Domain name costs can vary depending on different factors, such as how popular the domain is, where you buy the domain, and how long you want to own it. Typically, the cost can be anywhere from $1 to hundreds of dollars per year.
Whether you have a personal blog or a professional website for your business, considering the costs will be essential for the success of your project.
In this article, we will explore how much a domain name costs on different domain registrars, and differnt website builders. We’ll also show how to negotiate a lower price when registering a domain name.
- Average domain prices range from $10 to $50 per year
- Renewal costs can be twice as much as the initial price
- Premium domains can cost millions due to high demand
- Domain length, desirability, and TLD affect prices
- Free domain name offers are common for the first year
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Domain Name?
On average, a domain name typically costs around $10 to $50 per year for common domain extensions like .com, .net, or .org.
However, prices can range from as low as $0.99 to over $100 per year, depending on the domain registrar, special discounts, and the specific domain extension you choose.
Remember it’s a good practice to compare prices and consider factors like renewal rates and additional services offered by the registrar before making your purchase.
Here is a comparison of different domain registrars and the types of extensions they offer.
HostArmada
HostArmada offers competitive pricing for domain registrations.
They often have promotions, which can make domain registration more affordable.
The standard price for a .com domain on HostArmada is around $11.99 per year. For .net and .org domains HostArmada charges $16.43 and $12.53, respectively.
Bluehost
Bluehost, a well-known hosting provider, provides domain registration services as well.
The cost of a .com domain through Bluehost is typically around $12.99 per year. For .net and .org domains Bluehost charges $18.99 and $9.99, respectively.
UltaHost
Ultahost offers domain registration services with straightforward pricing.
A .com domain with UltaHost typically costs around $13 per year. For .net and .org domains UltaHost charges $16 and $15.50, respectively.
Hostinger
Hostinger, known for its budget-friendly hosting solutions, offers competitive domain registration prices.
A .com domain from Hostinger is often priced at approximately $9.99 per year. For .net and .org domains Hostinger charges $12.99 and $7.99, respectively.
HostGator
HostGator, another popular hosting provider, provides domain registration services.
The cost of a .com, .net and .org domains through HostGator is $12.95 per year.
GoDaddy
GoDaddy, one of the largest registrars globally, offers a wide range of domain extensions.
The price for a .com domain with GoDaddy can vary but is typically $11.99 per year. For .net and .org domains GoDaddy charges $14.99 and $9.99, respectively.
DreamHost
DreamHost, known for its hosting and domain services, has competitive pricing for domain registrations.
A .com domain through DreamHost usually costs $8.99 per year. For .net and .org domains DreamHost charges $10.99 and $11.99, respectively.
Here’s a summary table showcasing the average cost of a .com, .net and .org domain from different registrars:
| Registrar | .com Price (per year) | .net Price (per year) | .org Price (per year) |
| HostArmada | $11.99 | $16.43 | $12.53 |
| Bluehost | $12.99 | $18.99 | $9.99 |
| Ultahost | $13.00 | $16.00 | $15.50 |
| Hostinger | $9.99 | $12.99 | $7.99 |
| HostGator | $12.95 | $12.95 | $12.95 |
| GoDaddy | $11.99 | $14.99 | $9.99 |
| DreamHost | $8.99 | $10.99 | $11.99 |
It’s important to note that the prices mentioned here are for standard domain extensions like .com, .net, and .org.
Premium or specialized domain extensions, such as .io, .app, or .design, can often come with higher price tags due to their perceived value and uniqueness.
Additionally, many domain registrars offer discounts for the first year of domain registration, so it’s essential to consider the long-term costs if you plan to keep your domain for multiple years.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Domain Name?
On average renewing domain names can cost twice as much as you paid for your first year (or even more).
The reason is that many registrars do offer promotional prices for the first year, which typically double or triple upon renewal.
For example, a .com domain might cost $0.99 to $12.99 for the first year but jump to $17.99 to $24.99 or more for subsequent years.
It’s crucial for domain owners to be aware of these price increases during renewal, as they can significantly impact the overall cost of maintaining a domain.
Always check the specific terms and pricing details with your chosen domain registrar before committing to domain registration.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Domain from Popular Website Builders
When you decide to create a website, choosing a domain name is a mandatory step.
Many website builders offer domain registration services, streamlining the process.
However, domain costs can vary among these platforms.
Here, we’ll explore the domain name prices for popular website builders like Wix, Shopify, Squarespace, and Weebly, with a focus on their pricing models and potential free domain offers.
Wix Domain Name Cost
Wix, known for user-friendliness and design flexibility, offers these domain options:
- Free Domains for the First Year: Wix often provides free domains when you select premium plans like Combo, Unlimited, Pro, or VIP. After the first year, renewal costs range from $14.95 to $24.85 per year.
- Domain-Only Purchase: Purchasing a domain separately, without a premium plan, typically costs between $14.95 and $24.85 per year.
- Domain Privacy Protection: For added privacy, Wix offers domain privacy protection at around $9.90 per year.
Shopify Domain Name Cost
Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform, offers the following domain pricing:
- Free Domain for the First Year: Signing up for a Shopify plan often includes free domains for the first year. Renewal costs vary by extension but usually range from $11 to $14 per year.
- Third-Party Domain Integration: If you have an existing domain, you can connect it to your Shopify store, though renewal fees remain with the original domain name registrar.
- Domain Privacy Protection: Registering a domain through Shopify includes free domain privacy.
Squarespace Domain Name Cost
Squarespace, known for appealing designs, offers the following domain pricing:
- Free Domain for the First Year: Squarespace frequently provides free domains for the initial year with annual plans. Renewal costs vary between $20 and $70 per year based on the extension.
- Domain-Only Purchase: Purchasing a domain separately, without a plan, typically costs between $20 and $70 per year.
- Domain Privacy Protection: When you register a domain through Squarespace, you get domain privacy at no extra cost.
Weebly Domain Name Cost
Weebly, valued for its simplicity, offers the following domain pricing:
- Free Domain for the First Year: Weebly often offers free domains for the first year with annual plans. Renewal costs range from $19.95 to $40 per year based on the extension.
- Domain-Only Purchase: Purchasing a domain separately, without a plan, typically costs between $19.95 to $40 per year.
- Domain Privacy Protection: Weebly provides domain privacy protection at around $10 per year.
| Platform | Free Domain for First Year | Domain-Only Purchase (per year) | Domain Privacy Protection (per year) |
| Wix Website Builder | Yes, then $14.95 to $24.85 | $14.95 to $24.85 | $9.90 |
| Shopify | Yes, then $11 to $14 | Connect existing domain | Included |
| Squarespace | Yes, then $20 to $70 | $20 to $70 | Included |
| Weebly | Yes, then $19.95 to $40 | $19.95 to $40 | $10.00 |
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Domain from Someone Else?
Buying a domain from someone else can range widely, starting from as low as $10 for less-desirable domains to thousands or even millions for high-demand, premium ones.
Factors influencing the cost include:
- The domain’s perceived value
- Domain length
- Keywords
- Negotiation skills
Additionally, domain brokerage fees may apply, typically around 10-20% of the final sale price.
If transferring the domain to a different registrar, there could be domain transfer fees, typically under $25.
How Much Does a Premium Domain Name Cost?
A premium domain name can cost anywhere from a few dollars to several million dollars, with some exceptionally valuable domains selling for over $10 million.
The price depends on factors like domain length, keywords, and market demand.
Factors that Affect Domain Prices
Several factors influence the cost of domain names:
- Premium domains with higher price ranges: Premium domains can be categorized into different tiers, with the highest tier consisting of ultra-premium domains, which can cost millions of dollars. Lower-tier premium domains are generally more affordable.
- Market demand and domain name availability: High demand for specific keywords, industry-related terms, or brandable domain names can drive up prices. Scarcity and competition among potential buyers play an important role.
- Domain length and desirability: Short, concise domain names are often more desirable and, therefore, more expensive. Single-word or acronym domains are highly sought after.
- Top-level domain (domain extension): The choice of TLD (Top Level Domains) also affects the price. While .com domains generally command the highest prices due to their universal recognition, other TLDs like .net, .org, and country-specific extensions can be more affordable.
- Domain registrars: Different registrars may offer the same premium domain at varying prices. It’s advisable to shop around and compare prices among reputable registrars to find the best deal.
Hidden Domain Costs to Keep in Mind
Beyond the initial purchase price, several hidden costs can come into play when buying a domain:
1. Auto-Renew Costs
Domain registrars often charge annual fees to renew domain ownership.
While these fees can range from $10 to $50 for standard domains, premium domains may have significantly higher renewal costs.
2. Privacy and Protection Costs
Most domain registrars offer privacy protection services to shield your personal information from the public WHOIS database.
These services typically cost between $10 and $15 per year.
Privacy protection can be particularly important for premium domains, as their visibility makes them attractive targets for spammers and scammers.
3. Domain Transfer Costs
If you decide to move your premium domain to a different registrar, you might need to pay domain transfer fees.
These fees usually range from $10 to $25 and can vary by registrar.
It’s essential to check the transfer policies and associated costs before initiating the process.
4. Business Email Account Costs
For a professional online experience, many website owners opt for custom email addresses associated with their premium domain (for example, support@example.com).
These services can range from $5 to $15 per month per email account, depending on the email hosting provider and features included.
Can You Get a Domain Name for Free?
Yes, you can obtain a domain name for free, or at a very low cost, typically for the first year.
Many web hosting providers and website builders offer free domain registration as part of their hosting packages, but subsequent annual renewals often incur fees.
It’s a common promotional tactic to attract new customers.
How to Negotiate a Lower Price for Your Domain Name
Negotiating a lower price for domain names requires strategy and tact:
- Do Your Research: Understand the domain’s market value, considering factors like keyword relevance and TLD. Research comparable sales to support your offer.
- Be Polite and Professional: Maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout negotiations. Building rapport can facilitate better deals.
- Know What You Want: Clearly define your budget and price range beforehand, and stick to it.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away: Be willing to walk away if the price doesn’t align with your budget.
- Ask for a Discount: Politely inquire if the seller is open to discounts, offering compelling reasons for the reduction. Flexible negotiations can yield great outcomes.
Final Word
As a website owner, your online project goes beyond fun, creative processes.
No doubt, measuring your domain name cost is an important part of managing your website financially.
Lastly, if improving your digital project is one of your priorities this year, our curated list of the Best Website Builders is a must. After excelling at your domain name costs, it is time to master other aspects of your website structure.
Next Steps: What Now?
- How Much Do Websites Cost: Understand how other costs affect your investment in your website.
- What to Blog About: After buying your domain name, learn what content will be better for your visitors.
- How to Make a Website Look Professional: Improve your website to make your costs worth it.
Learn More About Buying Domain Names
- How to Buy a Domain Name that Is Taken in 7 Steps (+ Pro Tips)
- How To Buy Expired Domains and Make Profit
- How to Buy a Domain Name Forever: Is It Possible?
- How Much Does a Domain Name Cost? (& How To Lower The Price)
- How to Check If a Domain Is Available (& 13 Best Domain Name Search Tools)
- How to Choose a Domain Name That Is Right for Your Website
- How to Find a Domain Name Owner with WHOIS Lookup Tool
- How to Price a Domain: From Cost to Profit
- Buying Domain Name from GoDaddy: Step-by-Step Guide
- Buying a Cheap Domain Name: Where & How to Buy One
- I Bought a Domain, Now What? 9 Steps to Take After Purchasing a Domain Name
- How to Renew Domain Name: What to Do When Domain Registration Expires
- WordPress Domain Price: The Ultimate 2024 Cost Guide
