FiveM Server Hosting Cost: What You Really Pay (2026)

A FiveM server costs nothing in software: FXServer, txAdmin and the license key are free. What you pay for is hosting, usually 10 to 40 USD a month depending on RAM, plus optional extras like an Element Club subscription (from 15 USD a month) for more than 48 slots and any paid scripts, cars or maps you add.

What does a FiveM server cost per month?

A typical FiveM roleplay server costs about 20 USD a month to host, and a small freeroam or test server about 10 USD. The full monthly cost is made of four parts, and only the first is unavoidable:

The rest of this guide goes through each one so you can budget before you buy anything.

How much does FiveM hosting cost?

Hosting is priced by RAM because RAM decides how many resources a FiveM server can carry. A vanilla server runs on 4 GB, a QBCore, Qbox or ESX roleplay server with a few dozen scripts wants 8 GB, and servers with lots of custom cars and maps need 12 to 16 GB. FiveM does most of its work on one main thread, so fast CPU cores matter more than a high core count.

Our FiveM plans:

Every plan includes a MySQL database, txAdmin set up on your ports, DDoS protection, backups and 24/7 support. New customers get 50% off the first month, and you can cancel any time.

Can I split the cost with my staff team?

Yes. Roleplay servers are usually run by a group, and at checkout you can split the bill with up to 10 friends for a 1 USD fee per share. A Standard plan split five ways comes to about 5 USD each a month. Each friend pays their own share, and everyone moves to the new price if you change plan.

Is the FiveM license key free?

Yes. Every FiveM server needs a license key from the Cfx.re portal at portal.cfx.re, and it costs nothing. Sign in with your Cfx.re account, open Server Keys and generate one. The free key allows up to 48 players with OneSync Infinity, according to FiveM's server hosting page. If the key is rejected, see our license key error guide.

Do I need Element Club?

Only if you need more than 48 player slots. Element Club is Cfx.re's paid subscription, and its tiers raise the slot limit. The prices listed on fivem.net:

All tiers also allow streaming custom clothing. Most new servers never get near 48 players at once, so leave this until your peak player count actually needs it. Our plans stop at 48 slots, the most the free key allows.

How much do FiveM scripts and mods cost?

Anywhere from nothing to a lot. The big frameworks (QBCore, Qbox, ESX Legacy) and the ox libraries are free and open source, and a full roleplay base can be built without spending anything. Paid resources sold on Tebex, such as phones, housing, custom MLO interiors and vehicle packs, are one off purchases with prices set by each creator, and they are where budgets usually grow.

Two rules keep this under control:

• Start free. Our best free FiveM scripts list covers the foundations, and QBCore vs Qbox vs ESX helps you pick a base.
• Buy for a reason. Each paid script adds RAM use, update work and a dependency on its creator. Add them one at a time, with a backup before each.

Only use resources you have the rights to. The Rockstar Creator Platform License Agreement at fivem.net/terms also limits what you can sell to players, so check it before you plan to make money from the server.

Is it cheaper to host a FiveM server at home?

The software is free, so a home server costs only electricity and the hardware you already own. The catch is everything around it: the PC has to stay on all day, you need to forward port 30120 on TCP and UDP, install and secure MariaDB for your framework, and your home IP is shared with every player who connects. Home internet uploads are often the first limit on a busy roleplay server. Our free FiveM hosting guide goes through the free options and their limits.

A realistic budget for a new roleplay server

For a new QBCore, Qbox or ESX server with free scripts, a staff team of five and up to 32 players:

• Hosting on an 8 GB plan: 19.99 USD a month, about 5 USD each if split five ways.
• License key: free.
• Element Club: not needed below 48 slots.
• Scripts: free to start.

That is a real, running roleplay server for the price of a takeaway, with room to add paid resources later as the community grows. When you outgrow 8 GB, upgrade the plan and the price difference is prorated. Ready to start? Follow the FiveM hosting quick start.

FAQ

How much RAM does a FiveM server need?

A vanilla server runs on 4 GB and a typical roleplay server on 8 GB. Servers with many custom cars, MLO maps and scripts need 12 to 16 GB.

Is FiveM server hosting free?

The software and license key are free, so you can host on your own PC at no cost. Hosting it online around the clock costs money, from 9.99 USD a month on our Starter plan.

How many players can a free FiveM server have?

Up to 48 players with OneSync Infinity on the free Cfx.re license key. More slots need an Element Club subscription.

What is the cheapest way to run a FiveM roleplay server?

Use a free framework and free scripts, pick an 8 GB plan and split the bill with your staff team. Add paid resources only when the community needs them.

Can I change plans later?

Yes. You can upgrade as your server grows, and the price difference is prorated. Take a backup before big changes like adding a car pack.