How Much Does Web Hosting Cost in 2025?

Launching a new blog or online store can be an exciting move. For most people, selecting a web hosting service for their website is one of those decisions that often gets overlooked, and they end up going with the first provider they find. However, based on need, that choice raises an important question: How much does web hosting really cost?

This guide will help break down the monetary cost (and potential headaches) associated with each type of web hosting, enabling you to make an informed decision and choose the right option for your online business.

How much does web hosting cost?

The cost of hosting a website depends on multiple factors — some are upfront, while others become apparent after your initial term expires.

Here are specs that can drive your hosting bill up in 2025:

1. Hosting type: Shared hosting is the most affordable, often starting at just a few dollars per month, while dedicated hosting is faster but more expensive.
2. Provider: Pricing structures vary by web hosting provider, and often those low starting rates jump once the initial term ends.
3. Plan duration: Low rates usually require a multi-year commitment.
4. Key features: Storage space, monthly bandwidth, number of websites supported, and email accounts can all raise the final price.

Additional web hosting costs

1. Domain registration: Often free for the first year, but renewals typically run $10–$20 per year.
2. SSL certificate: Basic SSL is included in most plans, while advanced or extended validation certificates may incur an additional cost.
3. eCommerce features: If you're running a store, expect additional costs for cart software, payment gateways, and PCI compliance.
4. Themes and plugins: On WordPress, premium design themes and plugin tools can cost $30–$100 or more per year.
5. Website backups: Automated backups are sometimes included, but many providers charge an additional fee.
6. Security tools: Malware scanning, DDoS protection, and firewalls may be included at an additional fee.
7. Website builders: Some drag-and-drop builders are free, but full-featured versions can carry a price tag of $10–$50 per month.

Website hosting cost by web host type

Web hosting isn’t one-size-fits-all.

The type of hosting you choose plays a major role in both your monthly bill and your site’s performance. From basic shared plans to high-powered dedicated servers, here’s how pricing breaks down across the most common hosting options:

Web hosting costs compared

Web hosting type	Avg. monthly cost (USD)*	Web hosting services overview
Shared hosting	$13–$96	Shared hosting is the most affordable option; it uses pooled server resources.
VPS hosting	$14–$147	Virtual Private Servers offer better speed and reliability than shared plans, with scalable resources and more administrative control.
Website builder hosting	$31–$201	These plans are beginner-friendly and designed for ease of use over customization.
WordPress hosting	$3–$20 (shared WordPress hosting) or $20–$60+ (managed WordPress hosting)	Tailored for WordPress users. These plans range from budget-friendly shared hosting to fully managed services with enhanced speed and security.
Cloud hosting	$14–$111	Highly scalable and billed based on usage, cloud hosting adapts to traffic spikes but can vary in monthly cost depending on demand.
Dedicated hosting	$100–$284	With full access to a physical server, dedicated hosting delivers maximum performance and control at the highest price point.

Shared hosting costs

Shared hosting is the ideal choice for beginners and personal websites. It’s affordable, widely supported, and sufficient for low-traffic websites. It’s cheap because you’re splitting resources with other users, but that also means limited performance during traffic spikes.

VPS hosting costs

Virtual Private Servers offer more control and better performance than shared hosting. It’s a good choice for growing businesses or resource-intensive websites.

Website builder hosting costs

Website builder hosting bundles with tools like Squarespace, Wix, and Square Online. These services are designed for ease of use, not flexibility, and pricing varies depending on the plan features and whether you remove ads, connect a custom domain, or unlock support options.

WordPress hosting costs

If you're building with WordPress, hosting optimized for WP is a smart investment. SiteGround and WP Engine are popular choices for managed hosting plans.

Cloud hosting costs

Cloud hosting offers performance based on usage, often pairing it with variable pricing. It’s ideal for businesses expecting growth or handling fluctuating demand.

Dedicated hosting costs

Dedicated hosting provides an entire server for your website. GreenGeeks and InMotion Hosting offer premium plans for businesses that require top-tier speed, storage, and customization. It’s popular for running websites with lots of traffic.

Popular web hosting providers

Here’s a quick look at the most well-known hosting providers and what they’re best suited for:

• Bluehost is easy to set up, comes with a free domain for the first year, and is a WordPress-endorsed option for first-time site owners. Learn more in our Bluehost review.
• HostGator offers shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting plans with generous storage and bandwidth allocations. It’s flexible for all site types but comes with steep renewal rates after the initial term.
• SiteGround is renowned for its fast and secure WordPress hosting. Its plans include managed updates, daily backups, and caching tools, which are great for business users; however, pricing is on the higher side.
• Hostinger offers a robust AI-powered web builder as well as managed WordPress hosting and managed hosting for WooCommerce, which are ideal for startups or small to mid-sized businesses. Additional web hosting services include cloud hosting and VPS hosting, which are ideal for larger-scale businesses. Learn more in our Hostinger web hosting review.
• DreamHost offers straightforward shared and WordPress hosting with unlimited traffic and free migrations. It’s ideal for users who want low-maintenance, affordable hosting.
• GoDaddy, a major domain registrar, also offers hosting plans with solid uptime and 24/7 support. Some features, such as SSL and backups, may incur additional costs if you opt for a lower-tier plan. Learn more in our GoDaddy web hosting review.
• InMotion Hosting is well suited for businesses requiring VPS or dedicated hosting, with plans that include strong security, managed options, and solid performance. However, it is more expensive than entry-level hosts.
• A2 Hosting (now branded as Hosting.com) prioritizes speed with turbo servers and built-in caching tools. This platform appeals to developers and growing businesses that need faster load times.
• WP Engine (for managed WordPress) is a premium WordPress hosting service that includes automatic updates, staging tools, and expert support, making it an ideal option for high-traffic or business-critical WordPress sites.
• Squarespace, Wix, and other all-in-one web building platforms are especially useful for portfolio sites and small online stores. Builders like Wix and Squarespace are best suited for smaller sites that require design tools and built-in shopping features.

FAQs

Bottom line

Web hosting costs in 2025 still vary widely, depending on the amount of traffic and the level of control a site requires (unmanaged vs. managed). A personal blog can run on a basic shared plan for a few dollars a month, while high-traffic business sites might need VPS or dedicated servers.

Pricing tends to favor longer-term commitments — and hidden fees, missing features, or poor support can outweigh any discount. That’s why the best host isn’t always the cheapest: It’s the one that fits your site’s size, goals, and workload.