"How much does a website cost?" doesn't have one universal answer, but for a basic personal or small business site, the real numbers are more affordable than many people assume.
The core costs
| Item | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Hosting (basic shared plan) | ~$29–$48/year (less with a discount code) |
| Domain name | Often free in year one with hosting, then standard renewal pricing |
| SSL certificate | Usually free, included with hosting |
| Theme (optional premium) | $0–$80 one-time, many free options exist |
Optional extras that add cost
- Premium plugins for specific features
- Professional design or copywriting help
- Stock photography or custom photography
- Paid marketing or advertising
The realistic bare-minimum estimate
For a basic personal or small business website using free tools where possible, a year of hosting plus a domain can come in well under $50, especially with an active discount like code QGNAFFBUSPYA on Hostinger.
Low-cost starting point: Hostinger hosting + free domain, 20% off with code QGNAFFBUSPYA.
See current pricing