Google Maps Platform powers maps, geocoding, places, directions and more. Pricing is per SKU (each feature is billed separately) with a monthly free allowance. Here's the cost, the free tier, and how to get a properly-restricted key.
| API (SKU) | Price | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Maps (JS map loads) | ~$7 | 1,000 loads |
| Static Maps | ~$2 | 1,000 requests |
| Geocoding | ~$5 | 1,000 requests |
| Places (details) | ~$17 | 1,000 requests |
| Directions | ~$5 | 1,000 requests |
Google Maps Platform includes a monthly free usage allowance per product, so low-traffic sites frequently pay nothing. But you must attach a billing account to use any key — there's no fully free, billing-less tier. Set budget alerts in Google Cloud and restrict your key so it can't be abused if it leaks (a leaked unrestricted key is the classic way people get a surprise bill).
1. Open console.cloud.google.com and create (or pick) a project.
2. Enable the specific Maps APIs you need (Maps JavaScript API, Geocoding, Places, etc.).
3. Attach a billing account (required even for free-tier usage).
4. Go to APIs & Services → Credentials → Create credentials → API key.
5. Restrict the key: by API (only the ones you use) and by HTTP referrer (your domain) or app — do this immediately.
Geocode an address:
Mapbox is the main competitor — similar features, often cheaper, with a generous free tier. OpenStreetMap data with Leaflet or MapLibre is free (you only pay for tile hosting, or self-host). For geocoding alone, Nominatim (OSM) is free with usage limits. If you mostly need a static map or basic geocoding, the alternatives can cut your bill to near zero.
It's pay-as-you-go per SKU with a monthly free allowance per product. Low-traffic sites often stay free, but you must attach a billing account.
In Google Cloud Console: create a project, enable the Maps APIs, add billing, then Credentials → Create API key — and restrict it by API and referrer right away.
Mapbox is usually cheaper with a strong free tier and great styling control; Google has the richest places/traffic data. For simple maps, OpenStreetMap + Leaflet/MapLibre is free.
Not affiliated with Google. Prices are reference estimates — always verify on the official pricing page.