How much does it cost to run a SQL Server?

Is SQL Server free to use?

SQL Server 2019 Developer is a full-featured free edition, licensed for use as a development and test database in a non-production environment.

Is SQL Server 2019 free?

Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express is a free, feature-rich editions of SQL Server that is ideal for learning, developing, powering desktop, web & small server applications, and for redistribution by ISVs.

Is SQL Server licensed per instance?

Licensing SQL under the CAL model requires each instance of SQL (virtual or physical) to be licensed with a single SQL Server license. Then a choice of User or Device CALs (Client Access Licenses) are required for every user or device which can access the server.