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Maps · head to head

MapQuest vs OpenStreetMap

MapQuest logo

MapQuest

Maps

Free driving directions, live traffic updates, and road conditions for trip planning and navigation

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenStreetMap logo

OpenStreetMap

Maps

Collaborative project to create a free editable geographic database of the world

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OpenStreetMap has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MapQuest subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand; OpenStreetMap data accuracy varies dramatically by geographic region depending on volunteer coverage
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MapQuest and OpenStreetMap actually diverge.

Attributes where MapQuest and OpenStreetMap differ
AttributeMapQuestOpenStreetMap
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWeb, API
FoundedUnknown2004

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in MapQuest

Nothing recorded that OpenStreetMap does not also cover.

Only in OpenStreetMap

Nothing recorded that MapQuest does not also cover.

Both cover

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

MapQuest

  • Geocoding, routing and static maps over an APInot OpenStreetMap
  • Adding directions and place search to an applicationnot OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap

  • Supplying map data to websites, mobile apps and hardware devicesnot MapQuest
  • Community mapping of roads, trails, cafes and railway stationsnot MapQuest
  • Projects that need open map data and can meet the attribution requirementnot MapQuest
  • Building on map data where a share-alike licence is acceptablenot MapQuest

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

MapQuest

  • Subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand
  • The 50,000 free pay as you go transactions are described as available for a limited time rather than as a standing allowance
  • Plan allowances are monthly and do not carry over
  • Enterprise volume is custom priced

OpenStreetMap

  • Data accuracy varies dramatically by geographic region depending on volunteer coverage
  • No minimum quality standards enforced, making data prone to errors and inconsistencies
  • Data completeness gaps, especially for minor roads and remote areas
  • Bias toward well-mapped regions with high volunteer activity
  • Positional accuracy concerns with only 70-76% of roads within 5-10 meter tolerance
  • Tag criteria not well-defined leading to logical consistency issues

Pricing, plan by plan

MapQuest

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapQuest review.

OpenStreetMap

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenStreetMap review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MapQuest if

Nothing in the data separates MapQuest from OpenStreetMap on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

MapQuest review

Choose OpenStreetMap if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, API.
OpenStreetMap review

Questions people ask

Is MapQuest or OpenStreetMap better?
Neither clearly leads. MapQuest starts at On request and OpenStreetMap at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MapQuest or OpenStreetMap?
OpenStreetMap has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for MapQuest and Free for OpenStreetMap.
Does MapQuest or OpenStreetMap run on more platforms?
MapQuest runs on Web. OpenStreetMap runs on Web, API.
Can I use OpenStreetMap for free?
Yes. OpenStreetMap has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MapQuest starts at On request.
What is MapQuest best used for?
MapQuest is most often used for geocoding, routing and static maps over an api, adding directions and place search to an application. Of those, geocoding, routing and static maps over an api and adding directions and place search to an application are not what OpenStreetMap is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MapQuest: What is the cheapest way to use MapQuest APIs?

The MapQuestGO plan offers 50,000 free transactions for a limited time, then charges $0.0045 per transaction. Monthly subscription plans start at $119/month for 30,000 transactions.

Source
OpenStreetMap: Is OpenStreetMap free to use?

Yes, OpenStreetMap is completely free and open-source under the Open Data Commons license. You can download and use map data for any purpose.

Source
MapQuest: Can I cache or store geocoding results on a monthly MapQuest plan?

No. Storing or caching geocodes is not allowed on monthly plans. Only Enterprise accounts can store geocodes off-map with the Extended Rights Geocoding feature.

Source
OpenStreetMap: How accurate is OpenStreetMap?

OpenStreetMap accuracy varies by region. In well-mapped areas like developed countries, accuracy is generally high. Only 76% of OSM roads aligned within 10 meters of reference roads, with 70% within 5 meters.

Source
MapQuest: What happens if I exceed my MapQuest monthly transaction limit?

The MapQuest pricing page does not specify overage charges. Users can modify their plan selection from their account dashboard at any time to scale up.

Source
MapQuest: Can I change my MapQuest plan mid-cycle?

Yes. Users can modify their plan selection from their account dashboard at any time, making it easy to scale as needs evolve.

Source
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