Understanding the Costs of Starting a Shopify Store in 2025
- bostontechnexus
- Dec 10, 2025
- 5 min read
Starting an online store can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to figure out the costs involved. Shopify remains one of the most popular platforms for entrepreneurs, creators, and small businesses looking to sell products online. But how much does Shopify cost in 2025? What should you expect to pay upfront and monthly? This post breaks down the Shopify store cost clearly, helping you plan your budget and avoid surprises.
Shopify Pricing Plans in 2025
Shopify offers several pricing plans designed to fit different business sizes and needs. Understanding these plans is key to knowing how much it costs to start a Shopify store.
Basic Shopify Plan: $39 per month
Ideal for new businesses and beginners. Includes essential features like an online store, unlimited products, and 24/7 support.
Shopify Plan: $105 per month
Suitable for growing businesses that need more advanced reporting and better shipping discounts.
Advanced Shopify Plan: $399 per month
Designed for larger businesses requiring advanced reporting and third-party calculated shipping rates.
Shopify Plus: Starts at $2,000 per month
Enterprise-level solution for high-volume merchants with custom needs.
These prices reflect the Shopify monthly cost before adding any extra expenses like apps, themes, or transaction fees. Check Shopify current trial and $1/month promo here.
Breaking Down Shopify Startup Cost
When asking how much does it cost to start a Shopify store, consider these components:
1. Shopify Monthly Subscription
The monthly fee depends on the plan you choose. For most beginners, the Shopify basic plan cost of $39 per month is enough to get started.
2. Domain Name Cost
Shopify allows you to buy a domain directly through their platform. The Shopify domain cost typically ranges from $14 to $25 per year depending on the domain extension (.com, .store, etc.). You can also purchase domains from third-party registrars, sometimes at a lower price.
3. Shopify Theme Cost
Shopify offers free themes, but many merchants prefer premium themes for better design and features. Premium Shopify theme cost usually ranges from $140 to $350 as a one-time payment.
4. Shopify App Costs
Apps extend your store’s functionality, such as marketing tools, inventory management, or customer support. Many apps have free plans, but premium features often require monthly fees. Expect to spend anywhere from $5 to $50 per app monthly depending on your needs.
5. Transaction Fees and Payment Processing
If you use Shopify Payments, there are no additional transaction fees beyond credit card rates (usually 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction on the Basic plan). Using third-party payment gateways incurs extra fees, which Shopify charges on top of the gateway fees. This is part of the Shopify fees explained.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Shopify Store Monthly?
Running a Shopify store involves ongoing costs beyond the initial setup:
Shopify subscription fee (starting at $39/month)
Domain renewal (about $14-$25/year, roughly $1-$2/month)
Apps subscription fees (varies, average $10-$50/month)
Payment processing fees (2.9% + 30¢ per sale on Basic plan)
Marketing and advertising (optional but recommended)
For a small business, the Shopify cost for beginners can range from $50 to $100 per month, depending on apps and marketing spend.
Is Shopify Expensive to Start?
Many wonder, is Shopify expensive to start? Compared to building a custom website or using other platforms, Shopify offers a straightforward pricing structure with no hidden fees. The cheapest way to start a Shopify store is by:
Choosing the Basic Shopify plan
Using a free theme
Minimizing paid apps initially
Buying a domain from a third-party registrar if cheaper
This approach can keep your startup cost under $50 per month, making Shopify accessible for most entrepreneurs.
Shopify Cost Breakdown 2025: Real Examples
To illustrate, here are two example budgets for starting a Shopify store in 2025:
Example 1: Small Handmade Goods Store
Basic Shopify plan: $39/month
Domain from Shopify: $20/year (~$1.67/month)
Free theme
One paid app for email marketing: $15/month
Payment processing fees: 2.9% + 30¢ per sale
Estimated monthly cost: $39 + $1.67 + $15 = $55.67 + transaction fees
Example 2: Digital Product Creator
Basic Shopify plan: $39/month
Domain from third-party: $12/year (~$1/month)
Premium theme: $180 one-time
Two apps for digital downloads and analytics: $25/month total
Payment processing fees: 2.9% + 30¢ per sale
Estimated first month cost: $39 + $1 + $180 + $25 = $245
Subsequent months: $39 + $1 + $25 = $65 + transaction fees
Shopify vs Other Platforms: Cost Comparison
Many sellers ask about Shopify vs Etsy cost, Shopify vs WooCommerce cost, or Shopify vs Gumroad fees.
Shopify vs Etsy: Etsy charges listing fees ($0.20 per item) and 6.5% transaction fees. Shopify has a monthly fee but no listing fees and lower transaction fees with Shopify Payments.
Shopify vs WooCommerce: WooCommerce is free but requires hosting, domain, SSL, and technical setup. Hosting can cost $10-$30/month, plus paid plugins. Shopify offers an all-in-one solution with predictable pricing.
Shopify vs Gumroad: Gumroad charges 8.5% + 30¢ per sale on the free plan, which is higher than Shopify’s fees. Gumroad is simpler but less customizable.
Common Questions About Shopify Costs
Does Shopify Have Hidden Fees?
Shopify is transparent about its pricing. The main costs are subscription fees, transaction fees, and optional app or theme purchases. There are no hidden fees, but you should watch out for app subscriptions and third-party payment gateway fees.
How Much Does Shopify Take Per Sale?
Shopify charges payment processing fees based on your plan. For the Basic plan, it’s 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction using Shopify Payments. Using external payment gateways adds an extra 2% fee.
Can You Start Shopify With No Money?
Shopify offers a free trial, but to launch a store, you need at least the Basic plan subscription and a domain. You can minimize upfront costs by using free themes and apps, but some investment is necessary.
Is Shopify Worth It for Beginners?
Shopify’s ease of use, support, and all-in-one platform make it a strong choice for beginners. The Shopify cost for beginners is reasonable compared to the value and features provided.
Final Thoughts on Shopify Cost in 2025
Understanding how much to start a Shopify store in 2025 helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises. The Shopify cost breakdown 2025 shows that starting can be affordable, especially if you choose the right plan and avoid unnecessary extras.
Shopify offers a clear pricing structure with no hidden fees, making it easier to manage your store’s finances. Whether you sell physical goods, digital products, or services, Shopify provides flexible options to fit your needs. Also for savings on initial setup check Shopify current trial and $1/month promo here.
If you want to start your online business with a reliable platform, Shopify remains a solid choice. Begin with the Basic plan, use free resources, and scale your store as your business grows. Contact us if you need assistance with starting your Shopify store
Comments