If you’re planning to start an online store, chances are you’ve come across Shopify — one of the most popular eCommerce platforms in the world. It’s beginner-friendly, scalable, and packed with features that help businesses sell products online with ease. But before diving in, one big question every business owner asks is:

👉 How much does it cost to build a website on Shopify?

The short answer: It depends on your goals, features, and level of customization. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.

1. Shopify Pricing Plans

Shopify offers tiered subscription plans. Here’s what they look like in 2025:

Basic Shopify – $39/month
Perfect for new businesses with simple needs. You get an online store, unlimited products, and essential tools.

Shopify – $105/month
Great for growing stores. Includes better reporting, lower transaction fees, and more staff accounts.

Advanced Shopify – $399/month
Ideal for scaling businesses. Advanced reporting, third-party calculated shipping rates, and more automation features.

Shopify Starter – $5/month
Lets you sell products via social media or messaging apps, but doesn’t include a full website.

💡 Annual plans can save you around 25% if you pay upfront.

1. Domain Name Cost

Your Shopify store needs a custom domain (e.g., yourstore.com).

Buy directly from Shopify: around $15/year

Or purchase from third-party providers like GoDaddy or Namecheap (typically $10–$20/year).

1. Shopify Themes (Design Costs)

Shopify provides both free and paid themes:

Free themes: Great for startups on a budget.

Premium themes: Range from $150–$400 one-time fee, offering more customization and features.

1. Shopify Apps & Integrations

Apps extend your store’s functionality — think SEO, email marketing, upselling, or dropshipping.

Many apps are free.

Paid apps: typically $10–$100/month per app, depending on features.

Example: An email automation app might cost $30/month, while an advanced review system could be $15/month.

1. Payment Processing Fees

Shopify Payments charges:

2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction (Basic plan)

Rates decrease as you upgrade to higher plans.

If you use third-party payment gateways (like PayPal), Shopify adds an extra 0.5%–2% fee.

1. Optional Costs: Hiring a Developer or Designer

If you want a fully customized Shopify store, you might hire a professional:

Freelance Shopify developer: $500 – $5,000 depending on complexity.

Full agency build: $5,000 – $20,000+ for large businesses with custom functionality.

For small businesses, using a theme and doing DIY setup often works well, but custom builds give you more flexibility.

1. Example: Estimated Shopify Store Costs

Here’s what an average Shopify setup might look like:

Shopify Basic Plan: $39/month

Domain: $15/year

Premium Theme: $200 (one-time)

2 Paid Apps: $40/month

Total Initial Setup: ~$300–$500

Ongoing Monthly: $80–$150

Final Thoughts

Building a website on Shopify can be as affordable as $39/month (using a free theme and no paid apps) — or it can cost thousands if you want a fully custom solution.

For most small to medium-sized businesses, expect to spend around $500 upfront and $100–$200/month ongoing.

The best part? Shopify grows with your business, meaning you can start small and scale your store as sales increase.

👉 If you’re serious about selling online, Shopify is one of the most cost-effective and reliable platforms to get started.
https://theardor.com.au/shopify-website-development-cost/