Kubernetes Cloud Spending Insights and Trends

This document is a microsurvey report on cloud spending related to Kubernetes, conducted by CNCF with assistance from the OpenCost team. The survey highlights that cloud spending has significantly increased due to the adoption of Kubernetes, with nearly half of the respondents reporting higher costs. The report details various spending levels, indicating that a substantial portion of budgets is allocated to Kubernetes, with some organizations spending over $1 million per month. It identifies key factors contributing to overspending, including over-provisioning and lack of awareness regarding resource management. Additionally, the report discusses the tools and approaches used by organizations to monitor and manage cloud costs, revealing that many respondents rely on estimates rather than accurate data. The survey also addresses the perceived need for improved awareness and collaboration among teams to control spending, with a significant majority recognizing the importance of individual responsibility in managing costs. The findings reflect the current state of FinOps practices among Kubernetes users.