While WordPress core software is free, discover all the hidden costs involved in building and maintaining a WordPress website. Get a complete budget breakdown for hosting, themes, plugins, and ongoing expenses.
WordPress powers over 40% of websites on the internet, and many people assume it's completely free to use. While the core WordPress software is indeed free and open-source, building and maintaining a professional WordPress website involves various costs that can add up quickly. This comprehensive guide will break down all the expenses you'll encounter when using WordPress, from initial setup to ongoing maintenance.
Yes, the core WordPress software is completely free. WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) released under the GPL (General Public License). This means you can download, use, modify, and distribute WordPress without any licensing fees.
There are two main ways to use WordPress:
WordPress.com is a hosted platform where Automattic (the company behind WordPress) handles all the technical aspects. While the basic plan is free, premium features require payment.
WordPress.org provides the core software that you download and install on your own web hosting. This gives you complete control but requires you to handle hosting, security, and maintenance yourself.
WordPress.com: Limited customization, hosting included
WordPress.org: Full control, requires separate hosting purchase
While WordPress software is free, you need web hosting to make your website accessible online. Hosting costs vary significantly based on your needs:
For most small to medium businesses, we recommend starting with Hostinger or Bluehost shared hosting ($5-8/month) and upgrading to VPS when traffic exceeds 10,000 monthly visitors.
Your domain name (www.yourwebsite.com) is a separate cost from hosting:
WordPress offers thousands of free themes, but professional websites usually require premium themes for better design and functionality.
Start with a free theme to test your concept, then invest in a premium theme once you have content and branding finalized. This saves money while ensuring professional appearance.
Many premium themes include page builders, but you can also purchase standalone builders:
Plugins extend WordPress functionality. While many are free, premium plugins are often necessary for professional features.
Plugins require regular updates and maintenance:
While you can set up WordPress yourself, many people hire professionals for faster, better results.
Start with a freelancer for initial setup ($500-1,000), then handle ongoing maintenance yourself. This gives you professional quality at a reasonable price.
Professional content is crucial for business websites:
The "set it and forget it" mentality doesn't work with websites. Regular maintenance is essential for security, performance, and functionality.
Website downtime can be expensive for businesses:
Investing in reliable hosting and maintenance prevents costly downtime.
Here are realistic budget examples for different types of WordPress websites:
Reduce WordPress costs without sacrificing quality:
WordPress isn't the only option. Here are free alternatives and when they might be better:
Use free alternatives if: You want quick setup, have basic needs, and don't mind limitations
Use WordPress if: You need advanced features, custom design, or plan to scale your business
Moving from a free platform to WordPress later can cost $300-1,000:
Understanding the cost difference between hosted and self-hosted WordPress is crucial for budgeting.
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic features, WordPress.com subdomain |
| Personal | $4/month | Custom domain, basic themes |
| Premium | $8/month | Premium themes, advanced customization |
| Business | $25/month | Plugins, e-commerce, unlimited storage |
Use WordPress.com if: You're new to websites, want simplicity, and don't need advanced customization
Use WordPress.org if: You need full control, plan to scale, or have technical expertise
WordPress.org becomes more cost-effective when:
Most business websites break even within 12-24 months by choosing self-hosting.
Follow these steps to create a realistic WordPress budget:
Initial Setup: 40% of total budget
Year 1 Operations: 40% of total budget
Contingency & Growth: 20% of total budget
Avoid these common budgeting errors:
If you're ready to start with WordPress but want to minimize costs:
Start simple and scale up. Many successful websites began with free themes and basic hosting, then reinvested profits into premium upgrades.
Know when to upgrade from free to premium:
While WordPress core software is free, building and maintaining a professional website involves significant ongoing costs. The key is understanding your needs and budgeting accordingly. For simple blogs, you can keep costs under $200/year, but business websites typically require $1,000+ annually for hosting, premium themes, plugins, and maintenance. Choose WordPress.org for maximum flexibility, but be prepared to invest in quality hosting and professional assistance. Remember, your website is an investment in your business - skimp on quality hosting or security at your own risk.
Let's discuss your project and create something amazing together.
Founder of Sharp Digital with 5+ years of experience in web development and digital marketing.
Discover more insights about web development and digital marketing
Discover why Sharp Digital is the best web development company in Jamshedpur. Expert web development services with local understanding and global standards. 5+ years experience, 100+ projects.
Read More
Discover why WordPress powers 40% of the web and remains the top choice for websites. Learn about its flexibility, customization options, and advantages over platforms like Wix.
Read More
Yes, WordPress sites are secure, but only if you do the right things. Do you know that WordPress powers over 40% of the internet. Due to its popularity wordpress becomes a common target for hackers. But using proper technique, regular updates, and the right tools, your WordPress site could become the most secure website on the planet.
Read More