In Azure, when managing resources, the terms "Delete" and "Stop" have different implications, especially concerning costs:

Stop

• Virtual Machines (VMs): When you stop a VM in Azure, it is deallocated. This means that the compute resources (like CPU and RAM) are released, and you are no longer charged for these resources. However, the storage associated with the VM (like OS disks, data disks, and reserved IP addresses) is still retained, and you will continue to incur storage costs.
• App Services: If you stop an Azure App Service, the app is no longer running, and you won’t be charged for the compute resources. However, as with VMs, you’ll still be charged for any storage and other resources that are associated with the service.
• Key Consideration: Stopping resources is a good option if you plan to resume them later and want to avoid the hassle of reconfiguration. However, you must still pay for the storage costs or other associated resources.

Delete

• Virtual Machines (VMs): When you delete a VM, all associated compute resources and any associated temporary storage are removed. If you choose to delete the underlying disks and other resources, they will be completely removed, and you won’t be charged anymore. However, if you keep the storage resources (like disks or backups), you’ll still incur charges for those.
• App Services: Deleting an App Service will remove the app and all associated configurations. If there are no other resources attached, you won’t be charged any further. However, if associated storage or other resources are not deleted, they may continue to incur charges.
• Key Consideration: Deleting is the best option if you are sure you no longer need the resource, as it will stop all associated charges. However, once deleted, recovering the resource can be difficult or impossible, depending on the Azure service.

Summary

• Stop: No compute charges, but storage and other associated costs remain.
• Delete: No charges for the resource, but be cautious about any retained associated resources.

If you want to minimize costs and don't need the resource anymore, Delete is the safest choice. If you think you may need the resource again in the future, Stop is a better option, keeping in mind the ongoing storage costs.