Cloud cost optimization in Kubernetes is usually about better defaults, not aggressive downsizing.
Start with visibility
Track cost by namespace, team, and workload. Without visibility, optimization discussions become guesswork.
High-impact improvements
- Right-size requests and limits
- Remove idle workloads
- Use autoscaling where traffic fluctuates
- Schedule noncritical jobs to cheaper windows
Capacity strategy
Use mixed node pools and isolate bursty workloads. Keep critical paths on stable capacity.
Keep performance first
Define SLOs before optimization so cost changes never degrade user experience.