How Much Does a WordPress Website Cost? Your Ultimate Calculator Guide

Building a WordPress website can feel like a puzzle, especially when you’re trying to figure out the total WordPress Website Cost. We’ve been building sites for over a decade, and we know it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand all the pieces that go into the cost, from the free software itself to the ongoing upkeep. We want to make sure you have a clear picture so you can budget effectively and get the website you really need.

Key Takeaways

• The core WordPress software is free, but you’ll need to pay for essentials like a domain name and web hosting to get your site online.
• Costs can range dramatically, from under $100 for a very basic site to tens of thousands for complex, custom-built platforms.
• Factors like design complexity, custom features, and the need for premium themes or plugins significantly impact the final price.
• Don’t forget ongoing costs such as maintenance, security updates, and potential plugin subscriptions, which are vital for a healthy website.
• Using a WordPress Website Cost Calculator can help you estimate expenses by outlining your specific needs and comparing different service providers.

Understanding the Core Components of WordPress Website Cost

When we first started building websites with WordPress, we, like many others, assumed the software itself was the only cost. It’s easy to think that because the WordPress software is free, the entire website will be free too. However, that’s just the starting point. Think of it like building a house; the actual structure of the house is free to download the blueprints for, but you still need land, utilities, and all the furnishings to make it a home. Our WordPress website journey is much the same. To get a site up and running so people can actually visit it, we need several key components beyond just the software.

The WordPress Software Itself: A Free Foundation

The core WordPress software is indeed free and open-source. This is a huge advantage. It means anyone can download, use, and modify it without paying licensing fees. This flexibility is why WordPress powers such a massive portion of the internet, from personal blogs to complex business sites. We can get the basic software installed on our own hosting without spending a dime on the software itself. This free foundation is what makes WordPress so accessible to individuals and businesses with varying budgets. It’s the engine, but we still need the car built around it.

Essential Services for a Live Website

To take that free WordPress software and make it a functional, live website that people can access online, we need a few more things. These are the non-negotiable services that turn a local installation into a global presence. We need a domain name, which is our website’s unique address on the internet (like yourwebsite.com). We also need web hosting, which is essentially the space on a server where all our website files live and from where they are delivered to visitors. Without these two, our WordPress site would be like a house with no address and no land to stand on – it wouldn’t exist in the online world. These are the first real costs we encounter when moving beyond the free software. The cost of web hosting can vary significantly, from around $3 to over $800 per month, depending on the type of hosting and the provider we choose. This guide breaks down the costs associated with building a WordPress website, covering these essential expenses.

The Analogy of Building a House for Your Website

We often use the analogy of building a house to explain website costs because it’s relatable. The WordPress software is like the basic building materials and the architectural plans – free to acquire. But to have a livable house, we need to buy land (domain name) and build the structure on it (web hosting). Then, we need to choose the style and layout (themes) and add functional rooms and features (plugins). If we want a custom-designed house, we hire architects and builders (developers and designers). Finally, just like a house needs regular maintenance, cleaning, and repairs, our website needs ongoing upkeep to stay secure, fast, and up-to-date. Each of these steps adds to the overall investment, and understanding them helps us budget more accurately for our online presence. We can expect to spend anywhere from $46 to $100 annually for a very basic setup, while more complex sites can easily run into thousands of dollars per year. It’s about building something functional and appealing, and that requires more than just the raw materials.

Here’s a quick look at the initial, non-negotiable costs:

Component	Estimated Annual Cost	Notes
Domain Name	$10 – $30	Your website’s unique online address.
Web Hosting	$36 – $600+	Where your website files live online.
WordPress Software	$0	Free and open-source.

These are the absolute minimums to get a WordPress site online. From here, costs can increase based on design, functionality, and other features we might want to add. It’s important to remember that while the software is free, making a website live and functional involves these foundational expenses. We need to factor these in from the very beginning of our planning process. The cost of domain names and web hosting are the first hurdles we need to clear to get our site visible on the internet. We can find hosting plans starting as low as $2.99 per month, which is a great way to keep initial costs down if we’re on a tight budget. Each website requires dedicated hosting to function properly.

Estimating Your WordPress Website Cost: A Budget Breakdown

When we first started thinking about building a WordPress website, the idea of cost seemed a bit fuzzy. It’s not like buying a pre-made product; it’s more like building something from the ground up. We quickly realized that the price tag can swing wildly depending on what we wanted it to do and how we wanted it to look. To make things clearer, we’ve broken down the potential costs into a few common scenarios, from the absolute basics to something more involved. This way, we can get a better handle on what we might be looking at.

For those just starting out or with a very limited budget, it’s absolutely possible to get a WordPress site up and running without breaking the bank. We’re talking about a site that serves its basic purpose – maybe a simple blog, a personal portfolio, or a basic online brochure for a small service business. The core WordPress software is free, which is a huge plus. The main costs here will be for a domain name and web hosting. We found that a domain name typically runs around $15 a year, and basic shared hosting can start as low as $3-$5 a month, billed annually. So, for the essentials, we’re looking at roughly $50 to $100 for the first year. We can also find plenty of free themes and plugins to get started, which helps keep the initial outlay low. If we need a bit more polish, a premium theme might cost between $40 and $80 one-time. Even with a theme, the total upfront cost for a very basic site could be in the $100-$200 range, with ongoing costs primarily being hosting and domain renewal.

• Domain Name: Around $15/year
• Web Hosting: Starts at $3-$5/month (billed annually)
• Theme: Free or a one-time cost of $40-$80
• Plugins: Many free options available; premium ones vary

We learned that even on a tight budget, focusing on essential functionality and a clean design is key. Trying to add too many bells and whistles early on can quickly inflate costs.

Stepping up from a basic site, a small business website usually needs a bit more functionality and a more professional look. This might include things like a contact form, an about us page, service pages, and perhaps a simple gallery or testimonials section. We’re looking at a more robust hosting plan, maybe around $10-$20 a month, to handle more traffic and features. A premium theme that offers more customization options and better support is often a good investment here, costing anywhere from $60 to $150. We might also need a few premium plugins for specific functions, like advanced contact forms (e.g., Gravity Forms, which can be around $60-$200 annually) or an SEO plugin (like Yoast SEO Premium, about $99 annually). If we decide to hire a freelance designer for a few hours to customize the theme or set things up, that could add another $200-$500. So, for a small business site, we might budget anywhere from $300 to $1,000 for the first year, with ongoing costs for hosting, domain, and any recurring plugin subscriptions.

Component	Estimated Annual Cost	Notes
Domain Name	$15	Standard registration fee
Web Hosting	$120 – $240	Shared or basic VPS hosting
Premium Theme	$60 – $150 (one-time)	For better design and features
Essential Plugins	$100 – $300	SEO, contact forms, security, performance
Minor Customization	$200 – $500 (optional)	Freelancer for specific tweaks
Total First Year	$500 – $1,200	Excludes potential one-time theme cost

Building an online store with WordPress, typically using WooCommerce, is a whole different ballgame. We’re talking about needing secure hosting, often a VPS or managed WordPress hosting, which can range from $20 to $100+ per month. The theme needs to be WooCommerce compatible and often has specific design requirements for product pages, cart, and checkout. Premium eCommerce themes can cost $60 to $200. Beyond the theme, we’ll definitely need several plugins: a robust eCommerce plugin (WooCommerce itself is free, but extensions can add up), payment gateway integrations, shipping plugins, security plugins for transactions, and possibly marketing automation tools. These can easily add $500 to $2,000+ annually. If we need custom features, like a unique product configurator or complex membership options, we’re looking at significant development costs, potentially $5,000 to $15,000 or more for the initial build. For a functional eCommerce store, we should realistically expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000+ annually, with the upfront development costs being much higher if custom work is involved. We found that managing inventory and customer data securely is a big part of the cost here, and it’s worth investing in reliable web hosting for this.

• Hosting: $240 – $1,200+ annually (Managed WordPress or VPS)
• eCommerce Theme: $60 – $200 (one-time)
• WooCommerce Extensions: $500 – $2,000+ annually (payment gateways, shipping, etc.)
• Security & Performance Plugins: $100 – $300 annually
• Initial Development (if custom): $5,000 – $15,000+ (one-time)

When we talk about a custom WordPress website, we’re usually referring to projects with unique design requirements, complex functionalities, custom integrations with other software, or specialized features that aren’t available off-the-shelf. This is where costs can really climb. We’d be looking at professional web design agencies or experienced freelance developers who can build a site tailored precisely to our needs. The hourly rates for such professionals can range from $50 to $150+, and a complex project could easily involve hundreds of hours of work. This means the initial development cost could be anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, and for very large or intricate projects, it could easily go up to $50,000 or more. Ongoing costs would include premium hosting, maintenance retainers, and potentially custom plugin updates. For these types of projects, we’re looking at a significant upfront investment, and the annual costs can also be substantial, starting from $2,000 and going up significantly depending on the complexity and support needed.

Project Type	Estimated Upfront Cost	Estimated Annual Ongoing Cost	Key Cost Drivers
Basic Blog	$100 – $500	$50 – $150	Domain, Hosting, Free Theme/Plugins
Small Business Site	$500 – $2,500	$300 – $700	Premium Theme, Essential Plugins, Minor Customization
eCommerce Store	$5,000 – $15,000+	$1,000 – $3,000+	WooCommerce, Extensions, Security, Custom Features
Custom Project	$10,000 – $50,000+	$2,000 – $5,000+	Bespoke Design, Complex Functionality, Integrations

We found that using a website cost calculator can be really helpful in getting a more precise estimate for our specific needs, as it breaks down the costs based on the features we select. It helps demystify the expenses involved in creating a tailored online presence. Understanding these costs upfront makes planning much smoother.

Key Factors Influencing Your WordPress Website Price

So, you’re looking to get a WordPress website up and running, and you’re wondering what’s going to affect the final price tag. It’s not just about picking a theme and calling it a day, unfortunately. There are several moving parts that can really change how much you end up spending. We’ve found that understanding these elements upfront is super helpful for budgeting and avoiding sticker shock later on.

Website Complexity and Functionality

Think about what you actually want your website to do. A simple blog with a few pages is a world away from a full-blown online store or a membership site. The more features you need, the more complex the build becomes, and that naturally translates to higher costs. For instance, if you need a booking system, a custom calculator, or a forum, these all require specific development work. We often see clients underestimate how much these custom features can add to the overall expense. It’s like building a house; a basic structure is one thing, but adding a swimming pool and a home theater is a whole different ballgame.

Here’s a rough idea of how complexity can impact cost:

Website Type	Estimated Initial Cost	Notes
Basic Blog/Brochure	$500 – $2,000	Simple pages, contact form, basic SEO setup.
Small Business Site	$1,500 – $5,000	More pages, service listings, testimonials, maybe a simple gallery.
Portfolio Site	$1,000 – $4,000	Focus on visual display, galleries, project descriptions.
eCommerce Store	$3,000 – $15,000+	Product listings, cart, checkout, payment gateways, inventory management.
Membership Site	$4,000 – $20,000+	User accounts, content restriction, payment plans, community features.

Design Customization Needs

This is a big one. Are you happy with a standard look, or do you want something totally unique that screams your brand? Using a pre-made theme is usually the most budget-friendly option. You can customize it to a degree, but there are limits. If you need a completely custom design, where every element is tailored to your vision, that’s where costs can really climb. This often involves hiring a designer to create mockups and then a developer to translate those designs into a functional WordPress site. We’ve seen clients spend a significant amount just on getting the visual aspect exactly right, and it’s understandable why – first impressions matter!

We often advise clients to look at existing websites they like for inspiration. This helps us understand their aesthetic preferences without starting from scratch. It’s a good way to get a custom feel without the highest possible price tag. Remember, a unique design often means more custom coding, which takes time and skill.

Specific Feature Requirements

Beyond the general complexity and design, specific features can also drive up the price. Think about things like:

• Integration with other software: Do you need your website to talk to your CRM, email marketing service, or accounting software? These integrations often require custom work or premium plugins.
• Advanced forms: Beyond a simple contact form, you might need multi-step forms, conditional logic, or forms that calculate values.
• Interactive elements: Maps, calculators, quizzes, or custom sliders can add development time.
• Multilingual capabilities: If you need your site in multiple languages, this adds complexity for translation management and display.
• Security enhancements: While basic security is included, advanced measures like custom firewalls or specialized security plugins can add costs.

Each of these requires specific attention from developers and can increase the overall project scope. It’s always a good idea to list out every single feature you think you might need, even if it seems small. We can then assess the feasibility and cost implications.

It’s easy to get carried away with all the cool things a website could do. We always recommend focusing on the ‘must-haves’ first. You can always add more features later as your budget allows and your business grows. This phased approach helps manage initial costs effectively.

Content Creation Assistance

Creating compelling content – the text, images, and videos that populate your website – is vital. While you might be creating all of it yourself, sometimes clients need help. This could range from copywriting services to get your message just right, to professional photography or videography to make your site visually appealing. If you’re planning an e-commerce site, you’ll need product descriptions and images. For a service business, you’ll need descriptions of your offerings. The cost here depends entirely on the scope of content needed and whether you’re hiring professionals for it. We’ve seen projects where content creation was a significant portion of the budget because the client wanted high-quality, professionally produced materials. If you’re looking for help with your website’s content, exploring resources for website cost estimators can give you a better idea of what to budget for these services.

These factors – complexity, design, specific features, and content – all play a significant role in determining the final price of your WordPress website. Being clear about your needs in these areas will help us provide a more accurate estimate and ensure we build a site that truly meets your goals.

The Cost of Domain Names and Web Hosting

Alright, let’s talk about the absolute basics for getting your WordPress site online: a domain name and web hosting. Think of it like this: your domain name is your street address, and web hosting is the actual plot of land where you build your house. You can’t have a physical house without land, and you can’t have a website without both an address and a place to live on the internet.

Domain Name: Your Website’s Address

So, your domain name is what people type into their browser to find you – like yourwebsite.com. It’s your unique identifier on the web. When we first started out, picking a domain name felt like a big deal, and honestly, it is. You want something memorable, relevant to what you do, and easy to spell. The cost for a domain name is usually pretty reasonable. Most standard .com, .org, or .net domains will run you somewhere between $10 to $20 per year. Sometimes you can find deals, especially if you’re signing up for hosting at the same time, where they might throw in a domain name for free for the first year. We’ve seen prices as low as $0.95 per month for a domain, but that’s often an introductory offer. Keep in mind that if you want a more specialized domain, like a .io or a .photography domain, those can sometimes cost a bit more.

• Typical Annual Cost: $10 – $20
• Specialty Domains: Can be higher
• Introductory Offers: Often include a free domain for the first year with hosting plans.

It’s a good idea to register your domain name for a few years at a time if you can, just to lock it in and avoid forgetting to renew it. We learned that the hard way once! Also, a pro tip we always give people is to buy your domain name directly from a registrar and not through your web host if you can help it. This way, you maintain full control and ownership, which is super important if you ever decide to switch hosting providers down the line. It makes the whole process of moving your site much smoother.

Web Hosting: The Foundation of Your Site

Now, web hosting is where your website actually lives. It’s the server space that stores all your website’s files, images, and content, making it accessible to visitors 24/7. This is where costs can really start to vary, depending on the type of hosting you need and the provider you choose. For most new WordPress sites, shared hosting is the way to go. It’s the most affordable option because you’re sharing server resources with other websites. Think of it like living in an apartment building – you have your own space, but you share the building’s infrastructure.

Shared hosting plans can start as low as $3 to $5 per month, especially if you commit to a longer-term plan, like 36 or 48 months. For example, some providers offer plans around $5.49 per month. However, as your website grows and gets more traffic, you might need to upgrade to a more robust hosting solution, like VPS (Virtual Private Server) or dedicated hosting, which will naturally cost more. We’ve seen hosting costs range from about $35 a year for very basic plans to upwards of $800 a year for premium, high-performance hosting. It really depends on your needs.

Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:

Hosting Type	Typical Monthly Cost	Best For
Shared Hosting	$3 – $15	New websites, blogs, small businesses
VPS Hosting	$20 – $80	Growing websites, moderate traffic
Dedicated Hosting	$80 – $300+	High-traffic sites, large businesses, apps

When we were picking our first hosting provider, we looked at a few different options. We wanted something reliable but also budget-friendly. We ended up going with a provider that offered a good balance, and they had a special deal that included a free domain for the first year, which was a nice bonus. It’s worth shopping around and comparing features like storage space, bandwidth, uptime guarantees, and customer support. Some hosting services provide premium performance and AI tools, with longer-term plans available at a reduced rate, making them a comprehensive solution for users seeking reliable and feature-rich hosting.

Remember that the cheapest hosting isn’t always the best. Look for providers with good uptime records and responsive customer support. You don’t want your website to be down when a potential customer is trying to visit it.

Optimizing Hosting Costs for Your Budget

So, how do we keep these costs in check? One of the biggest ways is by choosing the right plan from the start and understanding renewal costs. Many hosting providers offer significant discounts for longer commitments – think 12, 24, or even 48-month plans. While it’s a larger upfront payment, the monthly cost often works out to be much lower. We’ve seen plans that are $143.52 for a 48-month period, which is a substantial saving compared to the regular price. It’s a trade-off between a smaller initial investment and a lower long-term cost.

Another strategy is to start with a shared hosting plan. As your website traffic increases, you can easily upgrade your hosting plan. Most reputable hosting providers make this transition pretty straightforward. You don’t need to jump straight into expensive hosting if your site is just starting out. We always recommend starting small and scaling up as needed. This approach helps manage your initial budget effectively. Also, keep an eye out for promotional offers and discounts. Many hosts run sales throughout the year, especially around holidays. Signing up for newsletters can alert you to these savings. Don’t forget to factor in renewal rates, as the initial discounted price often increases when your term is up. It’s wise to check those renewal prices before committing to a long-term contract. For example, a domain name registration can cost between $15-$20 per year, and reliable web hosting can range from $35-$150 per year, depending on the plan you select. Choosing a provider like GoDaddy can offer competitive pricing for both domains and hosting.

Here are a few tips for managing your hosting costs:

• Compare Providers: Don’t just go with the first host you find. Look at reviews, features, and pricing from several different companies.
• Commit to Longer Terms: If you’re serious about your website, a longer hosting contract usually means lower monthly payments.
• Start with Shared Hosting: Unless you have massive traffic from day one, shared hosting is usually sufficient and the most cost-effective.
• Watch for Renewal Rates: Be aware of how much your hosting will cost after the initial promotional period ends.
• Utilize Introductory Offers: Take advantage of free domain offers or discounted first terms, but know the renewal price.

By carefully considering these factors, we can secure a reliable online home for our WordPress site without breaking the bank. It’s all about making informed choices based on our current needs and future growth plans.

Theme and Plugin Expenses for WordPress

When we talk about building a WordPress website, themes and plugins are like the interior designer and the handy gadgets for your house. They’re what make your site look good and function the way you want it to. You can get a lot done with free options, but sometimes, you’ll want to spend a bit to get something extra special.

Choosing the Right WordPress Theme

Think of a theme as the overall look and feel of your website. It dictates the layout, the colors, the fonts – basically, everything you see. WordPress itself comes with a few default themes, and these are perfectly fine to get started with. They’re free, and they work. However, if you want your site to stand out or have a very specific aesthetic, you’ll likely want to explore premium themes. These can range from a one-time purchase of around $20 to $100, or sometimes they have an annual fee. The investment in a premium theme often pays off with better design, more customization options, and dedicated support. We’ve seen many sites that look fantastic thanks to a well-chosen premium theme. It’s important to pick a theme that’s not only visually appealing but also responsive, meaning it looks good on phones and tablets, which is a big deal these days. Many professionals use WordPress because it offers a cost-effective way to build professional websites, with free themes and plugins available. Professionals use WordPress for its affordability and security.

The Role and Cost of Plugins

If themes are the look, plugins are the functionality. Need a contact form? There’s a plugin for that. Want to add an online store? Plugin. Want to improve your site’s speed or security? You guessed it, a plugin. WordPress has over 59,000 free plugins, which is pretty amazing. For many basic needs, these free plugins are more than enough. We’ve used free plugins like WPForms Lite for contact forms and All in One SEO to help with search engine visibility, and they work well. However, for more advanced features or specialized functions, you might need to look at premium plugins. These can vary wildly in price, from a small one-time fee to a yearly subscription that might cost anywhere from $20 to $80 or even more, depending on what it does. For example, a complex booking system or an advanced e-commerce feature might come with a higher price tag. It’s all about what your website needs to do.

Leveraging Free Themes and Plugins Effectively

It’s totally possible to build a great-looking and functional website using only free themes and plugins. We’ve seen many successful blogs and small business sites that rely entirely on the free ecosystem. The key is to be smart about your choices. Look for well-coded free themes that have good reviews and are regularly updated. For plugins, stick to reputable ones that serve a clear purpose. Some essential free plugins we often recommend include:

• For Forms: WPForms Lite (great for contact forms and even basic payments).
• For SEO: Yoast SEO or Rank Math (both have excellent free versions to help you rank better in search results).
• For Speed: WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache (to make your site load faster).
• For Security: Wordfence Security or Sucuri Security (to protect your site from threats).
• For Backups: UpdraftPlus or Duplicator (to ensure you can restore your site if something goes wrong).

While free options are fantastic for saving money, always check the last updated date and the number of active installations for any free plugin or theme. This gives you a clue about its current support and reliability.

For a small business website, a budget of $300 to $1000 per year can cover quality hosting, a premium theme, and the necessary plugins to get leads and grow. This is a good starting point if you want to avoid the limitations of purely free options but aren’t ready for a massive custom build. The cost of domain names typically ranges from $10 to $50 per year, and hosting can start as low as $3 per month, going up to hundreds depending on your needs. So, while themes and plugins have their own costs, they are part of a larger picture of website expenses.

Professional Design and Development Services

Most of us quickly learn that building a WordPress site is rarely just picking a template and adding a few words. The look, function, and feel of a website often depend on dedicating time and budget to professional design and development—whether that’s freelance, agency, or even assembling an in-house crew. Let’s get into the details of each option and what we can expect for our investment.

Hiring Freelance WordPress Developers

Going with a freelance developer can be attractive for small projects, tight budgets, or those of us who want a close, collaborative process. Freelancers are accessible, flexible, and can move quickly, especially if we’re clear about our goals.

• Typical price range: $1,500 – $15,000, depending on project size, complexity, and the freelancer’s reputation.
• Hourly rates: $50 – $150.
• Pros: Personalized service, direct communication, and sometimes more creative solutions.
• Cons: Limited capacity for larger projects, sometimes slower timelines, and risk if the freelancer falls ill or overbooks.

Most freelancers can handle small business sites and basic eCommerce, editing pre-built themes or making custom tweaks. For truly custom projects, though, the price and timeline start to climb fast. Transparency about revision rounds, deadlines, and deliverables helps avoid frustration on both sides.

If we’re just starting out or need something simple, freelancers can deliver good results for less, but larger or highly customized projects might stretch their resources.

Engaging a Web Design Agency

Web agencies range from boutique specialists to full-service firms with dozens of employees. When we hire an agency, we’re usually paying for: a team approach, broader expertise, and a more predictable process.

Team Size	Budget Range	Typical Hourly Rate
Small agency (2-3 people)	$15,000 – $30,000	$120 – $190
Veteran team (3-4+ people)	$25,000 – $60,000	$160 – $250

• Strategy and planning sessions usually kick things off.
• Multiple design concepts and revision cycles are standard.
• Expect a set workflow: wireframing, mockups, development, testing.
• Agencies often include deeper SEO and marketing advice, sometimes even after launch.

At the $10,000 – $30,000 level, we’re looking at a fully managed process, including custom designs, mobile optimization, and strategy discussions to really fit our site to our business goals. The bills add up, but in exchange, we get predictable timelines and expert support. Agencies also have more bandwidth to tackle add-ons and complex integrations, but we do pay for those layers of service.

If we’re launching a high-traffic eCommerce store, or our business relies on a polished online image, professional agency services are often worth the higher price tag.

In-House Design and Development Costs

Once in a while, a business grows large enough to justify hiring one or more employees just for web upkeep. Or, maybe we’re techy folks who love to roll up our sleeves and manage everything in-house. This option offers lots of control and long-term stability, but comes with big up-front costs.

Here are key considerations for in-house teams:

1. Annual salary for a web designer/developer can range from $50,000 to $100,000+—plus benefits.
2. We’ll likely need to invest in ongoing training, software licenses, and equipment.
3. Productivity depends on our internal project management skills and the complexity of what we want to build.

This path makes sense for bigger organizations with lots of continuously evolving content or regular marketing campaigns. For most businesses, though, the big expense rarely makes sense until you’re at a very high scale.

Comparing Our Options

Let’s wrap up with a simple comparison to clarify which route might fit our needs best:

Solution	Best For	Typical Cost	Pros	Cons
Freelancer	Small websites, limited budgets	$1,500 – $15,000	Personal, flexible, affordable	Capacity, continuity risks
Web Agency	Business-critical or complex sites	$15,000 – $60,000+	Team expertise, process, reliability	Higher price, less flexibility
In-House Team	Large orgs w/ frequent web changes	$50,000+/year	Total control, immediate availability	High ongoing cost

• Ask yourself: Are we okay with slower timelines and potential risks for a lower cost, or do we need full support and robust planning, even if it means spending more?
• For most growing companies, starting with a freelance or agency partner, then reassessing as we scale, keeps us both nimble and on-budget.
• Limiting big, "nice to have" features in the first launch and focusing just on must-have items can stretch our investment further.

When we think about professional design and development for WordPress, it’s really about matching our budget and expectations to how much help we really need. If in doubt, get quotes from all three options before moving forward.

Ongoing Maintenance and Support Costs

So, you’ve got your shiny new WordPress website up and running. That’s fantastic! But here’s the thing we often forget: a website isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ kind of deal. It’s more like a car; it needs regular check-ups and occasional tune-ups to keep running smoothly. We’re talking about the ongoing costs that come after the initial build, the stuff that keeps your site secure, updated, and performing well. Ignoring these can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the line, and nobody wants that.

Monthly Website Maintenance Fees

Think of monthly maintenance fees as a subscription for peace of mind. Most agencies or freelancers who build your site will offer a package to keep it ticking over. These packages can vary a lot, but they generally cover the basics to keep your WordPress installation and its components safe and sound. We’ve seen these packages range from around $80 to $250 per month for standard upkeep. For more complex sites or those with heavy traffic, these costs can climb significantly, sometimes into the thousands per month, especially for corporate or highly customized business sites. It’s really about what your site needs to stay healthy.

What’s typically included in these standard packages?

• Software Updates: WordPress itself, themes, and plugins all get updated regularly. These updates aren’t just for new features; they’re often critical security patches. We need to make sure these are applied promptly.
• Backups: Regular backups (daily is best) are non-negotiable. If something goes wrong – a hack, a bad update, a server issue – a recent backup is your lifeline.
• Security Monitoring: Keeping an eye out for suspicious activity, malware, and potential vulnerabilities is a big part of it.
• Performance Checks: Making sure your site is loading quickly and efficiently.

Essential Website Upkeep Expenses

Beyond the general maintenance packages, there are a few other recurring costs we need to consider. These are the bits and pieces that keep your website accessible and functional.

• Domain Name Renewal: Your website’s address, like yourwebsite.com, isn’t a one-time purchase. You’ll need to renew it annually, typically costing between $15 and $20 per year. It’s a small cost, but vital – let it lapse, and you lose your online identity!
• Web Hosting: This is where your website actually lives on the internet. Hosting costs can vary wildly depending on the type of hosting (shared, VPS, dedicated) and the resources you need. For a basic shared hosting plan, you might pay $10-$30 per month, but as your traffic grows or you need more power, this can easily jump to $100-$300 or even more for robust VPS or dedicated servers. We found that hosting costs can go up to $835 per month for some setups.
• SSL Certificate: If your site handles any sensitive data (like contact forms or, especially, e-commerce transactions), you absolutely need an SSL certificate to encrypt data and show that little padlock in the browser. While some hosts include a basic SSL, premium certificates can cost anywhere from $10 to $125 annually, or even more for extended validation. It’s a small price for user trust and security.

Technical Support and Analytics Reporting

This is where we get into the more specialized aspects of keeping your website optimized and informative.

• Technical Support: What happens when something breaks? Or when you need to add a new feature that’s a bit beyond your comfort zone? Having access to technical support, whether it’s through your maintenance package or on an as-needed basis, is important. Agencies might charge anywhere from $50 to $300 per hour for support if it’s not covered in a retainer. For complex issues or custom development, this can add up quickly.
• Analytics Reporting: Understanding how your website is performing is key to making informed decisions. This involves setting up and monitoring tools like Google Analytics. While the tools themselves are free, interpreting the data and generating meaningful reports might require dedicated time or expertise. Some maintenance packages include basic monthly reports, but if you need in-depth analysis, you might need to budget for a specialist. We’ve seen costs for analytics reporting services range from $15 to $300 per month, depending on the depth of analysis required.

It’s really about balancing the cost of proactive maintenance against the potential cost of a website failure or poor performance. We think it’s wise to budget for these ongoing expenses from the start. You can get a good idea of these costs using a website cost calculator to help plan your budget effectively.

When we think about ongoing costs, it’s easy to focus only on the immediate needs. However, a proactive approach to maintenance, including regular updates, backups, and security checks, can prevent much larger, more expensive problems in the future. It’s an investment in the longevity and reliability of your online presence.

Here’s a quick look at how some of these costs might stack up monthly:

Service Type	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Basic Maintenance Package	$80 – $250	Updates, backups, security scans
Web Hosting	$10 – $300+	Varies by traffic, resources, and hosting type
SSL Certificate	$1 – $10	Prorated monthly cost for annual renewal
Domain Renewal	$1 – $2	Prorated monthly cost for annual renewal
Technical Support (if needed)	Varies	Hourly rates or retainer fees
Analytics Reporting	$15 – $300	For basic to intermediate reporting

Remember, these are just estimates. The actual costs will depend heavily on the specific services you choose and the complexity of your website. Planning for these ongoing expenses is just as important as budgeting for the initial website design costs.

WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org: Cost Implications

So, we’ve talked a lot about building a WordPress website, but there’s a pretty big fork in the road right at the start that affects how much you’ll spend: WordPress.com versus WordPress.org. It’s not just a small detail; it really changes the game for your budget and what you can do.

Understanding the Differences Between Platforms

Think of it like this: WordPress.org is like buying all the building materials and tools yourself to construct your house from scratch. You have total freedom, but you’re responsible for everything – the land, the foundation, the plumbing, the electricity, the paint, everything. WordPress.com, on the other hand, is more like renting a pre-built apartment or a condo. They handle a lot of the infrastructure, and you just move in and decorate. It’s simpler, but you’re working within their rules and structure.

With WordPress.org, you download the free WordPress software and then you’re in charge of finding your own web hosting and domain name. This gives you complete control over every aspect of your site, from the design to the functionality. You can install any theme or plugin you want, and you can customize it to your heart’s content. This flexibility is amazing, but it also means you’re responsible for all the associated costs and the technical upkeep.

WordPress.com, however, is a hosted service. They provide the software, hosting, and even a domain name (often for the first year) as part of their packages. They have different pricing tiers, and each one offers a different set of features and limitations. It’s a more managed experience, which can be great if you want to get started quickly and don’t want to worry too much about the technical side of things. But, this convenience comes with trade-offs. You can’t install just any plugin or theme, and your customization options are more restricted, especially on the lower-tier plans.

Cost Structures of WordPress.com Plans

WordPress.com offers a range of plans, and the cost really depends on what you need. They have a free plan, but honestly, it’s pretty basic. You get a subdomain (like yourname.wordpress.com), limited storage, and you can’t run ads or install custom plugins. It’s okay for a personal hobby blog, but not much else for a business.

Then you move into their paid plans:

• Personal Plan: This is usually the first step up. It typically includes a free custom domain for the first year (after that, you pay annually), more storage, and the ability to remove WordPress.com ads. It’s a step towards a more professional look.
• Premium Plan: This plan usually adds more advanced design customization options, more storage, and the ability to monetize your site with ads. You might also get access to more themes.
• Business Plan: This is where things get closer to what you can do with WordPress.org. It often includes the ability to install custom plugins and themes, which is a huge deal for functionality. You also get more storage and advanced features.
• eCommerce Plan: If you’re planning to sell products, this plan is tailored for that, offering features like payment processing, shipping tools, and product management.

The pricing for these plans can vary, but generally, you’re looking at anywhere from around $4 per month for the Personal plan (billed annually) up to $45 per month or more for the eCommerce plan. It’s a predictable cost, which can be nice for budgeting, but you’re locked into their ecosystem.

Here’s a rough idea of what you might expect:

Plan Type	Estimated Monthly Cost (Billed Annually)	Key Features
Free	$0	Subdomain, limited storage, basic features
Personal	$4 – $7	Custom domain (1st year free), more storage, no WP ads
Premium	$14 – $25	Advanced design, monetization, more storage
Business	$30 – $45	Plugin/theme installation, advanced customization, more storage
eCommerce	$45+	E-commerce tools, payment processing, shipping, product management

It’s important to check their current pricing, as these figures can change.

The Flexibility and Cost of WordPress.org

Now, let’s talk about WordPress.org. As we mentioned, the software itself is free. But, you will have costs associated with making it a live, functional website. These are the costs we’ve touched on in other sections, but it’s worth reiterating how they fit into the .org picture.

1. Domain Name: You need to buy this. Prices typically range from $10 to $30 per year. You can get them from registrars like Namecheap or through your hosting provider. This is your website’s unique address, like yourbusiness.com.
2. Web Hosting: This is where your website’s files live. Costs can vary wildly, from shared hosting plans starting around $3-$10 per month for basic needs, up to more robust VPS or dedicated hosting plans that can cost hundreds per month if you have massive traffic or complex needs. For most small to medium businesses, a good shared hosting plan is usually sufficient to start.
3. Themes: While there are tons of free themes, if you want something more professional, unique, or with specific features, you’ll likely buy a premium theme. These can be a one-time purchase ($50-$100) or sometimes have an annual fee for updates and support.
4. Plugins: Similar to themes, many plugins are free, but the really powerful or specialized ones often come with a price tag. This could be a one-time fee or a recurring subscription, ranging from $20 to $200+ per plugin, depending on its functionality and support.
5. Development/Design (Optional but common): If you’re not a designer or developer, you might hire someone. This is where costs can really add up, from a few hundred dollars for a simple setup to thousands for a custom-built site.
6. Maintenance: Even with .org, you’ll need to keep things updated and secure. This can be done yourself (free, but time-consuming) or by hiring a maintenance service ($50-$300+ per month).

So, while the core WordPress software is free, the total cost of ownership for a WordPress.org site is entirely dependent on your choices. You can build a very basic site for under $100-$200 for the first year (domain + cheap hosting + free theme/plugins), or you can spend thousands on custom design, premium plugins, and expert development. The upside is that you have the freedom to scale and customize as your needs grow. You’re not tied to a specific provider’s limitations. For anyone serious about building a flexible and scalable online presence, WordPress.org offers the most control and potential.

The decision between WordPress.com and WordPress.org isn’t just about initial setup costs; it’s about long-term flexibility, control, and scalability. While WordPress.com offers a simpler, more managed experience with predictable pricing, WordPress.org provides the freedom to customize and grow your website without platform restrictions, albeit with a greater responsibility for managing costs and technical aspects.

Ultimately, the choice hinges on your technical comfort level, your budget, and your long-term goals for your website. If you want maximum control and are willing to manage the technical side, WordPress.org is usually the way to go. If you prefer a more hands-off approach and predictable costs, WordPress.com might be a better fit, especially for simpler sites.

Calculating Your WordPress Website Cost Calculator Needs

So, you’re looking to build a WordPress website and trying to figure out the costs involved. It’s a common question, and honestly, the answer isn’t a simple number. It really depends on what you want your website to do and how you want it to look. To help us get a clearer picture and avoid any sticker shock, we need to think about what we actually need. This is where understanding your own requirements comes into play, and it’s the first step before you even start looking at themes or plugins.

Identifying Your Website’s Purpose

Before we can even think about budgets, we need to nail down why we’re building this website. Is it a personal blog to share your thoughts? A portfolio to showcase your work? A place for your small business to connect with customers? Or maybe a full-blown online store? Each of these has different needs and, therefore, different cost implications. A simple blog might just need basic hosting and a free theme, while an e-commerce site will require more robust hosting, security features, and specialized plugins for payments and inventory. Knowing the primary goal helps us prioritize where our money should go.

For example, if your main goal is to sell products online, you’ll need to factor in costs for:

• E-commerce Plugins: Like WooCommerce, which can have add-ons for specific payment gateways or shipping options.
• Payment Gateway Fees: Transaction fees from services like Stripe or PayPal.
• Security: SSL certificates are a must for online transactions.
• Inventory Management: If you have a lot of products, you might need plugins to help manage stock.

On the other hand, if you’re just looking to share your photography, your needs might be simpler:

• Portfolio Theme: A visually appealing theme designed for galleries.
• Image Optimization Plugins: To ensure your photos load quickly.
• Contact Form: For potential clients to reach you.

Thinking about the core purpose helps us avoid spending money on features we don’t actually need. It’s like planning a trip; you wouldn’t pack for a beach vacation if you’re going skiing, right?

Defining Essential Features and Functionality

Once we know the purpose, we can start listing out the specific features and functionalities our website absolutely must have. These are the non-negotiables. Think about what makes your website useful and what your visitors will expect. This is where we start getting into the nitty-gritty of what makes a WordPress site tick and, consequently, what influences the price. We want to be realistic here, focusing on what will genuinely help us achieve our website’s goals.

Let’s break down some common categories:

• Content Management: How easily do you need to add and update content? Most WordPress sites handle this well out of the box, but some might need advanced custom post types or specific content organization tools.
• User Interaction: Do you need contact forms, comment sections, user registration, or forums? Each of these adds a layer of complexity and potential cost, especially if you need advanced features like conditional logic in forms or robust user role management.
• E-commerce: As mentioned, if you’re selling online, you’ll need shopping cart functionality, product listings, payment processing, shipping calculations, and order management. These are often handled by plugins, but the more complex your needs, the more likely you’ll need premium versions or custom solutions.
• Marketing & SEO: Do you need built-in SEO tools, email marketing integration, social media feeds, or analytics dashboards? Many plugins can help here, but some advanced marketing automation features might come with a price tag.
• Performance & Security: While basic security and performance are important for all sites, some might require advanced caching, dedicated security plugins, or even specialized hosting for higher traffic volumes.

It’s helpful to create a list, perhaps even a simple spreadsheet, to track these features. For each feature, we can note whether it’s a ‘must-have’ or a ‘nice-to-have’. This helps immensely when we start looking at themes and plugins, as many offer a core set of features for free, with advanced options available in paid versions. We can use a tool like the WP Cost Calculator to start mapping these out and getting rough estimates.

Setting Realistic Budget Expectations

Now that we’ve thought about the purpose and the features, it’s time to get real about the budget. This is where we combine our needs with what’s actually feasible financially. It’s easy to get carried away with all the amazing things WordPress can do, but we need to anchor ourselves to a realistic financial plan. Remember, a website is an investment, and like any investment, it needs to be sustainable.

Here’s a way to approach this:

1. List Your ‘Must-Haves’: Go back to your feature list and identify the absolute essentials. Assign a rough cost estimate to each of these. For example, if you need a robust e-commerce setup, you might budget $300-$1000 for plugins and themes.
2. List Your ‘Nice-to-Haves’: These are features that would be great but aren’t critical right now. You can assign a lower priority and potentially a lower budget to these, or even decide to add them later.
3. Factor in Ongoing Costs: Don’t forget about hosting, domain renewals, and potential maintenance or security plugin subscriptions. These are recurring expenses that need to be part of your long-term budget.
4. Contingency Fund: It’s always wise to have a buffer, maybe 10-20% of your total estimated cost, for unexpected expenses or features you discover you need along the way. Things rarely go exactly as planned.

We need to be honest with ourselves about what we can afford. It’s better to build a solid, functional website that meets your core needs within budget than to overspend on features you don’t use and end up with a site that’s a financial burden. We can always scale up later.

By taking these steps, we can move from a vague idea of building a WordPress website to a concrete plan with a much clearer understanding of the associated costs. This preparation is key to making informed decisions and ensuring our website project is a success without breaking the bank. Thinking about these elements upfront will make the entire process smoother and more predictable, helping us use tools like a WordPress cost calculator more effectively.

Strategies to Optimize Your WordPress Website Budget

So, you’re looking to build a WordPress website without breaking the bank. We get it. It’s easy to get carried away with all the bells and whistles, but a smart approach to budgeting can save you a lot of headaches and cash down the line. We’ve found that focusing on what truly matters and being a bit savvy with resources makes a huge difference.

Prioritizing Essential Features

When we first start planning a website, it’s natural to want everything. Think about it: a blog, a portfolio, an online store, a booking system, a forum, maybe even a membership area. But here’s the thing – do you really need all of that on day one? Probably not. The most effective way to keep costs down is to be ruthless about what’s absolutely necessary for your website to function and achieve its primary goals.

We like to break this down into two categories: must-haves and nice-to-haves. Must-haves are the features that are non-negotiable for your site to work. For a small business, this might be a clear description of services, contact information, and perhaps a simple contact form. For an online store, it’s definitely the ability to list products, process payments, and manage orders. Nice-to-haves are things that would be great to have but aren’t critical for launch. Maybe that’s an advanced filtering system for your products or a complex animation on your homepage.

Here’s a way we think about it:

• Core Functionality: What does the website have to do to serve its purpose? (e.g., display information, collect leads, sell products).
• User Experience Enhancements: What features will make it easier and more pleasant for visitors to use the site and achieve their goals? (e.g., clear navigation, fast loading times, mobile responsiveness).
• Growth Features: What can be added later as the website gains traffic and revenue? (e.g., advanced analytics, membership portals, complex integrations).

By focusing on the core functionality first, you can get your website up and running with a solid foundation. You can always add more features later as your needs evolve and your budget allows. This phased approach is much more manageable and cost-effective than trying to build everything at once. Remember, a simpler, functional website is far better than an overly ambitious, unfinished one.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building a new website, but a disciplined approach to feature selection is key. Start with the essentials, test them thoroughly, and then plan for future enhancements. This strategy not only saves money but also ensures that you’re building a website that truly meets your immediate needs.

Utilizing Free Resources Wisely

WordPress itself is free and open-source, which is a massive advantage. But the savings don’t stop there. The WordPress ecosystem is packed with free themes and plugins that can get you a long way. We’ve seen many stunning and highly functional websites built using entirely free resources, at least initially.

• Free Themes: The official WordPress theme directory has thousands of free themes. While they might not have the extensive customization options of premium themes, many are well-coded, responsive, and offer a clean design. Look for themes that are regularly updated and have good reviews. You can often find a great starting point here.
• Free Plugins: Similarly, the plugin directory is a goldmine. Need a contact form? There are several excellent free options like Contact Form 7 or WPForms Lite. Want to improve your site’s speed? Plugins like WP-Optimize offer caching, image compression, and database cleanup, all for free. For security, Wordfence Security or iThemes Security (free versions) provide robust protection.
• Content Management: For basic content creation and editing, the built-in WordPress editor is quite capable. For more advanced page building without coding, Elementor’s free version is incredibly powerful, allowing drag-and-drop design. SeedProd Lite is another great option for creating landing pages.

However,

Understanding the Total Cost of Ownership

So, we’ve talked a lot about the initial build, the themes, the plugins, and getting your site live. But what about after that? It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new website and forget that there are ongoing costs involved. Thinking about the total cost of ownership, or TCO, is super important. It’s not just about the price tag when you first launch; it’s about what you’ll spend over the entire life of your website. We need to look at the whole picture, not just the shiny new parts.

Initial Development Investment

This is the big one, right? It’s what you pay to get the website built. This includes everything from the design and development work to the initial setup of your WordPress site. If you’re hiring professionals, this is where a good chunk of your budget will go. We’re talking about the cost of custom design, custom functionality, and making sure everything is set up just right. Even if you’re doing it yourself, there are still costs involved, like buying premium themes or plugins that add specific features you need. It’s the foundation of your online presence, so it makes sense that this part has a significant upfront cost. We’ve seen projects range from a few hundred dollars for a very basic setup to tens of thousands for complex, custom-built sites. It really depends on what you need your website to do and how unique you want it to be.

Recurring Annual and Monthly Expenses

This is where many people get surprised. After the initial build, your website isn’t just ‘done.’ There are regular costs to keep it running smoothly and securely. Think of it like owning a car; you don’t just buy it and forget about it. You have insurance, gas, and maintenance. For a website, these recurring costs typically include:

• Web Hosting: This is like renting space on the internet for your website files. Prices vary wildly based on the type of hosting (shared, VPS, dedicated) and the provider. We usually see this ranging from about $10 to $100+ per month.
• Domain Name Renewal: You have to renew your domain name (your website’s address) every year, usually costing around $15-$20 annually.
• SSL Certificate: While many hosts include this now, if you need a more advanced one or it’s not included, it can be an annual cost, often $10-$100.
• Premium Theme/Plugin Licenses: Many premium themes and plugins require annual renewal fees to get updates and support. This can add up, especially if you have several.
• Maintenance Services: If you’re not doing the maintenance yourself, you’ll likely pay a monthly fee for updates, backups, security scans, and support. These packages can range from $80 to $250+ per month.
• Content Updates/Marketing: If you plan to regularly add new content or run marketing campaigns, you’ll need to budget for that time or the cost of hiring someone.

It’s really important to factor these ongoing costs into your budget from the start. They might seem small individually, but they add up over time.

Long-Term Value of a Well-Budgeted Website

Now, let’s talk about why all this budgeting is worth it. A website that’s well-planned and properly funded from the beginning, considering its total cost of ownership, provides much more value in the long run. When we invest properly upfront and continue to maintain our site, we get a reliable, secure, and effective tool for our business or project. This means fewer unexpected breakdowns, better performance, and a stronger online presence that can actually help us grow. A cheap, poorly maintained site might save money initially, but it can cost us dearly in lost customers, security breaches, and missed opportunities down the line. We want a website that works for us, not one that becomes a constant headache. By understanding and planning for the total cost, we’re building an asset that supports our goals for years to come, rather than just a temporary online brochure. It’s about building something sustainable and effective.

Understanding the total cost of ownership for your website is key. It’s not just about the initial setup; think about ongoing expenses like hosting and updates. Knowing these details helps you plan your budget better. Want to get a clearer picture of what your website might cost? Try our easy-to-use calculator today!

Wrapping It All Up

So, as we’ve seen, figuring out the cost of a WordPress website isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all answer. It really boils down to what you need your site to do and how you want it to look. We’ve walked through everything from the basic yearly costs for hosting and a domain name, which can be surprisingly low, to the much larger investments for custom designs and advanced features. Remember, WordPress itself is free, but the extras like premium themes, plugins, and professional design work are where the costs can really add up. By understanding these different pieces, you can better plan your budget and avoid those unexpected expenses. We’ve seen that a simple blog might only cost a few hundred dollars a year, while a complex e-commerce site could run into thousands, or even tens of thousands, for the initial build and ongoing maintenance. It’s all about matching your goals with your spending. We hope this guide helps you feel more confident in planning your own WordPress project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WordPress really free to use?

The basic WordPress software itself is free, kind of like a free starter kit. But to make your website live and accessible to everyone online, you’ll need to pay for things like a domain name (your website’s address) and web hosting (where your website lives). Think of it like building a house – the blueprints are free, but you still need to buy land and materials.

What are the main costs involved in building a WordPress site?

We usually see costs in a few main areas. First, you have your domain name and hosting, which are like the address and the plot of land for your site. Then there are themes and plugins, which are like the design and extra features for your house. Finally, you might have costs for professional help if you want a custom look or special functions, and then ongoing costs for keeping everything updated and secure.

How much does a simple WordPress website typically cost per year?

For a basic website, like a personal blog or a simple business site, we often see annual costs ranging from about $46 to $100. This usually covers your domain name and affordable web hosting. You can even start with free themes and plugins to keep initial costs really low.

What if I need an online store (eCommerce)? How does that change the cost?

Building an online store with WordPress is a bit more involved. You’ll likely need more advanced plugins for payments and inventory, and possibly a more robust hosting plan to handle transactions. For an eCommerce site, we typically see annual costs starting around $1,000 and going up from there, depending on how many products you have and the features you need.

Can I build a WordPress website for under $100?

Yes, it’s definitely possible to get a WordPress site up and running for under $100, especially for the first year. This usually involves taking advantage of hosting deals that might include a free domain name for the first year and using free themes and plugins. It’s a great way to start if you’re on a very tight budget.

How much does professional design and development cost?

Hiring professionals can significantly increase the cost. For a custom design, a freelance designer might charge anywhere from $500 to $5,000. If you work with a web design agency for a more complex project, costs can range from $3,000 to $100,000 or even more. It really depends on how unique and feature-rich you want your site to be.

What are the ongoing costs I should expect after my website is built?

After your site is built, you’ll have recurring costs. These include your annual domain name renewal and web hosting fees. You might also pay for premium plugin subscriptions or theme updates. We often see monthly maintenance costs for things like security checks, backups, and updates, which can range from $25 for a personal site to several hundred dollars or more for complex business sites.

Is it better to use WordPress.com or WordPress.org?

They are different! WordPress.org is the self-hosted version where you have full control and flexibility, but you’re responsible for hosting and all costs. WordPress.com offers different plans, starting with a free option that has limitations, and paid plans that include hosting and support. For most businesses wanting full control and customization, WordPress.org is usually the way to go, despite the initial setup costs.