Kubernetes Waste Report 2024
Real data from 10,000+ pods across 500+ Kubernetes clusters
Executive Summary
- •Average cluster waste: $847/month ($10,164/year)
- •Primary cause: Memory over-provisioning (73% of total waste)
- •Worst offenders: Java, Node.js, and Python applications
- •Quick wins: Teams can reduce costs by 30-60% in first week
Methodology
This report analyzes anonymous data from 10,247 pods across 537 Kubernetes clustersaudited using Wozz between January and November 2024.
Data collection: Wozz uses kubectl top pods to measure actual memory and CPU usage, then compares it against resource requests to calculate waste.
Cost calculation: Conservative cloud pricing averages across AWS, GCP, and Azure:
- Memory: $7.20/GB/month
- CPU: $21.60/core/month
- Load Balancers: $20/month each
- Storage: $0.10/GB/month
Memory Waste by Programming Language
Different languages have vastly different memory usage patterns. Here is what we found:
| Language | Pods Analyzed | Avg Request | Avg Actual Usage | Waste % | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Java | 3,421 | 2.4 GB | 820 MB | 66% | $13.20/pod/mo |
| Node.js | 2,847 | 1.2 GB | 380 MB | 68% | $6.80/pod/mo |
| Python | 1,923 | 1.8 GB | 510 MB | 72% | $10.60/pod/mo |
| Go | 1,542 | 512 MB | 240 MB | 53% | $2.20/pod/mo |
| Rust | 514 | 256 MB | 180 MB | 30% | $0.60/pod/mo |
Key Insight: Python and Node.js apps waste the most memory percentage-wise (68-72%), but Java apps cost the most in absolute dollars due to higher base requests.
Waste by Industry
SaaS / Startups
Average waste per cluster
Primary issue: Java microservices with overly generous memory requests (4GB+ per pod).
E-commerce
Average waste per cluster
Primary issue: Node.js APIs scaled to 50+ replicas without right-sizing.
Enterprise
Average waste per cluster
Primary issue: Monolithic apps with 8GB+ requests running in containers.
Gaming
Average waste per cluster
Primary issue: Go services with moderate over-provisioning. Best optimized industry.
Waste by Cloud Provider
Cloud provider choice impacts waste patterns due to different default node sizes and instance types:
| Provider | Clusters | Avg Waste | Most Common Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS EKS | 287 | $920/mo | Orphaned ELBs ($18 each) |
| Google GKE | 184 | $780/mo | Memory over-provisioning |
| Azure AKS | 66 | $850/mo | Unbound persistent volumes |
Recommendations
1. Start with Java Apps
Java pods have the highest absolute waste. Reducing a single Java app from 4GB to 1GB saves $21/month.
Action: Run kubectl top pods to see actual usage, then right-size requests.
2. Delete Orphaned Load Balancers
18% of clusters have orphaned LoadBalancer services costing $18-20/month each. These are quick wins.
Action: Run kubectl get svc --all-namespaces and look for LBs with no pods.
3. Set Reasonable Defaults
Use VerticalPodAutoscaler (VPA) or LimitRanges to prevent developers from requesting 8GB "just to be safe."
Action: Create a LimitRange with sane defaults for your workloads.
4. Audit Monthly
Waste creeps back. Teams deploy new apps without right-sizing. Run audits monthly to catch regressions.
Action: Schedule a monthly audit using Wozz or similar tools.
Conclusion
The average Kubernetes cluster wastes $847/month ($10,164/year) due to over-provisioned resources. This waste is predictable and preventable.
Most teams can reduce costs by 30-60% in the first week by:
- Right-sizing Java, Node.js, and Python applications
- Deleting orphaned load balancers and unbound volumes
- Setting reasonable default resource requests
- Auditing clusters monthly to prevent regression
This report is based on real data from 537 clusters. For more information or to audit your own cluster, visit wozz.io.
How to Cite This Report
Wozz.io. (2024). Kubernetes Waste Report 2024: Analysis of 10,000 Pods Across 500 Clusters. Retrieved from https://wozz.io/blog/kubernetes-waste-report-2024Want to See Your Cluster's Waste?
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