The question "how much does a FiveM server cost?" has no single answer. It depends on your ambitions: a test server for a few friends costs a couple of euros per month, while a full RP community can run into tens of euros. This article breaks down every cost, from the Cfx.re license to premium scripts.
The FiveM license: free
FiveM itself is free to use. You need a Cfx.re account and a license key from keymaster.fivem.net. That key is free. There are paid Patreon tiers at Cfx.re that offer extra features (such as a higher player limit and OneSync Infinity), but for most servers the free key is enough.
Cfx.re also offers Tebex integration for servers that want a webshop. Tebex charges a percentage of revenue, but that is only relevant if you actually sell in-game items.
Hosting: the biggest recurring cost
Hosting costs are primarily determined by the amount of RAM your server needs. That depends on three factors:
- Player count: more concurrent players means more memory.
- Resources/scripts: every resource uses memory. A server with 200 resources uses significantly more than one with 50.
- Streamed assets: custom vehicles, clothing packs and MLOs are kept in memory for streaming to players.
HostValues FiveM plans
| Plan | RAM | Price/month | Suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tramp | 2 GB | EUR 2.80 | Testing, development, standalone scripts |
| Garbage Man | 4 GB | EUR 5.60 | Small friend group, light RP |
| Bus Driver | 8 GB | EUR 11.20 | Full RP server up to 24 players |
| Cab Driver | 16 GB | EUR 22.40 | Serious community, many custom assets |
| Boss | 20 GB | EUR 28.00 | Large server, 64+ players |
| Maffia Boss | 32 GB | EUR 44.80 | Large network, multiple services |
All plans include a database, DDoS protection, txAdmin access and NVMe storage. Plans are cancelable monthly and you can upgrade at any time. A detailed breakdown per scenario is in FiveM server requirements.
Database: included or separate
An RP server needs a MySQL or MariaDB database for player data. At HostValues a database is included with every plan. Some other providers require you to buy a database separately or set one up yourself. A standalone database typically costs 1 to 5 euros per month extra, depending on size.
More on database setup in the FiveM server setup guide.
Scripts and resources
The framework itself (ESX, QBCore or Qbox) is free and open source. On top of it you install scripts that add functionality: jobs, vehicles, housing, weapon shops and more.
Free scripts
Thousands of free scripts are available on GitHub and the Cfx.re forum. You can build a complete RP server without paying for scripts. Quality varies: test every script on a development server and check whether server-side validation is present.
Paid scripts
Premium scripts typically offer better code, more features and active support. Prices vary:
- Simple scripts (a job, a menu): EUR 5 to 15, one-time.
- Comprehensive scripts (police system, garage system, housing system): EUR 15 to 40, one-time.
- Large packages (complete job system, extensive inventory system): EUR 40 to 100, one-time.
Most paid scripts are one-time purchases through Tebex, with free updates. Some creators charge separately for major version updates.
Custom assets
Vehicles, clothing and MLOs (interiors) give your server its own identity.
- Vehicles: EUR 5 to 30 per car, depending on quality. Packs with multiple vehicles are relatively cheaper. See installing custom vehicles.
- MLOs: EUR 10 to 50 per interior. Popular locations (police station, hospital, garage) are widely available.
- Clothing (EUP): the base pack is free. Premium clothing packs cost EUR 10 to 30.
VPS versus game hosting
An alternative to managed game hosting is a VPS (Virtual Private Server). On a VPS you have full control, but also full responsibility.
| Game hosting (HostValues) | VPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Ready to go, txAdmin included | Install everything yourself (Linux knowledge required) |
| Database | Included | Install and maintain yourself |
| DDoS protection | Included by default | Depends on provider, sometimes extra cost |
| File management | Game panel + SFTP | SSH + SFTP |
| Price (8 GB) | EUR 11.20/month | EUR 8 to 20/month (varies widely) |
| Support | Game-related help available | Infrastructure support only |
| Flexibility | FiveM-specific | Anything goes (website, bot, multiple servers) |
A VPS is more economical if you want to run multiple services (for example a FiveM server, a Discord bot and a website on the same machine). For just a FiveM server, game hosting is less work and often cheaper once you factor in DDoS protection and database costs.
Total cost overview by scenario
| Scenario | Monthly | One-time (estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Test server (2 GB, free scripts) | EUR 2.80 | EUR 0 |
| Small RP server (8 GB, mix free/paid) | EUR 11.20 | EUR 50 to 150 |
| Serious community (16 GB, premium scripts) | EUR 22.40 | EUR 200 to 500 |
| Large server (20-32 GB, extensive assets) | EUR 28.00 to 44.80 | EUR 500 to 1,500 |
Monthly costs are predictable: hosting is the only recurring expense. Scripts and assets are one-time purchases. The Cfx.re platform is free.
Where can you save money?
- Start small: begin with a cheaper plan and upgrade when needed. At HostValues you can upgrade at any time.
- Use free scripts: the quality of free scripts has improved significantly in recent years, especially within the ox ecosystem.
- Remove unused resources: every resource costs memory. Remove scripts you do not use instead of buying more RAM.
View all plans on FiveM hosting. Not sure which plan fits? Read FiveM server requirements or reach out via a ticket.
