How Much Does a Domain Name Cost? Pricing Guide (2026)

A domain is your online address. It’s where your brand and virtual store live and one of the main places where your audience can find you. Knowing your domain name cost upfront helps you plan and budget with confidence.

So, how much should you pay for this valuable digital real estate?

Some domain names cost thousands of dollars, while others are free. Ahead, learn which factors influence domain name pricing and what to consider when registering your domain name. 

How much does a domain name cost?

Most domain names cost between $10 and $20 per year. This covers registering the domain and keeping it active. Some domain registrars offer lower introductory prices for the first year, with higher renewal costs in later years––so always check renewal prices before committing.

Domain pricing can vary based on demand. More desirable or sought-after domains may cost anywhere from a few dollars to several thousand.

When you register a domain name, you’re paying a reputable domain registrar to keep your domain online and correctly connected to your website’s IP address.

What about free domains?

Some platforms, including Shopify, offer free subdomains—web addresses that live under a parent domain. For example, every Shopify store automatically receives the subdomain “www.[storename].myshopify.com.”

Free subdomains are a budget-friendly way to get online and save money early on. They’re especially useful for testing ideas, validating products, or setting up a store before committing to a custom domain.

Another cost-saving option is bundled domains. Some hosting providers and website platforms include a free custom domain for the first year when you sign up for paid hosting services. This can reduce upfront costs, while still giving your business a professional web address.

As businesses grow, many merchants choose to register their own domain name. A custom domain makes your store easier to remember and clearly reflects your brand. That’s why most Shopify merchants eventually choose their own domain names.

How much should you pay for a domain?

There’s no single answer to how much you should pay for a domain—it depends on your goals and stage of business. A free subdomain can work well when you’re just getting started, while most merchants are served well by standard domains that cost less than $50 per year.

On Shopify, custom domains typically start at around $14 per year. If most of your website traffic comes from search engines or visitors typing in your address, spending more on a desirable name can help capture existing traffic and support long-term growth.

A domain name that indicates your website’s focus (like “www.plumbingadvice.com” for a plumbing tips site) can improve your site’s search engine ranking for related keywords (such as “how to unclog a kitchen sink”).

For businesses with strong brand recognition, paying for a domain name that matches their brand name is a smart investment. An exact-match domain makes a website easier to find and enhances brand trust. For example, American Blue Jeans could decide to buy “www.americanbluejeans.com”—even at a high price, it confers brand visibility and credibility.

Domain name price comparison table

When choosing your domain name, remember to account for both the first-year domain registration cost and the renewal price. Some top-level domains (TLDs) are more affordable upfront but come with higher renewal costs, while others may be more expensive to register initially but have lower renewal rates. 

Prices can also vary significantly between domain registrars, so it’s smart to compare options before purchasing.

Always check for special offers or discounts for the first year or long-term registration plans.

Note: The data in this table is based on general industry trends and common pricing across popular domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains. These values are estimated ranges from typical prices for the first year and renewal costs. However, they can vary depending on promotions, specific registrars, and any special offers.

Looking at the table, a few patterns stand out:

• Traditional TLDs like .com, .net, and .org tend to have moderate first-year prices and predictable renewal costs. That consistency makes them a safe long-term choice for most businesses.
• Newer or niche TLDs, such as .io and .ai, often come with significantly higher renewal fees. These can make sense for tech-focused brands, but the ongoing cost adds up quickly.
• Discounted first-year domains, like .xyz, may look appealing at checkout—but renewal prices are closer to standard rates. These are best evaluated beyond the first year.
• Country-specific TLDs, like .us, can be affordable options if they align with your audience and brand.

Prices can also vary widely between domain registrars. Always check whether a low first-year price is tied to a promotion, and review renewal costs before committing. Some registrars also offer discounts for multiyear registrations, which can help lock in lower rates.

Pro tip: Don’t choose a domain based on first-year price alone. Instead, calculate the total cost of ownership so you don’t get caught off guard by hidden costs.

Examples of domain name cost from popular registrars

The domain name market is on the rise. As of early 2025, there were about 368.4 million registered domain names worldwide across all TLDs, and that figure rose to roughly 386.9 million by the fourth quarter of 2025, signaling steady expansion of domain adoption.

Read on to learn what the most popular domain sellers charge to register the example domain name “bakehacks.com” for a fictional baking business. These are sample prices as of spring 2025. The price of your desired domain is influenced by its length, TLD, popularity, and add-ons such as domain privacy protection.

Note: This example uses .com because it is the most common and trusted TLD. Prices for alternate domain extensions—TLDs like .ca, .co.uk, or .recipes—vary significantly. 

Shopify

Buying bakehacks.com directly through Shopify costs around $16 per year. Purchasing your domain through Shopify lets you manage everything in one place, alongside your store.

Key features:

• All-in-one dashboard to manage your domain and online store together
• Competitive .com pricing with no setup complexity
• Automatic renewal to help prevent accidental domain expiration

For merchants who want fewer tools to manage and less ongoing admin, buying a .com domain through Shopify offers a simple, streamlined setup from day one.

Hover

Registering bakehacks.com with Hover costs $18.99 for the first year. 

Hover also offers introductory pricing on some alternative TLDs—for example, bakehacks.store may cost $2.99 initially, but renews at a much higher rate ($64.99 per year).

Key features:

• Free WHOIS privacy included with every domain
• Simple, transparent pricing with no aggressive upsells
• Clean, easy-to-use dashboard for managing domains

GoDaddy

Registering bakehacks.com at GoDaddy costs around $21.99 per year, and new customers can often get a significant first-year discount (sometimes as low as 1¢).

Key features:

• Industry-leading registrar with one of the largest domain portfolios
• Frequent promotions and steep first-year discounts
• Integrated services like hosting, email, and marketing tools (available at checkout)

Namecheap

At Namecheap, you can register bakehacks.com for around $11.28 per year, including a small first-year discount. Namecheap is known for affordable pricing, making it a strong option for buying more than one domain to protect your brand.

Key features:

• Affordable pricing—often lower than many competitors
• Free WHOIS privacy included for eligible domains
• Easy-to-use domain manager with helpful bulk tools

Bluehost

Registering bakehacks.com starts at around $12.99 per year with Bluehost. Bluehost bundles domains with reliable hosting, making it easier to manage your site and domain together.

Key features:

• Low entry pricing for standard domains
• Bundled setup with web hosting and domain registration
• Beginner-friendly tools for managing domains and sites together

Pro tip: When buying a domain, make sure your registrar is accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN oversees the global domain name system to ensure domains are registered and managed securely.

What affects domain pricing?

Domain name prices aren’t random. Understanding what influences domain name cost helps you avoid overpaying, plan for long-term renewal fees, and choose a domain that supports your brand as it grows. 

Here’s a closer look at the key factors that determine how much a domain will cost:

Top-level domain extension (TLD)

The top-level domain letters at the end of your domain name play a major role in pricing. A .com or .org TLD typically cost more than niche extensions such as .tv or .io.

For most businesses, .com remains the top choice because it’s widely recognized, easy to remember, and trusted by customers. It’s also the default extension many shoppers type when searching for a brand, which can help drive direct traffic and reduce confusion.

That said, country-code TLDs like .ca or .co.uk can be a smart option if you operate in a specific region. Online stores with international customers often purchase a variety of regional TLDs to serve clients in multiple locations.

Domain length and popularity

Popular and memorable domain names have higher price tags. For example, the domain name cars.com is likely more expensive than bestusedcars.com, which probably costs more than bestusedtoyotas.com.

Availability

If the domain you want is already owned by someone else, you may still be able to buy it—but you’ll probably have to pay more. Desirable names with multiple potential buyers may sell via auctions where the highest bidder wins.

It’s also possible to pick up an expired domain name if its previous owner doesn’t renew. Expired domains typically have a history you’ll need to investigate before buying. 

Where you purchase the domain

The simplest way to reduce your domain setup expenses is to choose a registrar with an introductory offer for new customers. If you already have an account with that registrar, you may not be eligible for the discount. 

“Every domain registrar has its own pricing system, though they all try to remain competitive. It’s worth looking at various registrars and price-shopping,” says independent UX/UI designer Dave Smyth. 

Consider ongoing costs before jumping at the first introductory offer. You could pay more for the domain in the long run if its renewal prices are higher than other registrars. Get rough long-term estimates from different registrars before committing. 

Privacy protection

When you register a domain, your personal information—like your name, address, email, and phone number—is typically added to the WHOIS database. This is a publicly accessible record that anyone can look up to find out who owns a domain. 

Many domain registrars offer privacy protection services (also known as WHOIS protection) to hide your personal information so your details are safe from scammers and potential identity theft. 

Most registrars charge an additional fee for this service, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per year. Some may even include WHOIS protection for free for the first year when you register your domain, but it’s always worth checking the specifics when you sign up.

Domain lifecycle and redemption costs

Every domain goes through several stages during its “lifetime,” from registration to expiration. Here’s a simplified timeline:

• Active registration. This is when your domain is live and fully operational. You’re paying the domain name cost per year for this stage, which is typically between $8 to $15 annually, depending on the TLD you’ve chosen. 
• Expiration. If you forget to renew your domain, it enters an expired state. However, many registrars offer a grace period, usually 30 to 45 days, where you can still renew without facing any additional fees. During this period, your domain is inactive, but it hasn’t been released to other buyers yet.
• Redemption period. After the grace period ends, your domain enters the redemption period, which usually lasts 30 days. This is your last chance to recover the domain, but it comes with a higher price tag. Instead of paying the typical domain cost per year for a renewal, you’ll need to pay a redemption fee ranging from $50 to $150, depending on your registrar. 
• Pending deletion. If you don’t redeem the domain during the redemption period, it will eventually be deleted and released back into the pool of available domains. 

Hidden domain costs to watch for

The upfront cost to register a domain name is just one part of what you’ll pay. Most registrars also charge administrative fees to connect your domain to an IP address and list it in the domain name system (DNS).

There are a few other costs that can catch merchants off guard—not because registrars bury them, but because they’re easy to skip past at checkout:

• High renewal prices. Many domains are discounted for the first year, then renew at a much higher rate. Always check the renewal price before signing up so you understand the long-term cost, not just the introductory deal.
• Premium domains. Premium domains are owned by individuals or businesses and resold at a higher price. They’re often short, descriptive, or highly memorable, which drives up their value. For example, cars.com sold for $872 million in 2014.
• Domain extensions and subdomains. Some registrars charge extra fees for certain domain extensions or for using specific subdomains, which can increase your overall costs.
• Contract length. You don’t own a domain outright—you lease it from a registrar. Registering your domain for multiple years can lower the annual cost, while shorter terms may cost more over time.
• Transfer fees. Moving your domain to a different registrar can involve transfer fees, typically ranging from $5 to $15. Some registrars also require you to extend your registration by an additional year when transferring, which adds to the total cost.
• Additional services. Email hosting, web hosting, SSL certificates, and other add-ons are often upsold at checkout. Before adding extras, confirm which services you actually need so you don’t inflate your domain costs unnecessarily.

Pro tip: Before registering a domain, review both the first-year price and the renewal rate. A few minutes of comparison upfront can help you avoid unexpected costs later.

How to get a premium domain for a good price

Getting a good deal on a domain name is reasonably straightforward. The key is to research domain name providers.

Shop around

Prices for the same domain name can vary across providers, so you should always compare prices to secure the best deal. Look closely at sales and promotional offers—some registrars offer deep discounts for new customers.

Avoid unnecessarily expensive domains

There’s no need to purchase an expensive domain if you don’t need one. As long as your domain address represents your brand, is memorable, and is easy to spell, you’re good to go. 

If you believe a premium domain name is necessary for branding or marketing purposes, allocate funds for it in your marketing budget. Remember, you can probably deduct a portion of the cost as a business expense.

Think beyond .com

Exploring less popular domain extensions can help you secure a popular domain name at a lower price. For instance, an .io domain could be a good fit for a tech company, while .green makes sense for an environmentally focused business. Less common top-level domains like these are often cheaper than a .com domain.

Many new TLDs have emerged recently, offering variety and more opportunities to land a short and simple address. For example:

• .shop or .store are great for ecommerce websites
• .app domains may appeal to developers
• .blog is perfect for writers
• .nyc or .london go beyond country code TLDs to make your business hyper-local

Before choosing a non-.com domain, weigh the cost savings against customer expectations. .com domains are widely recognized and often carry stronger trust signals, especially for new businesses. In some cases, paying a bit more for a .com can make your brand easier to remember and help customers feel more confident clicking and buying.

For some merchants, a newer TLD is a smart, budget-friendly option. For others, the familiarity of .com is worth the investment. The right choice depends on your audience, brand, and long-term growth plans.

Consider the renewal price

When you register a domain name, you rent it for a certain period. When that time is up, you’ll need to renew your registration to keep your domain.

Many domain registration services offer discounts for registering a domain for multiple years. If you’re confident in your choice, this can save you money while securing your domain name for longer. Just remember to turn on auto renewal so the domain stays under your control.

Consider domain auctions

Domain auctions are platforms for buying and selling currently owned domain names. They can be a great place to find unique and valuable domains.

However, bidding in a domain auction is often competitive, and prices can quickly escalate. If you’re considering buying a domain from an auction, set a budget and stick to it. If you don’t win the auction for your first choice domain, you can fall back on a different TLD or slight variation in your domain name.

You can also negotiate privately for an owned domain. Domain broker services, available through many registrars, can handle negotiations for you. They’ll help uncover the domain owner, suggest a reasonable offer, and assist you during domain migration.

Bulk purchases

Many domain registrars offer discounts if you buy multiple domain names at the same time. This can be particularly useful if you want different TLD options, like both a .com and a .co.uk, to protect your brand across different markets. 

By purchasing several domains in one go, you might be able to negotiate a better overall price, often saving 10% to 20% compared to buying them individually. Some registrars may also offer bundled deals that include extra services like WHOIS protection or hosting, which can give you even more bang for your buck. 

Domain negotiation tactics

If you’re eyeing a premium or aftermarket domain (one that’s already owned by someone else), you might find yourself negotiating with the current owner. Premium domains can be a bit pricey, and the process can feel intimidating, so here are some key tactics to keep in mind when negotiating for a domain:

Do your research

Check the domain’s history. Has it been used for a reputable brand or is it just a random collection of words? Tools like WHOIS can tell you the current owner and whether the domain has been on the market for a while. If the domain has been listed for sale for a long time, the seller might be more willing to lower the price. 

Start low but be reasonable

Don’t offer your best price right away. Don’t go too low (you want to be respectful), but offering a bit under market value gives you room to negotiate upward. 

Be ready to walk away

If the price is too high or the seller isn’t willing to budge, don’t be afraid to politely exit the conversation. Often, the seller may come back to you with a better offer after they see you’re not desperate. 

Consider payment plans or installments

Some domain owners are open to payment plans, letting you spread the cost over several months or even years.

Use a broker (if necessary).

Brokers are experienced negotiators who can help you secure a domain for a fair price and handle the legal and technical aspects of the transaction. They typically charge a fee, which can range from a flat rate to a commission on the final sale price.