How to migrate to Contabo
Moving an existing site to Contabo — what they handle for you, what you'll do yourself, and the safe order to do it in.
Free migration not advertised
Support during your move: ticket, phone, knowledge base
Who This Migration Fits
Contabo’s Cloud VPS plans (8GB RAM/3 vCPU at $5.50 or 12GB RAM/6 vCPU at $11.00) target users who need raw resources cheaply but can handle manual setup. No free SSL, no managed migrations — this is a DIY move for those comfortable with SSH or willing to learn.
Pre-Migration: Verify and Back Up
- Check compatibility: Contabo uses unmanaged VPS (no cPanel/Plesk noted in data). You’ll need to configure web servers (Apache/Nginx), databases, and firewalls manually.
- Back up everything: Files, databases, and configurations. No snapshot tool mentioned — use rsync or SFTP.
- Lower DNS TTL to 300 seconds (5 mins) at least 48 hours before cutover.
Migration Steps
- Spin up the VPS: Choose a datacenter (Nuremberg, London, NYC, etc.) closest to your audience. Benchmark data shows 126ms TTFB in desktop tests — prioritize proximity.
- Transfer data:
- Files: SCP/rsync from old host to Contabo’s 75GB (VPS 10) or 100GB (VPS 20) storage.
- Database: Export/import via MySQL dump or equivalent.
- Test on temporary IP/URL before DNS changes. Contabo’s 99.91% uptime (30d/90d/365d) suggests reliability, but verify your setup.
Post-Migration
- Update DNS: Point A/AAAA records to Contabo’s VPS IP.
- Monitor: Fully loaded time (1645ms in tests) may vary — optimize caching if needed.
- Support: Tickets/phone only. No live chat for quick fixes.
Cost note: Promo pricing isn’t documented — assume $5.50/$11.00 is long-term. Budget for potential renewal hikes.