WordPress Pricing: How Much Does it Cost to Build a WordPress Website?

Key highlights

• Know what costs to expect when building a WordPress site, from hosting to domains, themes and plugins. 
• Understand how different hosting options impact your budget and site performance. 
• Explore ways to enhance your site with premium themes and plugins for better design and functionality. 
• Uncover ongoing and hidden costs like renewals, upgrades and security essentials that can add up over time. 
• Learn smart ways to save money without compromising the quality or functionality of your WordPress site. 

WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) globally, powering millions of websites. 

Whether you’re a beginner building a personal blog or an experienced developer creating a custom site, WordPress offers flexible options. 

It’s free to download, but the absolute WordPress pricing depends on the additional services needed, such as web hosting, premium themes, plugins and domain registration. 

The WordPress pricing include various factors, from hosting service and domain names to SSL certificates and ongoing maintenance. 

While WordPress allows users to create highly customizable websites, understanding these costs is essential to budgeting your project. 

Note: Please note that prices are subject to change, to get the exact information please visit Bluehost. 

What are the costs to build a WordPress website?  

Building a WordPress website can vary in cost based on your choices for themes, plugins and whether you handle it yourself or hire professionals. Here’s a breakdown: 

1. Domain name: 

A domain typically costs between $10 and $20 per year. Premium or niche domains can be pricier. 

2. Hosting: 

Basic shared hosting ranges from $2 to $10 per month. For more robust needs, VPS or managed WordPress hosting can cost $20 to $100+ per month. 

3. Theme: 

You can choose from free themes or opt for premium themes priced between $30 and $100. Custom themes by developers can cost from $500 to $5,000. 

4. Plugins: 

Many plugins are free, but premium ones (like for SEO, security and performance) range from $30 to $100 each. 

5. Development costs: 

If you need a developer, rates range from $25 to $200+ per hour. A simple WordPress site could cost between $500 and $3,000. 

6. Maintenance: 

Ongoing maintenance usually costs $50 to $200+ per month for updates and backups. 

7. Additional costs: 

Email marketing, analytics and other integrations can add $10 to $100+ per month. 

The total cost depends on the complexity of your site, with basic sites costing a few hundred dollars and more complex ones running into the thousands. 

WordPress pricing breakdown 

1. WordPress domain name registration costs  

• What it is: A domain name is the web address users type in to reach your site (e.g., www.bluehost.com).  

• Importance: Your domain gives your WordPress website a unique identity, making it memorable and easier for users to find.  

• Costs: Many hosting providers include a free domain for the first year, but annual renewal costs generally range between $10 and $20.  

• Considerations: Renewing your domain is crucial to retain your web address. Premium or highly sought-after domains can be more expensive, so checking availability early is wise.  

Have you secured a domain name yet?  

Your domain name is your website’s unique identity and securing the right one is critical in building your WordPress site. Bluehost offers a free domain name for the first year with our hosting packages. This makes it easy to start without extra cost.   

If you own a custom domain, connecting it to your WordPress website is simple.  

Just follow your hosting provider’s instructions to ensure smooth integration. Remember that maintaining your domain name will require periodic renewals to keep it active.  

Also read: How Do Domains Work? The Ultimate Guide  

2. WordPress hosting prices in 2025  

Whenever it comes to building a WordPress website, choosing an appropriate web hosting plan is crucial for the success of your project. 

WordPress has hosting solutions for any need and budget. They can suit a small business site, a large eCommerce site and a custom WordPress website.  

From premium shared hosting to powerful dedicated servers, understanding and evaluating your options will help you manage your WordPress hosting cost efficiently. 

Hosting type	Main features	Best for
Shared Hosting	Budget-friendly, basic performance, limited resources	Beginners, personal blogs, small website
Managed WordPress	Optimized for WordPress, auto-updates, expert support	Growing WordPress website, non-tech users
VPS Hosting	Dedicated resources, customizable, scalable	Mid-sized sites, developers, growing businesses
Dedicated Hosting	Full server control, max performance, custom security	High-traffic sites, large eCommerce businesses
WooCommerce Hosting	Optimized for online stores, secure payments, product management tools	eCommerce WordPress website

1. Shared hosting: A budget-friendly solution for new users 

For those just getting started, shared hosting is an excellent entry point.  

This type of hosting allows your WordPress site to share server resources with other websites, which keeps costs low.  

It’s perfect for personal blogs, small websites or anyone on a budget. 

Feature	Description
Purpose	A budget-friendly solution for new users, ideal for personal blogs, small websites or anyone on a budget.
Cost	Starts as low as $3–$5/month; standard rates can increase to $10–$20/month over time.
Features	Basic hosting plans include a free domain for the first year, sufficient storage space and access to free plugins.
Performance	Suitable for beginners, but may slow down during high traffic. If other sites on the server experience traffic spikes, it could impact your site’s speed.
Security	Provides essential security, but additional WordPress plugins (free and premium) are often recommended for enhanced protection.
Support	Typically includes live chat support for troubleshooting, though it may not cover WordPress-specific issues.
Growth potential	Affordable for small business websites, but upgrading to a more robust hosting solution may be necessary as your site grows.

While shared hosting is affordable for small business websites, growing sites may need to upgrade to a more robust hosting solution over time. 

2. Managed WordPress hosting: Tailored for WordPress users 

Managed WordPress hosting is designed specifically to cater to the needs of WordPress website.  

It offers enhanced performance, security and expert support to ensure your site runs smoothly. 

Feature	Description
Purpose	Tailored for WordPress users, focusing on enhanced performance, security and expert support to keep your site running smoothly.
Cost	Ranges from $19.99 to $60/month, based on the level of service and features included.
Performance	Optimized servers for WordPress ensure faster load times and effective traffic management, ideal for growing eCommerce sites.
Security	Comes with automated updates, daily backups and advanced security features to guard against WordPress-specific threats.
Management	Includes handling core updates, plugin installations and regular maintenance, allowing you to focus on content rather than technical tasks.
Support	Offers expert support tailored to WordPress, ensuring quick resolution of issues related to WordPress plugins, updates or themes.
Growth potential	Ideal for anyone aiming to build a fully functional WordPress website without needing to manage the backend.

This is an excellent option for anyone looking to create a fully functional WordPress website without worrying about backend management. 

3. VPS hosting: Greater control and stability 

If your WordPress website has outgrown shared hosting, VPS hosting (Virtual Private Server) offers more control and dedicated resources at a reasonable price. 

This option works the best for WordPress users who need more power without the total cost of a dedicated server hosting environment. 

Feature	Description
Purpose	Greater control and stability for WordPress websites that have outgrown shared hosting; ideal for WordPress users needing more power without the cost of dedicated server hosting.
Cost	Generally ranges from $20 to $80/month, offering better value for WordPress websites compared to shared hosting.
Performance	Provides dedicated resources, ensuring your site’s stability and speed aren’t impacted by other sites on the server.
Customization	Allows for custom plugin installations, settings tweaks and greater control over the server environment.
Security	Enhanced security features compared to shared hosting, with options to install advanced WordPress security plugins.
Support	May include more specialized chat support, along with assistance for WordPress installations, updates and customizations, depending on the provider.
Growth potential	Balances cost and performance well, making it suitable for growing WordPress websites needing better scalability and control.

This option balances cost and performance well, making it ideal for growing websites that need better scalability and control. 

4. Dedicated hosting: The powerhouse solution 

Dedicated server hosting is the ultimate solution for large, robust WordPress sites or high-traffic eCommerce websites. 

With dedicated hosting, you will have complete control over the server environment, ensuring maximum performance and security.  

Feature	Description
Purpose	The powerhouse solution for large, robust WordPress sites or high-traffic eCommerce websites, offering maximum control, performance and security.
Cost	Starts at $100/month or more; one of the most expensive options but offers unparalleled performance and control.
Performance	Exclusively utilizes the server, ensuring it can handle massive traffic without slowdowns, making it ideal for high-traffic businesses.
Security	Full control over security measures, allowing for custom security solutions and the installation of premium plugins to safeguard your data.
Customization	Enables custom themes, Google Analytics optimization and extensive server setting adjustments to match your site’s specific needs.
Support	Typically includes priority support, providing access to specialized assistance whenever needed.
Growth potential	Ideal for businesses requiring the highest level of performance and customization; the best choice for sites with advanced demands and heavy traffic.

If your business needs the highest level of performance and customization, dedicated hosting is the best choice. 

5. WooCommerce hosting: Powering your eCommerce site 

Choosing the right hosting plan is crucial when building an eCommerce website with WooCommerce. 

WooCommerce hosting plans come with optimized settings and features required for an online store.  

Feature	Description
Purpose	Designed specifically to power eCommerce sites built with WooCommerce, offering optimized settings and features for online stores.
Cost	Ranges from $7 to $32/month, depending on features like enhanced security and additional plugins.
Features	Includes pre-configured settings for product management, secure payments and store customization, providing a seamless customer shopping experience.
Performance	Optimized to handle WooCommerce’s unique demands, ensuring smooth operation and fast load times, even with a growing product catalog.
Security	Enhanced security features tailored for eCommerce, protecting transactions and customer data effectively.
Support	Typically offers support with WooCommerce-specific knowledge, assisting with store setup, product management and payment integration.
Growth potential	WooCommerce hosting simplifies online store creation and management, allowing you to focus on business growth.

WooCommerce hosting makes creating and managing an online store easy with WordPress, allowing you to focus on growing your business. 

Finding the right hosting plan depends on factors like website traffic, performance needs and budget. While basic plans are great for small WordPress websites or personal blogs, businesses and high-traffic sites may require advanced options with more resources. Understanding these differences can help you make a cost-effective choice.  

Also read: How to Choose a Web Hosting Service Provider: Find Your Best Fit   

3. WordPress premium theme pricing explained  

A WordPress theme controls your site’s design and layout. It sets the visual style, page templates and overall structure. 

The right theme improves user experience and keeps your brand consistent. Premium themes add deeper customization and flexible layouts. 

While free themes are available, premium themes typically cost between $30 and $100. You get advanced design options, regular updates and responsive support. Updates keep your site compatible with WordPress and improve security. 

Related: Free vs. Premium WordPress Themes: Which One Is Best?  

When choosing a theme, focus on fit and quality: 

• Match the look to your brand and goals 

• Ensure easy customization without code 

• Check performance, accessibility and plugin compatibility 

• Prefer reputable developers that ship regular updates 

• Consider options like Astra or WonderTheme for strong design control 

Pro tip: Test the theme on a staging site. Click through key pages, then check mobile speed before you go live. 

Also read: How to Navigate WordPress Themes  

4. WordPress plugins costs and add-ons  

WordPress plugins are software add-ons that extend your site’s features. You can add SEO tools, eCommerce, performance tweaks or social integrations without code. 

Why they matter: Plugins unlock advanced capabilities. They help with speed, security and user engagement. Many are free. Premium WordPress plugins deliver specialized features, regular updates and dedicated support. 

How to choose wisely: 

• Install only what you need to avoid slowdowns 

• Check update history and developer reputation 

• Verify compatibility with your theme and key plugins 

• Review support options and documentation 

Hosting perk: If you host with us at Bluehost, you get Yoast SEO for free. It helps you optimize titles, meta descriptions and content for better rankings. This is bundled with our WordPress hosting plans, so you save on a separate SEO tool. 

Also read: How to Optimize Content for SEO on WordPress     

Pro tip: Audit plugins quarterly. Remove inactive ones, then update and test on a staging site before going live. 

5. WordPress SSL certificate pricing for secure sites  

An SSL certificate encrypts data between your WordPress website and the visitor’s browser. It shows the padlock and uses HTTPS. 

Why it matters: SSL protects logins and payments. It prevents data leaks and security warnings. It can also help SEO and trust. 

Typical costs: Many hosts include a free SSL with WordPress plans. If not, expect $10–$70 per year for a standard DV certificate. Wildcard, OV or EV options cost more. 

How to choose and set it up: 

• Prefer automatic issuance and renewal 

• Use a wildcard SSL if you run many subdomains 

• Turn on 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS 

• Fix mixed content so every asset loads over HTTPS 

• Enable HSTS and TLS 1.3 for stronger security 

• Check CDN and caching compatibility 

• For eCommerce, confirm PCI friendly settings 

Hosting perk: We at Bluehost include a free SSL with every WordPress hosting plan. It installs in one click and renews automatically, so your site stays secure without extra cost. 

Pro tip: After enabling SSL, update your site URL settings, resubmit your sitemap in Search Console and verify canonical tags point to HTTPS. 

Also read: How Much Does an SSL Certificate Cost?  

6. WordPress website maintenance and updates pricing  

Maintenance keeps your site fast and secure. It covers updates, backups and routine fixes. 

Typical costs: 

• DIY with managed tools: $0–$20 per month 

• Small site plan: $50–$200 per month 

• eCommerce or membership: $150–$500+ per month 

• One-time tune-up: $100–$300 

What to look for: 

• Core, plugin and theme updates on a schedule 

• Automatic backups with restore tests 

• Security scans and uptime monitoring 

• Staging and rollback after each update 

Hosting perk: We at Bluehost include easy updates and daily backups, which can lower your maintenance spend. 

Pro tip: Back up first, update on staging, then test checkout and forms before going live. 

7. WordPress developer or design service fees  

Developers and designers handle custom builds and redesigns. You get tailored features and better UX. 

Typical pricing: 

• Hourly rates: $25–$50 entry, $50–$100 mid, $100–$200+ senior or agency 

• Projects: landing page $300–$1,500, small site $800–$3,000, business site $3,000–$10,000+, custom eCommerce $5,000–$30,000+ 

What changes the price: Scope, integrations, revisions, timeline and post-launch support 

How to choose: 

• Match portfolio to your niche and stack 

• Confirm fixed bids or hourly caps 

• Ask about maintenance terms and code ownership 

• Get milestones and acceptance tests in writing 

Pro tip: Write a one-page brief with goals, must-have features, timeline and budget. It cuts revisions and saves cost. 

WordPress costs breakdown for different website types in 2025  

Understanding WordPress website pricing for different website types can help you plan for essential features without overspending.  

Let’s take a look at the prices of each: 

Website type	Cost range	Description
Small business websites	$100–$500 per year	A premium option for small businesses aiming for a professional online presence. Includes costs for a domain name ($10–$20/year), shared hosting ($3–$5/month), premium WordPress themes and plugins ($30–$100), SSL ($10–$70/year) and basic maintenance.
Blogs	$50–$300 per year	Cost-effective for personal or niche blogging. Domain name ($10–$20/year), shared hosting ($3–$5/month), optional managed hosting ($10–$20/month), premium WordPress themes ($30–$60), essential plugins and minimal maintenance.
eCommerce websites	$300–$1,500+ per year	Requires advanced hosting and tools for transaction handling and security. Includes domain ($10–$20/year), managed/WooCommerce hosting ($20–$30/month), premium eCommerce plugins, SSL ($10–$70/year), WooCommerce themes ($50–$100) and additional costs for security and transaction fees.
Custom websites	$500–$5,000+ depending on complexity	For highly customized sites with unique functionality or design. Includes domain ($10–$20/year), VPS or dedicated hosting ($20–$100+/month), custom development and WordPress developer ($500–$5,000+), specialized plugins, premium SSL ($10–$70/year) and advanced security. Monthly support may add $50–$200+.

Each website type has different cost considerations based on its function, complexity and audience size. 

Identifying your website’s primary needs will help guide your budgeting strategy and ensure you invest in the right resources for long-term success. 

What are the additional WordPress websites cost to keep in mind?  

Beyond the initial setup, there are ongoing expenses that will affect the overall WordPress cost:  

1. Website maintenance 

Regular updates, backups and security checks are important to keep your site running smoothly. 

Some tasks may require premium services or plugins, especially if you prefer automated solutions. 

Additionally, scheduling periodic performance checks or hiring professionals for thorough site audits can add to the maintenance costs. 

Also read: The Beginner’s Website Maintenance Checklist & Guide for 2024  

2. eCommerce functionality 

Adding eCommerce functionality to your WordPress site introduces additional costs. 

Paid plugins for payment gateways, inventory management and shipping plugins are standard. 

Many small business websites that sell products rely on these features to manage transactions, enhance security and handle logistics smoothly. 

3. Premium support 

While community forums offer support through the WordPress community, some users prefer to invest in premium support services. 

Business plans from third-party hosting providers may include expert support for issues like installing WordPress or troubleshooting advanced WordPress theme customizations. 

Opting for premium support ensures faster resolutions to any problems. 

4. Content Delivery Network (CDN) 

If your own website has a global audience, investing in a CDN is crucial for fast load times.  

Some third-party hosting providers offer essential CDN services in their free plan. Still, advanced CDN services can improve performance for more significant sites and are often part of higher-tier business plans.  

5. Email hosting 

If your custom domain name requires professional email addresses (e.g., [feedback]@[bluehost].[com]), many domain registrars and hosting providers charge separately for email hosting, which is often part of total cost of WordPress.  

While some free plans include essential email services, businesses often opt for more advanced packages to project a professional image.  

6. Security enhancements 

Beyond essential SSL certificates, investing in advanced security solutions is crucial, particularly for eCommerce functionality. 

WordPress powers many websites. So, keeping your custom WordPress website secure through paid plugins or professional security services is vital to protecting sensitive information.  

Also read: 9 Best WordPress Security Plugins to Protect Your Website in 2024  

7. Hosting plan upgrades 

As your site grows, you may need to upgrade from a free plan or basic shared hosting to a better solution. This can raise the cost of a WordPress website.  

Moving to managed hosting, VPS or dedicated servers provides better scalability and performance but comes at a higher cost. 

8. License renewals for paid plugins and themes 

Many paid themes and paid plugins require annual renewals to ensure continued access to updates and support. 

This can add to how much does WordPress costs, especially as your site evolves and requires more complex functionality. 

9. Payment processing fees for eCommerce 

If you run an eCommerce site, the transaction fees from payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal will add to your ongoing costs. 

This is another factor influencing the cost of WordPress sites for online businesses. 

Are there hidden WordPress website cost?    

WordPress.org is free, but building and running a full website often involves additional expenses that may not be obvious at first. Potential expenses can include hiring developers for customization, purchasing stock images or upgrading to better WordPress hosting plans as your site grows. These WordPress cost aren’t technically hidden but are often overlooked by beginners during initial setup. 

That said, if you choose a reliable hosting provider for WordPress hosting, you won’t have to worry about hidden fees. We at Bluehost offer transparent pricing with clear inclusions—like a free domain name for the first year and free SSL—so you know exactly what you’re paying for. 

How to save money on WordPress site costs?  

To minimize expenses when building and maintaining a WordPress website, consider the following strategies:  

• Choose cost-effective hosting: Opt for shared hosting plans, which are generally more affordable and suitable for new websites.   

• Utilize free or budget-friendly themes: Start with free themes or select affordable premium themes that align with your site’s needs. This approach can reduce initial design costs.  

• Leverage free plugins: Enhance your site’s functionality by using free plugins available in the WordPress repository, avoiding the costs associated with premium plugins.  

• Bundle services when possible: Some hosting providers offer packages that include free domain registration for the first year, which can lower initial expenses.  

• Monitor and eliminate unnecessary expenses: Regularly review your subscriptions and services, such as unused plugins or themes, to ensure you’re not incurring unnecessary WordPress cost. 

By implementing these measures, you can effectively manage and reduce the costs for your WordPress website.  

How to budget for WordPress updates and upgrades? 

Maintaining your WordPress website is an ongoing process and budgeting for updates and upgrades is essential to keeping your site secure, fast and functional. WordPress updates, whether for the core software, plugins or theme are crucial for ensuring your site stays compatible with the latest features and security patches. 

1. Understand the different types of updates 

WordPress updates generally fall into two categories: minor updates and major upgrades. Minor updates usually consist of security patches and bug fixes, while major upgrades often include new features or changes to the system. Depending on your WordPress site cost, updates may be more frequent for sites with custom themes, premium plugins or complex functionalities. 

2. Factor in plugin and theme updates 

If you’re using premium WordPress themes or plugins, be prepared for recurring costs associated with renewals. These updates often come with a fee, especially for high-end plugins or premium themes that offer advanced functionality. The cost of a WordPress site will rise as you add more premium plugins or features, so ensure you allocate a portion of your budget for these ongoing costs. 

3. Budget for security and performance upgrades 

WordPress security is critical and keeping your site safe requires regular updates. Investing in security plugins or premium WordPress hosting that includes proactive security measures can reduce the risk of hacks and malware. Security updates for plugins, themes and the core WordPress software are essential to maintaining your site’s integrity and should be part of your long-term WordPress hosting costs. 

Similarly, performance upgrades, such as installing caching plugins, using Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) or optimizing your images, can significantly improve your site’s speed. These enhancements often come with additional costs, which should be factored into your budget. 

4. Consider the costs of developer or maintenance services 

If you have a custom-built website or require specialized updates, you may need to hire a developer or a WordPress maintenance service. These services can handle theme and plugin updates, as well as troubleshoot any issues that arise. Depending on the complexity of your WordPress website design pricing, the cost of professional updates can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars annually. 

5. Create a contingency fund for emergency fixes 

Sometimes, updates can cause unforeseen issues that might require immediate attention. Having a contingency fund for WordPress website maintenance and updates pricing ensures you’re prepared for emergency fixes, such as restoring backups, patching security vulnerabilities or fixing plugin conflicts. 

6. Set a budget for regular backups 

Regular backups are essential to ensure your WordPress site can be restored in case of an emergency. Some hosting providers include automatic backups as part of their services, but for added peace of mind, you may want to invest in premium backup plugins. These are important costs to include when calculating your WordPress site cost. 

7. Optimize your hosting plan 

As your site grows, your WordPress hosting plan may need to be upgraded to handle more traffic or additional functionalities. If you’re running an eCommerce site, you may need higher-tier hosting plans with better security, faster speeds and more storage. Regularly evaluating your WordPress hosting pricing is a smart way to ensure your hosting plan supports your site’s ongoing updates and performance. 

Final thoughts  

Looking to build a professional WordPress website without the hassle? Bluehost offers a complete WordPress hosting solution, including a free domain for the first year, automatic updates, SSL security and 24/7 expert support.  

Whether you’re a beginner or managing a growing business, Bluehost WordPress hosting plans give you everything needed to launch, scale and secure your WordPress website.  

Get started today with Bluehost and build your WordPress site with confidence!  

FAQs