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Maps · head to head

Nominatim vs OpenStreetMap

Nominatim logo

Nominatim

Maps

Open-source geocoding tool for OpenStreetMap data, providing address search and reverse geocoding capabilities

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: Nominatim the public API allows an absolute maximum of 1 request per second; 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 Nominatim and OpenStreetMap actually diverge.

Attributes where Nominatim and OpenStreetMap differ
AttributeNominatimOpenStreetMap
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 Nominatim

Nothing recorded that OpenStreetMap does not also cover.

Only in OpenStreetMap

Nothing recorded that Nominatim 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.

Nominatim

  • Geocoding and reverse geocoding servicesnot OpenStreetMap
  • Address lookup and location searchnot OpenStreetMap
  • OpenStreetMap-based geolocation datanot OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap

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

Where each one falls short

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

Nominatim

  • The public API allows an absolute maximum of 1 request per second
  • Bulk geocoding must run in a single thread and cannot be distributed across machines
  • Scripts running longer than a day or on a schedule are limited to 4 requests per minute
  • Autocomplete search against the public API is explicitly prohibited
  • Systematic queries such as grid based reverse lookups and complete data downloads are prohibited
  • Reselling geocoding results or acting as an API intermediary is prohibited
  • Every request must send a valid HTTP Referer or User-Agent identifying the application, and default library headers are rejected
  • Results must be cached client side, and repeated identical queries can lead to blocking
  • Attribution to OpenStreetMap under ODbL must be displayed

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

Nominatim

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Nominatim review.

OpenStreetMap

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenStreetMap review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Nominatim if

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

Nominatim review

Choose OpenStreetMap if

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

Questions people ask

Is Nominatim or OpenStreetMap better?
Neither clearly leads. Nominatim 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, Nominatim or OpenStreetMap?
OpenStreetMap has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Nominatim and Free for OpenStreetMap.
Does Nominatim or OpenStreetMap run on more platforms?
Nominatim 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. Nominatim starts at On request.
What is Nominatim best used for?
Nominatim is most often used for geocoding and reverse geocoding services, address lookup and location search, openstreetmap-based geolocation data. Of those, geocoding and reverse geocoding services and address lookup and location search are not what OpenStreetMap is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Nominatim: Is Nominatim free?

Nominatim is open source software built on OpenStreetMap data. It appears to be free to use, though commercial usage may require separate licensing or terms. Check the project repository or contact support for clarity on licensing.

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
Nominatim: What is Nominatim's pricing model?

Nominatim does not publish a standard pricing model on its website. As open source software, it is available for free, but commercial or large-scale deployments may require reviewing their licensing terms or contacting project maintainers.

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
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