Hybrid, edge & VMware
AWS Local Zones vs Azure Extended Zones
AWS Local Zones map to Azure Extended Zones.
Both are small provider-run extensions of a parent region in metro areas, but Extended Zones are fewer, access is by request, and fewer services are offered.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | AWS Local Zones | Azure Extended Zones |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Access is by request. Several services, such as Azure Virtual Desktop, are in preview inside extended zones even though they're GA in regions. |
| What it is | AWS-operated infrastructure in metro areas, extending a parent Region with EC2, EBS, and selected services for single-digit-ms latency or data residency. | Small-footprint Azure extensions in metro areas or specific jurisdictions for low latency and data residency. VMs, scale sets, AKS, managed disks, and core networking are available, and the control plane stays in the parent region. |
| Pricing model | Local Zone pricing differs from the parent Region and is listed per zone. | Resources in Extended Zones are billed at their own rates per zone. See each service's pricing page and the pricing calculator. |
| Docs | AWS Local Zones docs | Azure Extended Zones docs |
| Pricing page | AWS Local Zones pricing | Azure Extended Zones pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 SAP-C02 Retiring | AZ-305 |
Key differences
- Footprint. Local Zones cover many metros worldwide, and you opt in per zone. Azure Extended Zones need an access request, and the list of zones is provided during that process.
- Services. Local Zones support EC2, EBS, VPC, ECS/EKS, and selected services (some zones add RDS, ElastiCache, FSx, Direct Connect). Extended Zones support VMs (A/B/D/E/F and NVadsA10 v5), scale sets, AKS, managed disks, premium storage, and core networking. Some services, such as Azure Virtual Desktop, are preview there.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Local Zone pricing differs from the parent Region and is listed per zone. AWS Local Zones pricing →
- Azure
- Resources in Extended Zones are billed at their own rates per zone. See each service's pricing page and the pricing calculator. Azure Extended Zones pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Italian version retires after Dec 31, 2026. |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional SAP-C02 | AWS | Professional | retiring Being updated to SAP-C03. Registration for SAP-C03 opens Oct 27, 2026. Last day to take SAP-C02 is Nov 16, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 | Azure | Expert | current English version updated Apr 17, 2026. |
Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.
Verification notes
- Microsoft doesn't publish a public list of Extended Zone locations on the overview page. Availability is disclosed during the access request.
FAQ
What is the Azure equivalent of AWS Local Zones?
AWS Local Zones map to Azure Extended Zones. Both are small provider-run extensions of a parent region in metro areas, but Extended Zones are fewer, access is by request, and fewer services are offered.
How does pricing compare between AWS Local Zones and Azure Extended Zones?
AWS: Local Zone pricing differs from the parent Region and is listed per zone. Azure: Resources in Extended Zones are billed at their own rates per zone. See each service's pricing page and the pricing calculator. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (SAP-C02) [retiring]; Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).