The price of a domain can range from being free for the first year to costing millions of dollars. The final cost depends on a variety of factors, including the domain extension you choose (like .com or .org), the registrar you buy it from, and whether the name is considered “premium.” This guide will break down every aspect of domain name costs for 2025, helping you navigate the options, understand the value, and make an informed decision for your website.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Domain Costs: For a typical, new domain name with a common extension like .com, .net, or .org, expect to pay between $10 to $25 per year. Prices vary between registrars and are often lower for the first year.
  • Influencing Factors: The final price is determined by the Top-Level Domain (TLD) extension, the registrar, the length of registration, and whether the domain is classified as “premium” due to its high value (short, memorable, or keyword-rich).
  • Hidden & Ongoing Costs: Be aware of higher renewal rates, which can be significantly more than the introductory first-year price. Additional costs can include domain privacy protection (WHOIS privacy) and fees for transferring your domain to another registrar.
  • Free Domain Names: You can often get a free domain name for the first year when you purchase a web hosting plan. Providers like Elementor Hosting bundle a free domain with their packages, simplifying the setup process for new websites.
  • Premium vs. Aftermarket: Premium domains are unregistered, high-value names sold by registries at a high initial price. Aftermarket domains are pre-owned names being sold by their current owner, often through auctions or brokers, with prices ranging from hundreds to millions of dollars.
  • Choosing the Right Domain: A great domain is short, easy to remember and spell, relevant to your brand or niche, and avoids trademark conflicts. Your domain is a long-term asset, so the initial investment should align with your business goals.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Domain Names

Before we dive into the costs, let’s quickly cover the basics of what a domain name actually is and how the system works. A domain name is the user-friendly address you type into a browser to visit a website, like elementor.com. It’s a stand-in for a complex string of numbers called an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1), which is the actual location of the website on a server.

The entire system is managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is a non-profit organization that oversees the domain name system, but it doesn’t directly sell domains to the public. Instead, it accredits companies called domain registrars to handle the registration and sale of domain names. When you buy a domain, you are essentially leasing it from one of these registrars for a specific period.

Types of Top-Level Domains (TLDs)

Every domain name ends with an extension, also known as a Top-Level Domain (TLD). The TLD you choose is one of the biggest factors influencing the cost. Here are the main categories:

  • Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs): These are the most common and recognizable extensions.
    • .com: Originally for “commercial,” it’s now the most popular and often most expensive TLD.
    • .net: Originally for “network,” often used by tech companies.
    • .org: Originally for “organization,” typically used by non-profits.
    • .info: For informational websites.
    • .biz: For businesses.
  • Newer Generic Top-Level Domains (ngTLDs): In recent years, ICANN has introduced hundreds of new TLDs related to specific industries, interests, or locations. Examples include:
    • .app
    • .blog
    • .shop
    • .design
    • .photography
  • Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): These are two-letter extensions assigned to specific countries or territories.
    • .us (United States)
    • .ca (Canada)
    • .uk (United Kingdom)
    • .de (Germany)
    • .io (British Indian Ocean Territory, but popular in the tech industry)

Each TLD is managed by a specific registry that sets the wholesale price. The registrar you buy from then adds its own markup to that price. This is why the cost for the exact same domain name can vary from one registrar to another.

The Core Cost of a New Domain Name in 2025

When you search for a completely new, unregistered domain name, the price is primarily determined by the TLD. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for a standard one-year registration in 2025.

Standard gTLD Pricing (.com, .net, .org)

These are the workhorses of the internet. They are highly recognized and generally trusted by users, which makes them a solid choice for most businesses.

  • .com: This is the gold standard and typically the most sought-after TLD. For a new registration, you can expect to pay $12 to $20 per year. Due to its popularity, finding an available, high-quality .com domain can be challenging.
  • .net: A solid alternative to .com, especially for tech, networking, or internet service companies. The cost is usually slightly lower than .com, ranging from $12 to $22 per year.
  • .org: The go-to choice for non-profit organizations, charities, and open-source projects. Its price is comparable to .com, typically in the $10 to $20 per year range.

Newer gTLD Pricing (.shop, .app, .blog)

The newer TLDs offer a chance to get a more creative and descriptive domain name. Their pricing is much more variable.

  • .io: Extremely popular with startups and SaaS companies. It’s technically a ccTLD but is treated like a gTLD in the tech world. It’s also one of the more expensive options, with registration costs often between $40 and $70 per year.
  • .co: Another popular alternative to .com, often used by startups and modern companies. It’s the ccTLD for Colombia but is widely used globally. Prices typically range from $25 to $45 per year.
  • .shop, .store, .inc: These extensions are great for e-commerce businesses. Prices can vary wildly. You might find introductory offers for as low as $2 for the first year, but renewal rates can jump to $30 to $60 per year. Some, like .inc, are positioned as premium TLDs and can cost over $2,000 per year.
  • .blog, .app, .design: These are perfect for individuals and businesses in specific niches. A .blog domain might cost $20 to $40 per year, while a .app domain could be in the $25 to $50 per year range.

Country-Code TLD (ccTLD) Pricing

ccTLDs are often used for websites targeting a specific country’s audience, as they can help with local SEO. Some ccTLDs have registration restrictions, requiring proof of residency or a local business registration.

  • .us (United States): A fairly affordable option, usually costing $8 to $15 per year.
  • .ca (Canada): Requires a connection to Canada. Prices are typically $10 to $20 per year.
  • .uk (United Kingdom): Another affordable option, around $7 to $15 per year.
  • .de (Germany): One of the most popular ccTLDs, with costs around $6 to $15 per year.

Here’s a summary table of estimated annual costs for new domains in 2025:

TLD ExtensionEstimated Annual Cost (New Registration)
.com$12 – $20
.net$12 – $22
.org$10 – $20
.io$40 – $70
.co$25 – $45
.shop$30 – $60 (after intro offer)
.blog$20 – $40
.us$8 – $15
.ca$10 – $20

Key Factors That Influence Domain Name Costs

Beyond the TLD, several other factors can significantly impact the final price you pay. Understanding these will help you budget effectively and avoid surprises.

1. The Domain Registrar

Where you buy your domain matters. Registrars are competitive, and they often use different pricing strategies.

  • Introductory Pricing: Many registrars offer very low prices for the first year to attract new customers. You might see a .com domain advertised for $5.99 or even less. However, the renewal price will almost always be higher. Always check the renewal rate before you buy.
  • Renewal Rates: This is the price you’ll pay each year after the first to keep your domain. A registrar with a cheap introductory offer might have a high renewal rate of $22 or more, while another might offer it for $14.99 upfront with a similar renewal fee. Over a few years, the second option could be cheaper.
  • Bundled Services: Some registrars include services like WHOIS privacy for free, while others charge for it. This can add $10-$15 per year to your cost, so a slightly more expensive domain that includes privacy might be a better deal.

2. Domain Privacy + Protection (WHOIS Privacy)

When you register a domain, ICANN requires your personal information (name, address, email, phone number) to be listed in a public database called WHOIS. This can lead to a lot of spam and unwanted contact.

WHOIS Privacy is a service offered by registrars that replaces your personal information with their own generic contact details in the public database. This protects your privacy and reduces spam.

Many reputable registrars now offer WHOIS privacy for free as a standard feature. However, some still charge for it as an add-on, typically costing $10 to $15 per year. When comparing prices, always factor in the cost of privacy protection if it’s not included.

3. Registration Length

You can register a domain for a period of one to ten years. Some registrars offer a discount if you register for a longer term upfront. For example, you might pay $15 for one year, but only $13 per year if you register for five years.

While this can save you money in the long run and ensures you don’t forget to renew, it’s a bigger upfront commitment. For a new project, it might be wise to start with a one or two-year registration until you’re sure of its longevity.

4. Premium Domains

Sometimes you’ll search for what seems like a simple, available domain, only to find it has a price tag of $2,500. This is likely a premium domain. These are unregistered domains that the registry has identified as being high-value.

What makes a domain premium?

  • Short Length: One, two, or three-letter domains are rare and highly valuable.
  • Common Words: Domains based on dictionary words (e.g., insurance.com, cars.com) are extremely valuable.
  • High-Value Keywords: Names that include popular search terms (e.g., bestsneakers.shop) can be marked as premium.

Premium domains are sold for a high one-time registration fee. After the initial purchase, they typically renew at the standard annual rate for that TLD. This is a strategy by registries to profit from their most valuable assets.

5. Aftermarket and Expired Domains

The domain name you want might already be owned by someone else. In this case, you’re entering the domain aftermarket. This is where individuals and companies buy and sell already registered domains. Prices are set by the seller and can range from a few hundred dollars to millions. The most expensive domain ever publicly sold was cars.com for a reported $872 million.

How can you buy an aftermarket domain?

  • Contact the Owner Directly: You can use the WHOIS database to find the owner’s contact information (if it’s not private) and make an offer.
  • Use a Domain Broker: A broker can help you negotiate a sale anonymously and handle the transaction securely. This is a good option for high-value domains.
  • Buy on an Auction Marketplace: Websites like GoDaddy Auctions, Sedo, and Flippa are popular marketplaces for buying and selling domains.

Another avenue is expired domains. When an owner fails to renew their domain, it goes through a process before being released back to the public. It might first go to an auction where you can bid on it. If it doesn’t sell, it becomes available for anyone to register at the standard price. Catching a good expired domain can be a great way to acquire a valuable name without paying a high aftermarket price.

Hidden and Ongoing Costs to Keep in Mind

The price you see advertised is rarely the full story. Here are some other costs to be aware of.

  • Higher Renewal Rates: As mentioned, this is the most common “hidden” cost. An introductory price of $1.99 can easily jump to $19.99 or more in the second year. Always check the renewal fee.
  • Domain Transfer Fees: If you want to move your domain from one registrar to another, you’ll usually have to pay a transfer fee. This fee is typically around $10-$20 and almost always includes a one-year extension of your domain registration.
  • Email Hosting: While your domain is your address, you still need a service to handle your email. Some domain registrars offer a basic email forwarding service for free, but for a professional email address (like [email protected]) with its own inbox, you’ll often need a separate email hosting plan. This can cost anywhere from $2 to $10 per user per month. Services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are popular options.
  • Website Hosting: A domain name is just an address. To have a website, you also need web hosting, which is the space on a server where your website’s files are stored. This is a separate and essential cost, which leads us to a popular way to reduce your initial domain expense.

How to Get a Free Domain Name

The most common way to get a domain name for free is by purchasing a web hosting plan. Most hosting providers, including Elementor Hosting, offer a free domain name for the first year when you sign up for an annual plan.

This is an excellent deal for anyone starting a new website. It simplifies the process by letting you get your domain and hosting from the same provider, and it saves you the initial $10-$25 domain registration fee.

When choosing a hosting plan that includes a free domain, keep these points in mind:

  • The domain is usually only free for the first year. After that, you will have to pay the standard renewal rate.
  • The offer typically applies to common TLDs like .com, .net, or .org. More expensive or obscure TLDs may not be included.
  • If you decide to cancel your hosting plan early, you may be charged for the domain registration fee.

Even with these conditions, a free domain with hosting is a great value proposition. It allows you to get your WordPress site up and running with a lower upfront cost. Once you have your hosting and domain, you can use a powerful tool like the Elementor Website Builder to design your site without needing to write any code.

How to Choose the Right Domain Name: Tips and Best Practices

The domain you choose is a long-term branding asset. A great domain name can make your business more memorable and credible, while a poor one can be a constant source of confusion. Here are some expert tips for making the right choice.

As web creation expert Itamar Haim puts it, “Your domain name is your digital handshake. It’s often the very first interaction a potential customer has with your brand. It needs to be professional, trustworthy, and instantly communicate what you’re about. Don’t rush the process; the right name is an investment that pays dividends in brand recognition for years to come.”

Here are some best practices to follow:

  1. Stick with .com if Possible: While there are many new TLDs, .com is still the most recognized and trusted extension. Most people will instinctively type .com at the end of a domain, so if it’s available, it’s usually your best bet.
  2. Keep it Short and Memorable: Shorter domains are easier to type and remember. Think of major brands: google.com, apple.com, cnn.com. Avoid long, complex names.
  3. Make it Easy to Spell and Pronounce: If people can’t spell your domain, they’ll have trouble finding your site. Avoid using slang, made-up words, or numbers and hyphens. Hyphens can be a sign of a spammy site, and numbers can cause confusion (is it “5” or “five”?).
  4. Make it Brandable: Your domain should be unique and stand out from the competition. A brandable name doesn’t necessarily have to describe what you do (think Amazon or Shopify), but it should be catchy and memorable.
  5. Include Keywords (If It Makes Sense): Using keywords relevant to your niche can help with SEO. For example, a photographer in New York might try newyorkphotos.com. However, don’t stuff keywords in a way that makes the domain sound unnatural or spammy.
  6. Avoid Trademark Issues: Before you register a domain, do a thorough search to make sure you’re not infringing on an existing trademark. Using a trademarked name can lead to legal trouble and force you to give up the domain.
  7. Think Long-Term: Avoid choosing a name that’s too narrow or trendy. A name like 2025gadgetreviews.com will feel dated in a year. Choose a name that can grow with your business.

Once you have some ideas, you can use a domain name generator or the search tool on a registrar’s website to check for availability. This is also where an AI Site Planner can be helpful, allowing you to brainstorm your entire site structure, which can inspire relevant and effective domain name ideas.

The Step-by-Step Process of Registering a Domain

Ready to secure your domain? The process is simple and only takes a few minutes.

  1. Choose a Domain Registrar or Hosting Provider: Select a reputable company to register your domain with. If you need hosting as well, choosing a provider like Elementor that offers both can streamline the process.
  2. Search for Your Domain Name: Use the search bar on the provider’s website to see if your desired name is available. If it’s taken, they will suggest alternatives with different TLDs or slight variations.
  3. Select Your Domain and Registration Period: Once you find an available name you like, add it to your cart. Choose how long you want to register it for (usually one to ten years).
  4. Add Domain Privacy: If it’s not included for free, decide if you want to add WHOIS privacy to your order. This is highly recommended.
  5. Complete the Purchase: Proceed to checkout and provide your contact and payment information. You are now the official owner of the domain for the registration period.

What Happens After You Buy a Domain?

Once you’ve registered your domain, you have a few final steps to get your website live.

  • Connect it to Your Hosting: If you bought your domain and hosting from the same provider, this is usually done automatically. If you bought them separately, you’ll need to update your domain’s nameservers to point to your hosting account. Your hosting provider will give you instructions on how to do this.
  • Build Your Website: Now for the creative part! You can install a CMS like WordPress and use a tool like Elementor Pro to build a professional website with its drag-and-drop editor and extensive template library. If you’re building an online store, Elementor’s WooCommerce Builder is an invaluable tool.
  • Ensure Accessibility: As you build, it’s crucial to make sure your website is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This is not only ethical but also a legal requirement in many places. Using an accessibility plugin can help you identify and fix common issues.

Conclusion

In 2025, the cost of a new domain name remains quite affordable for most standard TLDs, typically falling in the $10 to $25 per year range. The real cost variation comes from factors like your choice of registrar, the popularity of the TLD, and whether the domain is considered premium or is being sold on the aftermarket.

For most new projects, bundling a free domain for the first year with a quality hosting plan offers the best value and simplifies the setup process. Always remember to look beyond the attractive introductory price and check the renewal rates and any extra fees for services like WHOIS privacy. A domain name is a foundational investment in your online presence. By understanding the costs and choosing a name that aligns with your brand, you are setting yourself up for long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the cheapest way to get a domain name? The cheapest way is to get a free domain for the first year by signing up for an annual web hosting plan. Many hosting providers, including Elementor Hosting, offer this as a standard perk. For standalone registrations, look for registrars that have low introductory prices, but be sure to check their renewal rates.

2. Can I buy a domain name permanently? No, you cannot buy a domain name permanently. You register it for a specific period, up to a maximum of 10 years at a time. You must renew the registration before it expires to maintain ownership. As long as you keep renewing it, it remains yours.

3. Is it worth paying for a premium domain name? It can be, but it depends on your budget and business goals. A short, memorable, keyword-rich premium domain can provide significant branding and SEO advantages. For a well-funded business, the high upfront cost can be a worthwhile marketing investment. For a small project or personal blog, a standard, hand-registered domain is perfectly sufficient.

4. What’s the difference between a domain registrar and a web host? A domain registrar is a company accredited by ICANN to sell and manage domain name registrations. A web host is a company that provides server space and technology to make your website accessible on the internet. Many companies offer both services, allowing you to manage your domain and hosting in one place.

5. How long does it take to register a domain name? The registration process itself is almost instant. Once you complete the purchase, the domain name is registered to you within minutes. However, it can take anywhere from a few hours up to 48 hours for the new domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) information to propagate across the internet, meaning it might take a little while before you can access your new address from any device.

6. What happens if I forget to renew my domain name? If you don’t renew your domain before it expires, it enters a grace period (usually 30-45 days) where you can still renew it, sometimes with an added redemption fee. After the grace period, it may go to auction. If it doesn’t sell, it is eventually released back to the public for anyone to register. It’s critical to renew on time to avoid losing your domain. Most registrars offer an auto-renewal feature to prevent this.

7. Should I register multiple domain extensions (e.g., .com, .net, .org)? For businesses, it can be a smart defensive strategy to register multiple common extensions of your brand name. This prevents competitors or others from registering those domains and potentially confusing your customers or damaging your brand. You can then redirect all the alternate domains to your main .com website.

8. Can I change my domain name later? You cannot edit a domain name once it’s registered. If you decide you want a different name, you have to register the new one and then redirect traffic from your old domain to the new one. This is why it’s so important to choose your domain name carefully from the start.

9. Do I need a website to own a domain name? No, you can register a domain name without having a website. This is known as “parking” a domain. People do this to secure a name for a future project or to prevent others from registering it.

10. What is a subdomain? A subdomain is an addition to the beginning of your main domain name, like blog.yourwebsite.com or shop.yourwebsite.com. You can create subdomains for free through your hosting control panel. They are used to organize your website into distinct sections. For example, a blog or a store can exist on a subdomain without cluttering the main site.