Managed relational engines
Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL vs Azure Database for PostgreSQL (flexible server)
Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL maps to Azure Database for PostgreSQL (flexible server).
Both run community PostgreSQL with automated backups, point-in-time restore, standby-based HA, read replicas, and a large set of extensions.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL | Azure Database for PostgreSQL (flexible server) |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Managed community PostgreSQL on EC2-based DB instances with EBS storage, automated backups and point-in-time recovery, Multi-AZ (one standby, or a two-readable-standby cluster), read replicas, and paid Extended Support for older major versions. | Managed community PostgreSQL in Burstable, General Purpose, and Memory Optimized tiers, with same-zone or zone-redundant HA (synchronous warm standby), read replicas, built-in PgBouncer, in-place major version upgrades, stop/start, and extensions such as pgvector. |
| Pricing model | Per instance-hour by class, plus storage (GB-month, with provisioned IOPS for io1/io2 or gp3 above the baseline), backup storage beyond the free allowance, and Extended Support fees for old versions. | Per vCore-hour by tier, plus provisioned storage (and IOPS on Premium SSD v2), backup storage beyond the free allowance, and the standby billed like a second server when HA is on. |
| Docs | Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL docs | Azure Database for PostgreSQL (flexible server) docs |
| Pricing page | Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL pricing | Azure Database for PostgreSQL (flexible server) pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 SOA-C03 DVA-C02 Retiring | AZ-305 AZ-104 |
Key differences
- Compute tiers. RDS uses DB instance classes (burstable t, general m, memory-optimized r and x). Azure has Burstable, General Purpose, and Memory Optimized tiers, and you can stop a server to save compute cost on both clouds.
- HA. RDS Multi-AZ uses a standby instance, or a Multi-AZ DB cluster with two readable standbys. Azure zone-redundant HA keeps a synchronous warm standby in another zone; the standby isn't readable.
- Connection pooling. Azure has PgBouncer built into the server (General Purpose and Memory Optimized). On AWS you use RDS Proxy, a separate paid service.
- Version lifecycle. RDS offers paid Extended Support after a major version's standard support ends. Azure offers in-place major version upgrades. Check each provider's version calendar.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Per instance-hour by class, plus storage (GB-month, with provisioned IOPS for io1/io2 or gp3 above the baseline), backup storage beyond the free allowance, and Extended Support fees for old versions. Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL pricing →
- Azure
- Per vCore-hour by tier, plus provisioned storage (and IOPS on Premium SSD v2), backup storage beyond the free allowance, and the standby billed like a second server when HA is on. Azure Database for PostgreSQL (flexible server) 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 CloudOps Engineer – Associate SOA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Replaces AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02), whose last exam day was Sep 29, 2025. Simplified Chinese and Korean versions retire after Nov 19, 2026. |
| AWS Certified Developer – Associate DVA-C02 | AWS | Associate | retiring Being updated to DVA-C03. Registration for DVA-C03 opens Oct 27, 2026. Last day to take DVA-C02 is Nov 30, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 | Azure | Expert | current English version updated Apr 17, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 | Azure | Associate | current |
Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.
FAQ
What is the Azure equivalent of Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL?
Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL maps to Azure Database for PostgreSQL (flexible server). Both run community PostgreSQL with automated backups, point-in-time restore, standby-based HA, read replicas, and a large set of extensions.
How does pricing compare between Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL and Azure Database for PostgreSQL (flexible server)?
AWS: Per instance-hour by class, plus storage (GB-month, with provisioned IOPS for io1/io2 or gp3 above the baseline), backup storage beyond the free allowance, and Extended Support fees for old versions. Azure: Per vCore-hour by tier, plus provisioned storage (and IOPS on Premium SSD v2), backup storage beyond the free allowance, and the standby billed like a second server when HA is on. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer – Associate (SOA-C03); AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C02) [retiring]; Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305); Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104).