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Deploy Actual Budget

Before using the one-click template, here is a minimal Docker Compose example for self-hosting Actual Budget.

If you're new to Docker Compose, check out our guide on how to self-host a Docker Compose app. More stacks are in our Docker Compose library.

Self-host Actual Budget with Docker Compose (minimal)​

Actual ships as a single server image with a built-in database – no external database required.

services:
  actual_server:
    image: actualbudget/actual-server:latest
    ports:
      - "5006:5006"
    volumes:
      - actual-data:/data

volumes:
  actual-data:

Deploy Actual Budget on Hostim.dev (One-Click)

Actual Budget is an open-source, self-hosted personal finance app built around zero-based (envelope) budgeting. It's fast, works offline, and keeps all your financial data on your own server. With Hostim.dev, you can deploy Actual with Docker and persistent storage in one click – complete with automatic domain and HTTPS.

💰 Take control of your money – fully private, no third party sees your finances.

Try it Yourself

Guest project runs for 1 hour. Log in to save and extend to 5 days.

Why Host Actual Budget on Hostim.dev?​

  • One-click Docker deployment
  • Persistent volume (/data) for your budget files
  • Automatic HTTPS and domain
  • Real-time logs and metrics
  • Fully self-hosted and private – your financial data never leaves your server

What's included​

ResourceDetails
Appactualbudget/actual-server image
Volume/data
DomainFree *.hostim.dev subdomain
SSLLet’s Encrypt (auto-enabled)
Port5006

How to Deploy​

  1. Go to your Hostim.dev dashboard.
  2. Click Create Project → Use a Template.
  3. Select Actual Budget.
  4. Choose a resource plan.
  5. Deploy.

On first visit you'll set a server password and create your budget file.

FAQ​

Does Actual Budget need a database?

No. Actual uses an embedded SQLite database stored inside the /data volume, so there's nothing extra to provision.

Where is my budget data stored?

In the /data volume. Each budget file and its sync history lives there.

Is my financial data private?

Yes. Actual is fully self-hosted – data stays on your Hostim.dev project and is end-to-end encrypted between the app and your devices when you enable encryption.

Can I connect my bank?

Actual supports bank syncing via GoCardless (EU/UK) and SimpleFIN (US). Configure the credentials in the app's settings after deploying.

How do I use the mobile / desktop app?

Point the official Actual mobile or desktop client at your Hostim.dev URL and sign in with your server password.

How do I back up Actual Budget?

Back up the /data volume. You can also export budget files to ZIP from inside the app.

How do I update Actual Budget?

Docker: docker compose pull && docker compose up -d. Hostim.dev: redeploy the app to pull the latest image.

Alternatives​

  • Firefly III — self-hosted personal finance manager with strong reporting
  • Maybe — open-source personal finance and wealth tracking
  • GnuCash — desktop double-entry accounting

Source + Docs​

Looking for something else? Browse all templates →

Try it now​

Deploy Actual Budget Now – in less than 60 seconds