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Maps · head to head

Nominatim vs Stadia Maps

Nominatim logo

Nominatim

Maps

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

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

Stadia Maps

Maps

High-performance map tiles, routing, geocoding, and search APIs for developers with reliable

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Stadia Maps 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; Stadia Maps limited customization features compared to Mapbox
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Nominatim and Stadia Maps actually diverge.

Attributes where Nominatim and Stadia Maps differ
AttributeNominatimStadia Maps
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWeb, JavaScript
FoundedUnknown2016

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 Stadia Maps does not also cover.

Only in Stadia Maps

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 Stadia Maps
  • Address lookup and location searchnot Stadia Maps
  • OpenStreetMap-based geolocation datanot Stadia Maps

Stadia Maps

No use cases recorded yet. See the Stadia Maps review.

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

Stadia Maps

  • Limited customization features compared to Mapbox
  • Relies entirely on OpenStreetMap data, inheriting its accuracy and coverage limitations
  • Smaller service with fewer community resources and support options compared to Google Maps or Mapbox
  • Limited real-time traffic data compared to larger mapping providers like Google Maps

Pricing, plan by plan

Nominatim

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Nominatim review.

Stadia Maps

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Stadia Maps review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Nominatim if

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

Nominatim review

Choose Stadia Maps if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, JavaScript.
Stadia Maps review

Questions people ask

Is Nominatim or Stadia Maps better?
Neither clearly leads. Nominatim starts at On request and Stadia Maps at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Nominatim or Stadia Maps?
Stadia Maps has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Nominatim and Free for Stadia Maps.
Does Nominatim or Stadia Maps run on more platforms?
Nominatim runs on Web. Stadia Maps runs on Web, JavaScript.
Can I use Stadia Maps for free?
Yes. Stadia Maps 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 Stadia Maps 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
Stadia Maps: What is Stadia Maps' pricing model?

Stadia Maps uses a credits-based pricing model with fixed credit pools to prevent billing shock. Starter, Standard, and Professional plans are available, with a 14-day free trial for new accounts.

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
Stadia Maps: Does Stadia Maps have a free tier?

Yes, Stadia Maps offers a free tier for development, evaluation, and non-commercial use including academic applications.

Source
Stadia Maps: What data does Stadia Maps use?

Stadia Maps builds on OpenStreetMap data, so the coverage and accuracy depend on OSM's crowdsourced contributors.

Source
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