A query cost is the charge for looking up, scanning, or processing stored observability signals to answer a question. Providers may measure it in samples processed, data volume scanned, lookups, or API calls. section 5.6.1 section 8.3.2
The alert that quietly adds up
An interactive dashboard query is only one source of usage. An alert evaluated at regular intervals executes queries repeatedly; at scale, these evaluations can create unexpected charges. Trace retrieval also incurs query cost when users view traces, histograms, service maps, or advanced visualizations. section 5.6.1 section 8.3.2
Assess query cost alongside ingestion and storage rather than treating retention as the whole bill. Query frequency, scan volume, retention settings, and downsampling can affect operational economics, so validate actual pricing and discounts with the chosen provider. section 5.6.1 section 8.3.2
