How Much Does a Domain Name Cost? A Full Breakdown of Domain, Hosting, and Website Fees

Whether you’re starting a blog, launching a brand, or investing in digital assets, understanding the full cost of owning a domain is essential. From registration to hosting, website builder pricing, and even blockchain fees, this guide breaks down every potential cost you’ll encounter—so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

We’ll also highlight where Unstoppable Domains can offer significant long-term value to domain buyers seeking full ownership and utility who want to buy a domain name forever.

For traditional DNS domains, the first expense is the registration fee, followed by annual renewal costs.

How much does a domain name cost?
On average, you can expect to pay $10–$20/year to register or renew a standard domain like .com, .net, or .org. The final price depends on the TLD, registrar, and any ICANN fees added at checkout (usually ~$0.18).

Some TLDs are priced much higher:

• .ai domains: Often $140–$200/year with no renewal extension on transfers
• Specialty TLDs: .design, .inc, .law and others can range from $50 to $200+ per year

DNS domain renewal cost
Renewal costs are typically the same as your registration fee, though some registrars raise the price after the first year. At Unstoppable Domains, DNS domain pricing is offered at-cost—you pay exactly what the domain registry charges us, with no markup or profit margin added. Always check whether your registrar honors the original rate or applies an increase.

Domain transferring is the process of moving a domain name from one registrar (the company that manages your domain) to another. This is often done to consolidate domains under one provider, access better pricing, or take advantage of improved features and customer support.

Looking to switch registrars? Here’s what to know about domain transfer costs.

Domain transfer cost
Transferring a DNS domain usually costs $8–$15, depending on the registrar. This fee typically includes a one-year renewal.

Popular registrar pricing:

• Namecheap: $9–$11 (includes 1-year renewal)
• GoDaddy: $11.99 for .com
• Google Domains (now Squarespace): ~$12 for common TLDs
• Unstoppable Domains: $5.52 for .com

Exception: .ai domains charge high transfer fees ($140–$200) without renewal included.

Unstoppable Domains, in addition to traditional DNS offerings, provides onchain-only (Web3) domains like .crypto, .wallet, and .nft — using an ownership model that differs from traditional registrars. These domains live on the blockchain and come with a suite of future-ready onchain utilities, along with a different payment structure compared to traditional DNS domains.

Buy a domain name forever
Unlike DNS domains that require ongoing payments, Unstoppable Domains is one of the few registrars that offers original Web3 domains for a one-time purchase. Once purchased the domain is minted (put onto the blockchain), and is permanently yours. No renewal fees.

• Prices typically range from $20–$40, though premium names may cost more
• Domains are minted as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to your digital wallet
• Domain transfers are free, with no registrar or renewal friction
• No gas fees to pay for registration and management of the domains

This model is ideal for users who want full control, transparency, and ownership. Additionally,  Web3 domains can be used for crypto payments, onchain identity, profile linking, messaging, and more, giving it future-ready utility from day one—without needing third-party tools or services.

Web hosting is a service that stores your website's files and makes them accessible on the internet. When someone types your domain name into a browser, the web hosting provider delivers your site’s content so it can be viewed by visitors. Hosting services range from basic shared hosting to advanced dedicated servers and cloud solutions, depending on your needs.

Web hosting cost
Hosting fees vary widely based on the platform, performance, and level of management:

• Shared hosting: $2.75–$5/month (e.g., Bluehost, HostGator)
• Managed WordPress: $25–$35/month (e.g., WP Engine, Kinsta)
• Cloud/VPS hosting: From $5/month (e.g., DigitalOcean)

Some shared hosts offer a free domain name for the first year, but be cautious of higher renewal fees later.

Domain vs hosting
It’s important to understand that domain names and hosting are separate. A domain is your address; hosting is the space where your site files live. Most providers offer both, but they’re billed separately.

Not comfortable managing your own hosting? Website builders combine hosting, design tools, and CMS functionality under one plan.

Website builder pricing comparison:

• Wix: From $16/month (personal) or $29/month (business); free domain for first year
• Squarespace: $16–$28/month with annual plan; domain included first year
• Shopify: $29/month (Basic); domain not included
• WordPress.com: $4–$8/month (personal), $25–$45/month (business/ecommerce)
• GoDaddy: $9.99/month (Basic), $14.99/month (Premium), $20.99/month (Commerce); free trial available

These platforms make it easier to launch fast but often lock you into subscription models. Custom domain connections and email integration may be limited or require upgrades.

Beyond the domain and hosting, other optional costs may arise depending on your needs.

• Email Services: Custom domain email services let you use addresses like you@yourdomain.com instead of a generic Gmail or Yahoo address. Popular options include Google Workspace (starting at $6/month) and ProtonMail (around $4/month), which offer professional email, inbox management, and security features.
• Privacy Protection: Also known as WHOIS privacy, this hides your personal information (like name, email, and address) from public domain records. It’s free at registrars like Namecheap, Google Domains, and Unstoppable Domains, though some others may charge a small fee.
• SSL Certificates: These encrypt data between your website and its visitors, enabling secure HTTPS access. SSL is free through providers like Let’s Encrypt, and many hosting plans also include it at no extra cost.

If you’re building a professional or ecommerce site, budgeting for these extras is wise.

With Unstoppable Domains, users pay no gas fees at all when registering or transferring Web3 domains. Everything is covered upfront — no hidden or ongoing costs.

Here’s how it works:

• No gas fees on registration — all costs are included in the initial purchase.
• Minted directly to your wallet — with zero additional network charges, thanks to efficient blockchains like Polygon, Base, Solana, and Sonic.
• Free transfers — send your domain to another wallet with no gas fees, no delays, and no third-party approvals.

It’s seamless, cost-effective, and fully in your control.

Unstoppable Domains also tokenizes DNS domains and places them onchain. While the ownership structure remains the same, users gain access to a suite of future-ready onchain utilities, along with the ability to transfer domains instantly and at no cost. Tokenization also enables onchain trading on the Unstoppable Marketplace with low 3% commissions.

When comparing domain services and website platforms, consider ownership structure:

• DNS domains: Rented annually; failure to renew can mean losing the domain.
• Web3 domains: While some Web3 require renewal fees, options like the original TLDs offered by Unstoppable Domains are a one-time purchase, without any recurring costs.
• Website builders: Subscription-based; cancelling could mean losing your site.

Understanding the difference helps you choose what works best for your long-term strategy.

If you’re combining all the elements—domain, hosting, CMS, and extras—you can expect:

• Basic site (DIY + shared hosting): $50–$100/year
• Professional site (managed hosting + email): $250–$500/year
• Subscription builder site (e.g., Squarespace): $200–$400/year

But if you want to minimize recurring fees, gain long-term value, and buy a domain name forever, platforms like Unstoppable Domains offer a different model. With no renewal costs and built-in utility for payments, identity, and onchain websites, Web3 domains are worth considering—especially for those building for the future.

By understanding all the fees involved in domain ownership and website creation, you can plan better, avoid surprises, and make smarter long-term investments in your digital presence.