Website Hosting Cost

• It's possible to get basic web hosting for as little as $4/month. This plans may limit you to 50mb of disk space and less than 3GB of traffic each month. Two popular low-end web hosts are Verve Hosting^[1] , which offers plans as low as $5/a month, and Pair Networks^[2] , which offers plans as low as $6 a month. Both companies focus on relatively low-traffic, low-complexity sites. Domain registrar Go Daddy^[3] offers a $4/month economy plan with a high data transfer limit, popular with users with major file-sharing needs.
• Some Internet companies, notably Google and Yahoo, offer free websites for small businesses. Examples include Google Sites^[4] , and Microsoft Office 365^[5] .
• Basic merchant plans usually cost around $25-$40 a month. These plans offer the functionality needed to set up a relatively basic and low-traffic retail site. More details are available under the Website - E-Commerce topic.
• The pricier options (closer to $20) include a reseller account, which enables you to conveniently host multiple sites with separate login information and control panels. You can also use it to provide web space to others. Verve Hosting^[6] offers a reseller plan.
• Basic dedicated services start at $125-$300 a month, and can run well over $1,000 a month. In these cases, the web host would manage a low-end server dedicated to your use. High-end web hosts include Level3 Communications^[7] , Layer 42 and Verio^[8] .

• Each of the plans listed above should let you host your own domain name (i.e., mycompany.com), receive e-mail, forward e-mails, and, if needed, add cgi programs to add functionality to your website. Many web hosts also enable you to easily set up a blogging site.
• Most plans include basic e-mail based support and web-based faq support.
• Many plans waive setup fees.
• Be wary of web hosting firms that permit unlimited traffic, as that mean the resources are over-taxed and your website may become slow or unresponsive.

• Additional traffic allowances and additional disk space usually cost more or require an upgrade to a higher level plan.
• e-Commerce integration, including SSL support, shopping cart functionality, and payment gateways can require you to upgrade to a higher plan.
• Most companies charge extra if your site receives more traffic than is allowed by your basic plan.

• Compare different hosting plans' features based on your individual needs. Some plans offer more diskspace or bandwidth than others, and some are set up to allow scripting and databases that others do not.
• Keep in mind the type of server offered and the software the various plans run (Linux and Windows are the most common options), as some software will only run on one type of system of another.
• If you have little technical ability and want a simple Internet presence, consider using Google Sites^[9] , and Microsoft Office 365^[10] .
• If you have little technical ability and want more flexibility, consider a service that will create your website for you. Examples include Yahoo Small Business and Homestead^[11] .
• If you have the technical skill to design your own website, low-cost web hosting firms include Verve Hosting^[12] , Pair Networks^[13] , and Go Daddy^[14] .
• Examples of collocated or dedicated server, high-bandwidth, high realiability web hosts include Level3 Communications^[15] , Layer 42 and Verio^[16] .

1.  /vervehosting.com/
2.  www.pair.com/services/web_hosting/
3.  www.godaddy.com/hosting/web-hosting.aspx?se=%2b&ci=260
4.  sites.google.com/?
5.  office.microsoft.com/en-us/business/
6.  vervehosting.com/reseller.htm
7.  www.level3.com/en/products-and-services/cloud-and-it/data-center-services/managed-it-ho...
8.  www.verio.com/web-hosting/plans/plans/
9.  sites.google.com
10.  office.microsoft.com/
11.  www.homestead.com/
12.  /vervehosting.com/
13.  www.pair.com/services/web_hosting/
14.  www.godaddy.com/hosting/web-hosting.aspx?se=%2b&ci=260
15.  www.level3.com/en/products-and-services/cloud-and-it/data-center-services/managed-it-ho...
16.  www.verio.com/web-hosting/plans/

Today's Featured Cost Articles

The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons? The Fourth of July is coming up, and we've got the cost of a BBQ grill covered. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Men's Schwinn Ranger Bike from Target -- pre-assembled! Paid: 190.00 After reading this article I decided to go the budget route. I looked online and saw Target seemed to carry adult bikes, so I went to my local Target and they were out-of-stock, but they sent me to an even bigger Target... [more] -boughtalowendbike Bike Cost Spayed Paid: 70.00 ... [more] -Bamagirl Dog Spay or Neuter Cost Custom awning 19' x 4' installed Paid: 1300.00 Cost includes making n instaling... [more] -Gail Avist Fabric Awning Cost full repipe 2600 square feet Paid: 16000.00 full repipe with PEX, included 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen and 1 wet bar... [more] -Patrisha (Trisha) Roth Re-Piping a House Cost Cost and Wearablity Paid: 10000.00 Prostodontist in Mesa, AZ has quoted me $10,000 for full dentures NOT to include extractions (to be done elsewhere). He offers uppers and lowers immediate with a permanent set approx. 6 months later... [more] -First Time Dentures Dentures Cost High cost not covered by insurance Paid: 260.00 Must lower price or include with Medicare and insrance. Doctor charged $200 for 10 minute visit. Approval time by pa... [more] -Anthony melle Medical Marijuana Cost