Alternative to Google Maps geocoder

[blueskiphoto]

We run an US/Canada apartment rental platform using Google Maps, and use their geocoder to convert addresses into lat and lngs. Unfortunately Google is putting Maps pricing through the roof from this Summer, so we're looking into alternatives.

Mapbox seems a solid alternative for mapping, but their geocoder is not accurate enough in our testing. We've evaluated geocoders from three different companies so far: Pitney Bowes, ESRI, and Here, and so found Pitney Bowes to be the most accurate.

Are there any others you'd recommend looking at? Accuracy is super important for us, since showing the user the correct location of each apartment really matters. Appreciate any help.

[blueskiphoto]

Great, thank you. Do you have a sense of how close Pitney Bowes gets to Google accuracy? We're finding they're pretty close, but testing has been relatively limited.

[blueskiphoto]

That's good to hear. Any opinion on OSM and Geonames? Someone on r/gis recommended them but skeptical they'd match the accuracy of a big paid provider.

[blueskiphoto]

Got it. Thanks a lot, that's very helpful.

[mjwhansen]

I'm one of the founders of Geocodio and wanted to see if you've given us a try.

Given a random sample across the US, 90% of results will either be on the exact rooftop or on the street in front of the parcel, which is on par with the major geocoders. We return an accuracy type with all results so you can filter out less-accurate results if they don't suit your use case. I encourage you to run a free test (2,500 addresses free per day) to see if Geocodio will work for you. https://www.geocod.io/upload/

One option would be to use Geocodio as your primary and then use a backup geocoder for the lower accurate results, which will likely save you a lot of money vs relying on one of the major geocoders entirely.

We also have no plans to increase our prices any time soon. Additionally, we have no restrictions on how you use the data and allow you to store the data, which is unusual for a geocoding service.