How Much Does Shopify Cost? Monthly Pricing and Hidden Fees Explained

Shopify powers over 4 million online stores, but how much does it cost to join their ranks? If you’re drawn to user-friendly Shopify admin and its powerful storefront but unsure about the costs involved, you’re in the right place.

As one of the most versatile e-commerce platforms, Shopify has become a go-to choice for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes. Its simplicity, scalability, and robust ecosystem make it an undeniable leader in the online retail space. However, understanding Shopify costs can feel like navigating a maze. The total monthly cost can vary widely depending on your needs, from subscription tiers to hidden fees.

So, how much does Shopify cost per month? The answer depends on more than just the plan you choose. Themes, apps, payment fees, and marketing add layers to your Shopify monthly cost, making it crucial to map out every expense. Whether you’re a startup looking to dip your toes in e-commerce or a scaling enterprise needing advanced features, understanding these costs upfront ensures no surprises later.

This guide will break down the real Shopify cost per month, covering everything from subscription plans to optional extras. Let’s help you find the perfect balance between features and affordability, ensuring your Shopify journey is smooth and profitable.

Understanding Shopify Pricing Plans: Monthly Costs at a Glance

Shopify cost per month ranges from $24 for the Basic plan to $2,300 for Shopify Plus, offering options for businesses of all sizes and scales.

Shopify offers a range of pricing plans tailored to businesses of all sizes, making it easy to start selling online. It’s the basic factor that determines Shopify’s monthly cost. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Shopify’s core pricing tiers:

• Starter Plan: At just $5/month, this plan is designed for selling through social media and messaging apps. It’s perfect for side hustlers who don’t need a full online store.
• Basic Shopify: For $39/month, this plan suits small businesses starting their e-commerce journey. It includes a fully functional online store, two staff accounts, and access to basic reports.
• Shopify Plan: At $105/month, this tier targets growing businesses. It supports five staff accounts and unlocks professional reports to help scale operations.
• Advanced Shopify: For $399/month, advanced features like custom reporting and lower shipping rates cater to businesses with complex needs.
• Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,000/month, this plan delivers enterprise-level tools for high-volume businesses, including enhanced customization, automation, and dedicated support.

When considering how much Shopify costs per month, align your business needs with the features each plan offers. For beginners, the Starter or Basic plan might suffice, while scaling businesses benefit from the reporting and shipping tools in higher tiers. Enterprise operations, however, will find Shopify Plus indispensable for its customization and dedicated resources.

By understanding these costs upfront, you can confidently build your Shopify store while avoiding unexpected expenses.

Shopify Domain Costs: What to Expect Per Year

Shopify’s domain name tool simplifies branding with domains starting at $14/year, an essential cost for building your Shopify store.

A domain is more than just an address for your online store — it’s your brand’s digital identity. But how much does it cost to secure one for your Shopify website?

Shopify simplifies the process by allowing you to purchase a domain directly through its platform via Shopify domains. Alternatively, third-party providers like GoDaddy or Namecheap offer competitive pricing and additional flexibility. Let’s break down the options and help you decide the best fit for your business:

1. Purchasing a Domain Through Shopify. Shopify offers domains at a yearly cost of $14–$17, depending on the extension you choose (e.g., .com, .net). The primary advantage of this option is convenience. Shopify automatically connects the domain to your store, saving you the technical hassle of configuring DNS settings. This seamless integration is especially valuable for first-time store owners or those looking to get started quickly.
2. Buying a Domain From Third-Party Providers. Providers like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains offer domains at prices ranging from $10–$20 per year. While slightly cheaper than Shopify, this option requires some technical setup to connect your domain to your Shopify store. However, these services often provide additional perks, such as more extensive domain extension options or competitive renewal rates.

But which option is best for your business?

Choose Shopify if you value simplicity and prefer an all-in-one solution for your e-commerce needs. It’s ideal if you want to avoid managing multiple accounts or navigating DNS configurations.

Opt for a Third-Party Provider if cost savings are a priority or if you need a domain extension that Shopify doesn’t offer. This route may also be better for businesses planning to transfer or consolidate domains in the future.

When calculating your Shopify cost per month, remember that domain fees are an annual expense but still a critical part of your overall budget. Whether you prioritize ease of setup or flexibility, securing a domain is an essential first step toward building your e-commerce business. Choose the option that aligns best with your business needs and long-term goals.

Apps and Add-Ons: Additional Costs to Consider for Shopify

Shopify’s App Store offers free and paid apps to enhance store functionality, from marketing to inventory management, influencing your total Shopify cost.

Shopify’s app ecosystem is one of its greatest strengths, offering thousands of apps designed to expand your store’s capabilities. From enhancing SEO to streamlining inventory management, these tools help businesses optimize operations and drive growth.

Added functionality comes with expenditures. Understanding how much apps can contribute to your Shopify monthly cost is key to managing your budget effectively.

The cost of Shopify apps varies widely depending on the features they offer:

• SEO Tools: Essential for improving search rankings, these apps typically cost $10–$50/month.
• Inventory Management: A must for scaling businesses, these tools range from $20–$100/month, helping you track stock levels and prevent overselling.
• Email Marketing: Apps like Klaviyo or Mailchimp cost between Free to $30/month, providing automation and analytics to grow your audience.

But what is $20 per month? For instance, the Import & Export Tool for Shopify offers a powerful solution for businesses managing large catalogs or complex product data. Starting at just $20/month with a basic free plan, this app automates import and export processes, supports multiple file formats, and includes advanced mapping features – things that Shopify cannot do. For stores needing more advanced capabilities, a $100/month plan unlocks additional features, making it a versatile and affordable tool for scaling businesses.

However, free apps can be sufficient for smaller businesses or those just starting out. Tools for basic email marketing or product reviews can provide value without adding to your Shopify cost per month.

As your business grows, investing in premium apps can deliver greater efficiency and ROI, offsetting their cost over time. When considering how much Shopify costs per month, factor in the potential expense of apps and add-ons. Evaluate your business needs carefully to avoid overloading your store with unnecessary tools. By prioritizing apps that align with your goals — whether free or paid — you can customize your Shopify store without breaking the bank.

Shopify Themes and Customization Costs: Free vs. Premium Options

Shopify’s free and premium themes range from $0 to $350, allowing businesses to design professional stores while managing Shopify cost per month effectively.

Your Shopify store’s theme is its digital storefront — a crucial aspect of how customers perceive your brand. While Shopify theme store offers an impressive library of themes, the cost can vary significantly depending on whether you choose a free or premium option. Customization also comes with a price tag, but it can elevate your store’s look to align perfectly with your brand identity. Let’s explore the costs and options to help you make the right decision.

Free Shopify themes are ideal for startups and small businesses looking to minimize expenses. These themes are professionally designed, easy to set up, and perfect for testing the waters of e-commerce. While they offer basic customization options, their simplicity can be a double-edged sword if your store requires unique features or a tailored aesthetic.

For businesses seeking a polished and feature-rich design, Shopify’s premium themes are a solid choice. Priced between $100 and $350 as a one-time fee, these themes provide advanced customization, enhanced layouts, and built-in tools to improve user experience. Premium themes often come with faster load times, better mobile responsiveness, and customer support from the theme’s developers—features that can directly impact conversion rates.

If you want your store to stand out, custom theme development is the way to go. However, it’s a significant investment, with costs ranging from $500 to $10,000+ depending on the complexity of your design and functionality requirements. Customization allows you to create a site that reflects your brand identity and meets specific business needs, but it’s best suited for established businesses with a clear understanding of their audience.

Payment Gateway Fees: Shopify Payments vs. Third-Party Options

Shopify Payments simplifies transaction management, offering competitive credit card rates and reducing Shopify monthly costs by eliminating third-party gateway fees.

When running an online store, payment processing fees are an unavoidable cost of doing business. For Shopify users, the platform offers two main options: Shopify Payments and third-party payment gateways. Understanding the costs associated with each can help you make an informed decision that minimizes your expenses while ensuring a smooth checkout experience for your customers.

Shopify Payments is Shopify’s in-house payment gateway, offering a seamless, fully integrated solution. The key advantage? No additional transaction fees. This eliminates the extra 0.5%–2% charge applied to sales processed through third-party gateways, making it the most cost-effective option for most businesses. Setup is simple, with no need to juggle multiple accounts or platforms.

Credit Card Rates (US):

• Basic Shopify Plan: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
• Shopify Plan: 2.6% + $0.30 per transaction.
• Advanced Shopify Plan: 2.4% + $0.30 per transaction.

While Shopify Payments is the default for domestic transactions, keep in mind that international credit card transactions often come with higher processing fees. These fees vary depending on your plan and the country of the cardholder.

Shopify supports over 100 third-party payment gateways, from PayPal to Stripe, allowing you to offer customers more flexibility. However, these gateways come with additional transaction fees on top of the provider’s standard rates:

• Basic Shopify Plan: 2.0% per transaction.
• Shopify Plan: 1.0% per transaction.
• Advanced Shopify Plan: 0.5% per transaction.

For businesses that already rely on specific payment systems or operate in regions where Shopify Payments isn’t available, third-party gateways can be a valuable option. However, the added transaction fees can significantly increase your Shopify cost per month, especially for high-volume stores.

When calculating your Shopify cost per month, payment gateway fees can be a significant factor. Shopify Payments is designed to keep costs low and integration simple, but for businesses with specific needs, third-party gateways may offer added flexibility at a higher cost. Let’s compare Shopify transaction fees side-by-side in a table. Here are the payment processing fees for each Shopify plan when using Shopify Payments (based on the US rates):

Where:

• Domestic Credit Card Fees are the rates applied for transactions made with US-issued credit cards.
• International Credit Card Fees are higher fees applied to transactions made with non-US cards to cover additional processing costs.
• Third-Party Gateway Fees are extra fees Shopify charges if you use a gateway other than Shopify Payments.

Marketing and Advertising Costs for Shopify Stores

Shopify Collabs allows creators to earn commissions promoting products they love, offering a cost-effective influencer marketing solution for Shopify store owners.

Creating a Shopify store is just the beginning — getting traffic to your site and converting visitors into customers requires a strategic marketing plan. Marketing and advertising can make or break your e-commerce business, and understanding the associated costs is essential for success. But how much should you expect to spend on marketing as part of your Shopify cost per month?

Marketing expenses vary widely depending on your goals and scale. While some small businesses thrive on a modest $50/month budget, larger stores with ambitious growth plans often spend upwards of $5,000/month. Here’s a breakdown of common marketing channels and their associated costs:

• Paid Ads: Whether using Google Ads, Facebook, or Instagram, expect costs to range from $50 to $5,000/month. Your return on investment will depend on ad targeting, creative quality, and audience engagement.
• Email Marketing Campaigns: Tools like Klaviyo or Mailchimp cost $10 to $30/month for small lists, scaling up based on the number of subscribers. These campaigns are highly effective for customer retention and nurturing leads.
• Social Media Ads: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest allow for low-cost testing with campaigns starting at $10/day.
• Influencer Marketing: Collaborating with influencers can cost $100 to $10,000+ per campaign, depending on their following and engagement rates. With Shopify Collabs, you can tame these costs.

Your Shopify cost per month isn’t limited to subscription fees or transaction costs. Marketing is a vital investment that directly influences your store’s growth. For lean startups, a mix of free tools and minimal ad spending may suffice, while scaling businesses should focus on diversifying their channels to maximize reach and conversions.

By aligning your marketing budget with your store’s size and goals, you can ensure that every dollar works as hard as you do to grow your Shopify business.

Hidden Shopify Costs You Should Know About

While Shopify’s pricing plans provide a clear starting point for your e-commerce journey, there are additional costs that can sneak into your budget. These hidden expenses, while often essential, can increase your Shopify cost per month if not accounted for. Here are some of them:

• Professional Email Accounts: A branded email address (e.g., sales@yourstore.com) is vital for professionalism and trustworthiness. While Shopify doesn’t provide email hosting, you can set up professional email accounts through services like Google Workspace for $1–$5/month per account. This seemingly minor cost can add up as your team grows, so plan accordingly.
• Shipping Costs: Shipping expenses can significantly impact your Shopify monthly cost, especially for stores handling high order volumes or offering free shipping incentives. Here’s what to consider:
  • Carrier Fees: Shipping costs vary by carrier (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx) and are influenced by package weight, dimensions, and destination.
  • Real-Time Shipping Apps: Shopify offers integrations for real-time shipping rate calculations, but these often come with extra fees. For example, apps like ShipStation or Easyship might charge $20–$50/month.
• Custom Integrations: As your business scales, off-the-shelf solutions may no longer suffice. Custom integrations — for instance, connecting Shopify to proprietary inventory management systems or custom APIs — can cost anywhere from $100 to $10,000+, depending on complexity. While these expenses are often optional, they can be essential for businesses with unique operational needs or advanced automation requirements.

While these hidden expenses may seem small individually, they can collectively impact your monthly Shopify cost, especially as your store scales. By planning for these costs upfront, you’ll have a clearer picture of how much Shopify costs beyond its subscription fees, enabling you to allocate resources more effectively and grow with confidence.

Shopify Monthly Cost Examples: Small, Growing, and Enterprise Stores

Shopify’s flexibility makes it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes, but your Shopify monthly cost can vary widely depending on your store’s stage of growth. From small startups to enterprise-level operations, here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay each month.

1. Small Store Example: Starting Simple

• Plan: Basic Shopify ($39/month).
• Apps: Free tools for SEO and email marketing.
• Marketing: Minimal investment in social media ads (~$10/month).
• Payment Fees: Assumes low sales volume ($1,000/month revenue, with 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).

Estimated Monthly Cost: ~$50/month.

This setup is ideal for entrepreneurs just starting their e-commerce journey. Free apps and a low marketing spend keep costs manageable while testing the waters.

2. Growing Store Example: Scaling Operations

• Plan: Shopify Plan ($105/month).
• Apps: Paid apps for inventory management and email automation (~$50/month).
• Marketing: Moderate investment in Google Ads or Facebook campaigns (~$200/month).
• Payment Fees: Higher sales volume ($10,000/month revenue, with 2.6% + $0.30 per transaction).

Estimated Monthly Cost: $200–$500/month.

This example represents a growing store ready to invest in tools and ads to scale its operations while still keeping costs under control.

3. Enterprise Store Example: Operating at Scale

• Plan: Shopify Plus ($2,000/month).
• Customizations: Advanced theme development and integrations (~$500/month).
• Apps: Premium tools for advanced reporting, logistics, and customer engagement (~$300/month).
• Marketing: High-budget campaigns across multiple channels (~$2,000/month).
• Payment Fees: Large sales volume ($100,000/month revenue, with 2.15% or lower transaction fees).

Estimated Monthly Cost: $2,500/month or more.

This setup suits enterprise-level businesses with complex needs and the resources to invest in custom solutions and aggressive marketing strategies.

Cost Breakdown Table

As you can see, your Shopify cost per month depends on the tools, marketing, and scale of your business. Start small with free tools and grow into paid features as your store expands. By understanding the typical expenses at each stage, you can confidently plan for growth without overextending your budget.

Tips to Lower Shopify Monthly Cost

Running a Shopify store doesn’t have to break the bank. By making smart decisions and prioritizing essential tools, you can keep your Shopify cost per month manageable without sacrificing growth opportunities. Here are some practical tips to lower your Shopify costs and maximize your budget while scaling your business effectively.

• Use Free Apps Whenever Possible. Shopify’s app store offers plenty of free tools to enhance your store’s functionality. For instance, the Import & Export Tool by Firebear includes a free plan, providing basic features for data import and export. As your store grows, you can upgrade to paid plans when you truly need advanced capabilities, such as custom mapping or support for multiple file formats. This approach ensures you’re only paying for what you’ll use.
• Start with Free Themes Before Upgrading. Shopify’s free themes are polished, responsive, and ideal for small businesses on a budget. They offer enough customization to get your store up and running. Upgrade to a premium theme or invest in custom design only when you’re ready to focus on branding or need advanced features. This strategy allows you to save on upfront costs while testing your store’s performance.
• Leverage Shopify Payments to Avoid Extra Fees. Third-party gateways can add 0.5%–2% in additional transaction fees, significantly increasing your Shopify cost per month, especially as sales grow. Shopify Payments eliminates this extra charge, making it the most cost-effective option for processing payments. Plus, its seamless integration reduces the need for additional apps or manual management.
• Optimize Your Marketing Strategy. Marketing can be one of your largest expenses, but careful planning can help you reduce costs without sacrificing results:
  • Start with small budgets for paid ads on platforms like Google or Facebook and scale only after identifying high-performing campaigns.
  • Use Shopify-compatible email tools with free or low-cost plans to nurture leads and re-engage customers.
  • Focus on organic traffic through SEO-optimized product pages, blog posts, and social media content to reduce reliance on paid channels.
• Bundle Tools and Features. When possible, choose apps or tools that combine multiple features. For example, some marketing apps integrate email campaigns, automation, and analytics into a single platform, reducing the need for separate tools. Similarly, many shipping apps include real-time rates, tracking, and bulk shipping discounts, saving both time and money.
• Plan for Long-Term Scalability. While it’s tempting to invest in premium tools and customizations from the start, focus on scaling costs incrementally. Test free or budget-friendly options first to understand what’s truly essential for your store’s growth.

The key to keeping your Shopify monthly cost in check is knowing where to invest and where to save. By leveraging free resources, optimizing payment processing, and refining your marketing strategy, you can stretch your budget without compromising on quality. With these cost-saving tips, you’ll have more room to reinvest in growth and turn your Shopify store into a thriving e-commerce business.

Conclusion: Is Shopify Worth the Monthly Cost?

Shopify’s pricing structure offers unparalleled flexibility, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re running a small startup, scaling a growing operation, or managing an enterprise, Shopify provides the tools you need to build and grow your online store. From its affordable Starter Plan to the robust Shopify Plus for high-volume sellers, the platform’s pricing ensures you only pay for what you need.

The true value of Shopify goes beyond its monthly cost. It lies in the platform’s ability to adapt to your business’s unique requirements, offering a vast ecosystem of apps, premium themes, and integrations to streamline operations. While costs like apps, marketing, and transaction fees can add up, they also represent opportunities to optimize and scale your business effectively.

Before diving in, evaluate your store’s specific needs — your sales volume, desired features, and growth goals. This thoughtful approach will ensure you select the right plan and avoid overspending.

Ready to see what Shopify can do for your business? Start with a free trial to explore its features, experiment with its tools, and assess its value firsthand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, Shopify offers the resources and scalability to make your vision a reality. If you need to migrate to Shopify from another platform, drop us a message to learn more about the Import & Export Tool and how it can help you.

With its versatility and growth potential, Shopify is more than just a cost — it’s an investment in your e-commerce future.

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