GKE Cost Optimization: Reduce Google Kubernetes Engine Spend

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) provides powerful managed Kubernetes infrastructure — but without careful resource management, costs can scale faster than expected. Many teams over-provision CPU and memory, misconfigure autoscaling, or miss commitment discounts. InfraPilot helps engineering teams identify cost optimization opportunities safely and efficiently.

Why GKE Cost Optimization Matters

GKE costs primarily come from node pool compute instances, storage, load balancers, and network egress. Even small inefficiencies across multiple deployments can accumulate significantly over time.

Common optimization areas include:

• Over-provisioned CPU and memory requests
• Underutilized node pools
• Missing autoscaling configurations
• Unoptimized machine types
• Non-production clusters running continuously
• Missed committed use discounts

How InfraPilot Identifies GKE Cost Optimization Opportunities

Cluster Resource Analysis

InfraPilot analyzes pod resource requests versus actual usage metrics to identify over-provisioning patterns and underutilized resources.

Billing Correlation

When BigQuery billing export is enabled, InfraPilot correlates resource consumption with actual spend, improving cost visibility and savings estimation accuracy.

AI-Powered Recommendations

Based on cluster configuration and cost patterns, InfraPilot generates prioritized optimization recommendations with estimated impact and implementation effort guidance.

Common GKE Cost Optimization Strategies

Right-Size Resource Requests

Align CPU and memory requests with real usage patterns to avoid paying for unused capacity.

Enable Autoscaling

Cluster Autoscaler and Vertical Pod Autoscaler can dynamically adjust infrastructure based on demand.

Evaluate Spot Instances

Fault-tolerant workloads can often leverage spot/preemptible instances to reduce compute costs.

Leverage Commitment Discounts

Predictable workloads may benefit from 1-year or 3-year committed use discounts.

Security and Permissions

InfraPilot operates entirely in read-only mode. No infrastructure changes are executed automatically. Recommendations are provided for manual review and controlled implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can GKE cost optimization typically save?

Savings depend on workload characteristics and existing configuration. Many teams identify 15–40% cost optimization opportunities.

Is InfraPilot safe for production clusters?

Yes. Only read-only permissions are required, and no infrastructure changes are performed automatically.

Is BigQuery billing export required?

Not required, but recommended for more detailed cost correlation.