Download a free workbook to help you design your site with confidence.
The email you entered is invalid.
Thank you for subscribing.
By entering your email, you indicate that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy and agree to receive marketing from Squarespace.
A domain name is an essential component of any website. It’s the unique URL that takes people to your site and makes it easy to discover. Choosing a custom domain is an important part of establishing your brand and website, but different factors, like domain provider and top-level domain (TLD) can impact pricing.
This guide will help you understand how much a domain name costs, the factors that may impact the price of a domain name, and tips to help you save money on this important piece of your digital identity.
How much does a domain name cost?
The average cost of a domain name runs between $10 and $20 dollars per year. Pricing changes depending on the domain extension, such as a .com or .net. Newer extensions, such as .ai, may be pricier. Some domains can run up to $50 per year.
There are other factors that may be involved in your domain price, such as renewal fees, your provider, domain popularity or promotional pricing.
Different domain name types and costs
While the average cost of a domain won’t likely run you more than $20 per year, there are different categories for domains, with some potentially cheaper than others.
Standard: The average domain name falls into this category. These domains are affordably priced, simple to register, and generally easy to maintain.
Premium: Premium domains are much more expensive than standard. These are typically a short, specific, and more memorable. They can run from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Expired: These have been registered before, but are no longer in active use. These domain names will usually be pricier than standard, but far less than premium, at around $50 to $500.
For the average person with a website, a standard domain will work well. It’s likely you’ll be able to find a memorable, brand-relevant domain without needing to compete for a premium domain.
Renewal costs and other fees
Domain names aren’t a one-time purchase. You’re essentially renting a domain from your domain provider, so you need to renew it each year if you want to keep using it. There are other costs associated with renewing a domain registration, but the following are the most common.
Renewal price
If you bought your domain on sale or at a discount, the renewal price might be higher. Assuming you have a standard domain, renewal prices are usually anywhere from $10 to $30. It all depends on where your domain is registered and your current domain name cost.
You can also sign up to automatically renew your domain every year. Some providers might offer deals for longer registration periods or auto-renewals.
Transferring a domain name
You have the option to transfer your domain name to a different registrar. When you get your domain name, you’re registering it with a specific domain registrar. Transferring it to another registrar isn’t unusual. It’s possible you’re shopping around for pricing, want more features out of your registrar, or want to manage your domain on the same platform as your website.
You’ll may need to pay for the transfer, another year of your domain, or both. This can run you up to $10 as a flat fee and you may be required to pay to renew your domain name too. For example, there’s no fee to transfer a domain to Squarespace Domains, but you’ll need to pay to register your domain for an additional year.
Taxes and security
There are a number of other fees that can add to the price of your domain name. For example, you’ll need to pay local and state taxes on the purchase.
There’s also a security consideration, too. A registrar might charge for added security to your domain and website, like WHOIS privacy protection.
What factors influence domain pricing?
Beyond the type of domain name you choose, there are several factors that influence the overall cost of a domain name.
Below are some key factors that influence what your domain name may cost.
Top level domain: TLDs—such as .com, .net, .org—often have different pricing. For example, a .com might cost $12.99, while a .net is $15. Other domain extensions, like country codes, or newer TLDs, like .ai, might have different average costs.
Domain provider: A domain registrar, a company authorized to sell domains, may set higher prices or attach higher fees than others. You may also get a free domain name for a certain period of time, depending on the provider.
Availability and authority: If you want to get a domain name that’s already taken, the current owner could sell it to you, but at a premium. Even if a previously registered domain is available, it might cost more because it has some built-in web authority.
Privacy: Privacy and security add-ons to your domain name can give it an extra layer of protection for sensitive information, like personal or billing information. For some website hosts, such as Squarespace, this comes with the domain name purchase.
Length and popularity of domain name: More popular domains with broad application and appeal can be more expensive because of higher demand. Similarly, shorter or more recognizable domain names are sometimes more expensive.
Length of domain registration: The length of your domain registration can last from a year to 10 years. A longer commitment could mean lowered annual costs.
Steps for choosing and buying a domain name
Getting your custom domain is generally straightforward and quick. Once you choose your name, you’ll be able to view availability, compare pricing, and consider whether your preferred domain fits into your budget.
1. Choose your domain name
Remember that your domain name is a critical part of your brand or professional journey. Try to pick a domain name that’s memorable.
Most people use some version of their brand name. For professionals—such as writers, coaches, therapists, photographers—consider putting your full name and what you do in the domain name.
See our guide to choosing a domain URL
2. Check to see if domain name is available
Next, you’ll want to see if the domain name is available for purchase. You can use Squarespace’s domain search for this.
If yours is taken, look for other TLDs, such as .net, or try common abbreviations. Keep in mind that domains also impact your search visibility. If your .net URL is too similar to a .com URL from a major brand, it could be confusing or make it harder for your site to show up.
3. Compare pricing models
Remember that domain prices vary depending on the provider. You’ll want to conduct a search via registrars and website hosting businesses to see how much your domain name costs and what you get in your bundle.
4. Find reputable domain registrar
Once you’ve decided on the name, you’ll need to register it. Look for a trusted domain registrar, such as Squarespace Domains, and register your domain for the length of time you prefer. If pricing is a concern, multi-year domain name registrants can come with discounts.
Ways to save money on a domain name
Domain names don’t need to cost you or your business a fortune. There are ways to mitigate cost, find discounts, or even find limited-time free options.
Shop around: Take a moment to compare options. Consider what buying your domain on its own would cost you versus purchasing it in a package with your website and what features and benefits you’d get from each provider.
Free options: For those just starting their website journey, platforms like Squarespace offer a free domain with a website plan.
Look beyond .com: While .com domains are one of the most common, other options can be cheaper. Remember that the TLD should align with your website. For example, .org is used largely for nonprofit or charity organizations.
Bundling: Some website hosts will bundle a domain name into the cost of web hosting. That may be a more cost-efficient option if you don’t need a website builder.