Billing & Permissions

Required API Permissions

Enable only the APIs your implementation uses:

The placeholder slot is empty by default, so a normal <ScriptGoogleMaps> does not call the Maps Static API.

Current Pricing

Google charges each API by SKU and applies a separate monthly free usage cap to each SKU. As of July 2026, the relevant global list prices are:

These are USD list prices for the first paid volume tier. Higher-volume tiers, regional pricing, and product changes can alter the total; check the current Google Maps Platform price list before budgeting.

Google also offers fixed-price subscription plans with a combined monthly call allowance across their included SKUs. Calls above the allowance revert to pay-as-you-go pricing, so the estimates below use the standard list prices.

Google replaced the old recurring $200 monthly credit with per-SKU free usage caps on March 1, 2025. Google's pricing overview explains the current model.

How Nuxt Scripts Affects Usage

Lazy loading: The Dynamic Maps event occurs only after the configured trigger fires. With the default interaction triggers, a visitor who never interacts with the map does not load the JavaScript API.

No default static request: <ScriptGoogleMaps> leaves its placeholder empty. Add <ScriptGoogleMapsStaticMap> only when a map preview is worth the extra Static Maps event.

Address resolution: Registering Google Maps enables a server endpoint that uses the Geocoding API. Without that endpoint, resolveQueryToLatLng() falls back to the browser's Places library. Coordinates avoid either lookup.

Google's terms allow limited Geocoding result caching under specific conditions. The Nuxt endpoint caches upstream geocoding responses for 30 days, so confirm that your use meets the current service-specific caching terms.

Cost Controls

1. Use coordinates when you have them. Pass center as { lat, lng } instead of an address to avoid Geocoding or Places requests.
2. Keep the default lazy trigger. Use trigger="immediate" only when the map should start loading after hydration instead of waiting for an element interaction.
3. Use your own placeholder. A local image in the #placeholder slot adds no Maps Static API event.

   <ScriptGoogleMaps>
     <template #placeholder>
       <img src="/my-map-placeholder.webp" alt="Map of the store location">
     </template>
   </ScriptGoogleMaps>
   

4. Set budgets and quota limits. Google recommends budget alerts for visibility and quota limits when you need a hard usage ceiling. See Manage your Google Maps Platform costs.
5. Consider the Embed API for a simpler map. The Maps Embed API has unlimited no-cost usage, but still requires an API key. Embed it with an iframe; it is not a script loaded through useScript().

Example Monthly Estimates

For 100,000 monthly page views under the July 2026 global list prices:

These examples apply each SKU's free usage cap and exclude geocoding, Places requests, taxes, negotiated discounts, and other projects on the same billing account.