No, it's not free. However, the cost you incur is entirely determined by your goals. As a tinkerer, you might be able to self-host an IPFS node few bucks a month or you might be able to use an IPFS pinning service for free.

Is IPFS not a blockchain?

While IPFS is not a blockchain, it plays a significant role in the blockchain ecosystem by providing a cost-effective, tamper-proof solution for data storage and retrieval.

What is difference between IPFS and blockchain?

In comparison, the blockchain is not designed for the purpose of file storage. The cost of keeping data on the blockchain is exorbitantly high. We can have decentralized as well as low-cost storage with the IPFS project [10]. Peer-to-peer networks provide greater security than centralized networks.