What is considered the cheapest method for storing data in Azure?

Blob storage is recognized as the most economical option for storing large amounts of unstructured data in Azure. This storage solution is optimized for scenarios such as backup, archival, and serving files directly to webpages or applications. The pricing model of Blob Storage is specifically designed for high capacity and low storage costs, particularly when dealing with large datasets.

Blob storage offers different tiers, including hot, cool, and archive storage, allowing users to optimize costs based on access frequency. The hot tier is ideal for frequently accessed data, while the cool and archive tiers are meant for less frequently accessed data, offering even lower prices for storage.

When compared to other Azure storage options, Blob Storage is particularly beneficial for applications involving large files, media storage, and big data analytics due to its scalability and cost-effectiveness. The other storage options, while useful in their own contexts—for instance, SQL Database for structured data and transactions or File Storage for shared file access—do not match Blob Storage's affordability for large-scale data storage needs.