and control panel features all affect the final price.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
What you can expect to pay for Rust hosting based on server size and hosting type
What’s included in the cost (and what’s not)
Real-world pricing from popular hosts
Pro tips to save money without sacrificing performance
Let’s explore how much it really costs to host a Rust server in 2025.
Table of Contents
Types of Rust Hosting (and How They Affect Cost)
Before diving into actual prices, it’s important to understand the three main types of Rust server hosting, each with its own performance level, flexibility, and price point. Choosing the right one depends on your player count, mod usage, and technical skills.
Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is the most beginner-friendly and budget-conscious option. Your Rust server runs on a machine shared with other servers, and you typically manage it through a web-based control panel.
Price Range:
💰 $5 – $20/month, often based on player slots (e.g., $0.30–$0.50 per slot)
Ideal For:
Casual or private servers (1–30 players)
Beginners who don’t want to deal with backend configuration
Quick plug-and-play server setups
Pros:
Instant setup
Support included
No technical knowledge required
Cons:
Limited control
Shared resources can cause lag
Restricted plugin/mod access
VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server)
A VPS gives you partial access to a private server instance with dedicated resources like RAM, CPU, and storage. You have more freedom than shared hosting—often with root access—and it’s great for modded servers.
Price Range:
💰 $20 – $60/month, depending on specs (RAM, CPU, bandwidth)
Ideal For:
Medium-sized servers (20–50 players)
Modded gameplay
Server owners with some Linux/Windows server experience
Pros:
Better performance
Full access to install and manage uMod
Can run multiple Rust instances
Cons:
Requires more technical knowledge
You manage updates and security
Dedicated Server Hosting
Dedicated servers offer top-tier performance and total control. You’re renting an entire physical machine to run your Rust server—and possibly more (like test servers, bots, or websites).
Price Range:
💰 $80 – $150+/month, depending on hardware and provider
Ideal For:
High-population or monetized servers (50+ players)
Mod-heavy or custom-scripted environments
Admins with strong sysadmin skills or larger communities
Pros:
Best performance and reliability
Full root or RDP access
Host multiple servers or applications
Cons:
Higher cost
Setup and maintenance are on you (unless managed)
Pricing Breakdown by Player Slots
One of the biggest factors influencing Rust server hosting cost is the number of player slots you choose. Many shared hosting providers charge per slot, while VPS and dedicated servers base pricing on hardware resources (RAM, CPU, bandwidth).
Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect based on your server size:
💡 Shared Hosting (Per Slot Pricing)
| Player Slots | Estimated Cost | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 10–20 | $5 – $10/month | Small friend groups, LAN |
| 30–50 | $10 – $20/month | Starter public servers |
| 50–100 | $20 – $40/month | Growing community servers |
📌 Note: Some providers also charge for RAM or mod support as add-ons.
💡 VPS Hosting (Based on Resources)
| Specs (Example) | Estimated Cost | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM | $20 – $30/month | Light modding, 20–30 players |
| 4 vCPU, 8 GB RAM | $30 – $50/month | Medium modded, 30–50 players |
| 6 vCPU, 12+ GB RAM | $50 – $70/month | Performance-focused servers |
📌 With VPS, you can scale your resources more flexibly than shared hosting, ideal for modded servers.
💡 Dedicated Servers (Flat Monthly Rate)
| Hardware Tier | Estimated Cost | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (i5, 16 GB RAM) | $80 – $100/month | PvE or modded up to 50 players |
| Mid-tier (i7/Ryzen 5+) | $100 – $150/month | Large PvP, modded events |
| High-end (Xeon, 32+ GB) | $150+/month | Massive 100+ player servers |
🧠 You’re not limited by player slots here, just by how much your hardware can handle.
📌 Summary Table: Rust Hosting Cost by Server Size
| Server Type | Small (1–20) | Medium (20–50) | Large (50–100+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $5–$10 | $10–$20 | $20–$40 |
| VPS Hosting | $20–$30 | $30–$50 | $50–$70+ |
| Dedicated Server | $80–$100 | $100–$150 | $150–$200+ |
What’s Included in the Cost?
Rust server hosting isn’t just about player slots or hardware specs—it’s also about the features and services bundled into the monthly price. Some providers offer excellent value with built-in tools, while others charge extra for essential features.
Here’s what to expect (and what to look for) when evaluating what’s included in the cost:
🖥️ Server Management Panel
Most hosts include a user-friendly control panel like TCAdmin, GameCP, or a custom web interface.
✅ Features usually include:
Start/stop/restart buttons
File manager and FTP access
Console access
One-click mod installs
Scheduled restarts or wipes
🔄 Automatic Backups
Many providers include daily or weekly backups of your server files and world data.
🔐 Why it matters: Backups protect your server against crashes, plugin errors, or accidental wipes.
🛡️ DDoS Protection
All reputable hosts offer basic DDoS mitigation, but the level of protection varies.
✅ Look for providers that include:
Automatic threat detection
Protection up to several Gbps
No added cost for basic coverage
🧩 Mod/Plugin Support (uMod / Oxide)
Some shared hosts support uMod plugins out of the box. Others may limit plugin use or charge extra.
✅ Ideal hosts offer:
Plugin auto-installers
FTP access to
/oxide/plugins/Config file editors for JSON customization
🧑💻 Support and Maintenance
Shared hosts typically offer basic support, like plugin installation help or crash troubleshooting.
✔️ For VPS/Dedicated servers, support may be limited unless you choose a managed plan.
🔄 Server Updates
Many hosts provide automatic Rust updates after Facepunch releases patches (usually weekly). This keeps your server up to date without manual intervention.
🧠 Tip: Some control panels offer delay options so you can wait before pushing new updates.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
While many Rust hosting providers advertise low monthly rates, there are often additional costs that can catch you off guard, especially if you’re running a modded or growing server.
Let’s break down some of the most common hidden fees and upsells to watch out for.
⚠️ Setup Fees
Some managed VPS or dedicated server providers may charge a one-time setup fee (usually $10–$25), especially if they install custom panels or mods for you.
Most shared hosts do not charge setup fees, but always check the fine print.
⚠️ RAM and Storage Add-Ons
Shared hosts often lock RAM and disk space based on your plan.
Want to install lots of plugins or store multiple world backups? You may need to pay extra for additional SSD storage or memory.
💡 VPS and dedicated servers let you scale resources more freely but may charge more for larger drives or NVMe upgrades.
⚠️ Mod/Plugin Installation Services
While some hosts offer one-click plugin support, others charge to install or troubleshoot mods, especially custom ones.
Expect fees of $5–$20 per plugin setup from support teams on managed plans.
⚠️ Premium Support or Management
Need priority responses, plugin tuning, or help with advanced config files?
Some providers offer premium support packages or fully managed services, which can add $10–$30/month.
⚠️ Custom Domains or Branding Removal
Want your server on a custom subdomain like
play.yourserver.com?Some hosts charge extra for DNS setup or removing their branding from your public server listing.
⚠️ Migration or Upgrade Fees
Planning to switch plans or move from shared to dedicated?
Some hosts may charge for server migration, especially if data transfer or reconfiguration is needed.
🧠 Quick Tip:
Always read the pricing details and FAQs before subscribing. Look for:
“Included Features” vs “Optional Add-ons”
“Starting at” pricing vs actual feature-rich plan pricing
Tips to Save Money on Rust Hosting
Running a Rust server doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right strategy, you can cut unnecessary costs, avoid overpriced plans, and still deliver a smooth experience to your players.
Here are some smart ways to save money without sacrificing quality:
1. Start Small and Scale Up
Don’t pay for 100 slots when you’re just getting started. Begin with the minimum required slots or RAM and upgrade as your community grows.
💡 Many hosts allow quick upgrades without wiping your world or reinstalling plugins.
✅ 2. Pay Annually (If You’re Committed)
Most providers offer a 10–20% discount when you pay for 6–12 months in advance instead of monthly.
💰 Example: $15/month becomes ~$12/month when paid yearly.
✅ 3. Use Free Plugins Instead of Paid Mods
You can build a fully featured server using free uMod plugins. Many community-made tools are just as powerful as premium assets.
🎁 Bonus: Most are open-source and customizable to your needs.
✅ 4. Watch for Coupons and Seasonal Discounts
Game hosting companies often run Black Friday, Summer Sale, or New Year promotions. Check their websites or Reddit for discount codes before you subscribe.
✅ 5. Choose a Host With a Flat Pricing Model
Some providers charge per slot, while others offer plans based on RAM or hardware. Flat-rate hosts can be more cost-effective as your player base grows.
📌 Tip: Look for unlimited slot plans based on RAM usage (common in VPS/dedicated setups).
✅ 6. Monetize Your Server
Once your server is up and running, offer optional VIP perks, kits, or donation rewards. Just be sure to follow Facepunch’s server monetization guidelines.
💡 Even 5–10 supporters at $5/month can offset most of your hosting costs.
When Is It Worth Paying More?
While it’s smart to save where you can, there are situations where investing more in Rust server hosting is well worth the extra cost. If your server is growing or you’re building a serious community, paying a bit more upfront can mean better performance, fewer issues, and happier players.
Here’s when it makes sense to upgrade your plan or switch to a higher-tier host:
1. You’re Running a Modded or Heavily Customized Server
Mods like GUI Shop, Kits, or Economics add great features, but they also increase your CPU and RAM usage. A shared plan may choke under the load, while a VPS or dedicated server can handle it easily.
🧠 Pro Tip: Modded servers need at least 8–16 GB RAM to run smoothly with 20+ players.
2. Your Server Has 30+ Active Players
If your player base is growing, performance issues become more noticeable. Lag, crashes, and slow restarts can drive players away.
✅ Dedicated hosting ensures smoother gameplay, faster saves, and better uptime.
3. You Want a Low-Latency Server in a Specific Region
The closer your server is to your player base, the better the ping. Premium hosts let you choose from multiple global data centers (e.g., NA, EU, APAC), but some charge more for certain regions.
🌍 Worth it if you’re running a regional or competitive server.
4. You Need Full Control and Custom Scripting
Want to automate events, run custom APIs, or install Rust:IO with full control? Then a VPS or dedicated server with root access is the way to go.
🔧 You can install your own tools, track performance, or run multiple Rust instances side by side.
5. You’re Planning to Monetize or Grow a Community
If you’re building a brand, starting a Discord community, or offering paid VIP access, reliable hosting becomes a must. Better uptime, backup tools, and fast support protect your reputation and revenue.
Real-World Hosting Cost Examples
To help you better understand what you’re really paying for, here’s a snapshot of actual Rust server hosting prices from some of the most popular providers in 2025. These examples cover shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting tiers.
1. GravelHost
Plan: Shared Hosting
Slots: 40 players
Price: $9/month
Features: Custom control panel, free subdomain, DDoS protection
Add-ons: Upgrade RAM or CPU priority
2. HostHavoc
Plan: Shared Hosting
Slots: 30 players
Price: $$16/month
Features: DDoS protection, TCAdmin panel, one-click uMod install
Add-ons: Extra RAM and priority support available for additional fees
3. Apex Hosting
Plan: Shared Hosting
Slots: 60 players
Price: $11.24/month
Features: Instant setup, free backups, mod support, Rust:IO compatible
Notes: Known for great uptime and responsive support
Conclusion: Is Rust Server Hosting Worth the Cost?
If you’re serious about building your own Rust world—whether for friends or a growing public community, server hosting is 100% worth the cost. You get better performance, uptime, mod support, and customization than you’d ever achieve with a self-hosted setup.
Here’s a quick recap:
💰 Shared Hosting is perfect for beginners or small groups—starting at just $5–$15/month
⚙️ VPS Hosting gives you more control and performance for modded servers—around $30–$60/month
🖥️ Dedicated Servers are ideal for high-pop or monetized servers—$100/month and up
🧠 Knowing what’s included (and what’s not) helps you avoid hidden fees and overpaying
💡 You can always start small, test your setup, and scale as your needs grow
Final advice: Choose a hosting type based on your player count, budget, and technical comfort level. Don’t just go for the cheapest plan—go for what matches your Rust goals.
📌 Related Reads:
FAQs About Rust Hosting Costs
1. Can I host a Rust server for free?
Technically, yes, if you host it on your own PC or a spare machine. However, free setups often lead to lag, crashes, poor uptime, and limited control. You’ll also need to handle port forwarding, firewalls, and performance tuning yourself.
2. Is shared hosting enough for modded servers?
It depends. Lightly modded servers with 10–20 players may work fine on shared hosting. But if you’re using many plugins or expect 30+ players, a VPS or dedicated server is a better choice.
3. Will I pay more if I use plugins or mods?
Most shared hosts allow uMod support at no extra cost. However, some charge for plugin installation, premium mod packs, or extra RAM usage if your plugins consume more memory.
4. How do hosting providers calculate per-slot prices?
Shared hosting plans are often priced based on player slots $0.30–$0.50 per slot. Behind the scenes, this pricing reflects the CPU and RAM usage your server is expected to need.
