Actual Budget vs Mint
Self-host swap-in for Mint. · Self-host Mint · Actual Budget on os-alt
Actual Budget is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Mint — license MIT, 10min docker run (sync server) + desktop app to stand up, and $3-5/mo vps for the sync server; desktop and mobile apps are free. Compare against Mint's Was free; replaced by Credit Karma. Direct paid alternative: YNAB at $14.99/mo or $99/yr below.
| Actual Budgetopen-source | Mintpaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Personal finance / budget tracking | Personal finance / budget tracking |
| License / pricing | MIT | Was free; replaced by Credit Karma. Direct paid alternative: YNAB at $14.99/mo or $99/yr |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $14.99/user/mo |
| GitHub | actualbudget/actual | closed source |
| Setup time | 10min docker run (sync server) + desktop app | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $3-5/mo VPS for the sync server; desktop and mobile apps are free. | from $14.99/user/mo (Was free; replaced by Credit Karma. Direct paid alternative: YNAB at $14.99/mo or $99/yr) |
Switching from Mint to Actual Budget
Run `docker run -p 5006:5006 -v $HOME/actual-data:/data actualbudget/actual-server:latest`. Open the Actual desktop or web app, point it at your sync server. Mint export (settings → CSV) imports via File → Import → Mint CSV; categories and accounts map automatically. For ongoing bank feeds, add the SimpleFIN bridge (~$15/yr) or Plaid via the community connector. Actual is envelope-budgeting (YNAB-style) on top of Mint-style ledger tracking.
- Good fit for
- Users who want a YNAB-style budget engine with self-hosted sync and a polished modern UI.
- Weak at
- Bank aggregation isn't free — SimpleFIN ($15/yr) or Plaid (free for small volumes) is mandatory for hands-off use.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Mint
In a terminal? npx os-alt mint prints Mint's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Actual Budget a free alternative to Mint?
Yes — Actual Budget is open source under MIT. Self-host cost: $3-5/mo VPS for the sync server; desktop and mobile apps are free.. Mint starts at $14.99/user/mo (Was free; replaced by Credit Karma. Direct paid alternative: YNAB at $14.99/mo or $99/yr).
How long does Actual Budget take to set up vs Mint?
Self-hosting Actual Budget: 10min docker run (sync server) + desktop app. Mint is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Actual Budget good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Users who want a YNAB-style budget engine with self-hosted sync and a polished modern UI.. Weak at: Bank aggregation isn't free — SimpleFIN ($15/yr) or Plaid (free for small volumes) is mandatory for hands-off use..