IPv4 address prices have risen significantly since exhaustion. Understanding pricing factors helps you make informed decisions about leasing versus purchasing.
Historical Price Evolution
IPv4 prices have followed a consistent upward trend since exhaustion.
2011-2014
$5-10/IP
2015-2018
$10-20/IP
2019-2022
$25-40/IP
2023-2024
$30-55/IP
Factors Affecting Price
Several factors influence IPv4 pricing.
Block Size
Larger blocks (/20, /16) command lower per-IP prices
Reputation
Clean, never-blacklisted IPs are worth more
RIR Region
ARIN addresses often priced higher than RIPE
Market Demand
Cloud growth and IPv6 adoption pace affect demand
Leasing vs Purchasing Economics
For many businesses, leasing offers better economics.
| Factor | Leasing | Purchasing |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Low (first month) | High ($30-55/IP) |
| Flexibility | Can scale up/down | Fixed commitment |
| Break-even | Never if needs change | 2-4 years typically |