Are WordPress Websites Truly Free? The Hidden Costs and What You Need to Know

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Codezela Content Creation

— 3 min read
Are WordPress Websites Truly Free? The Hidden Costs and What You Need to Know
Photo by Fikret tozak / Unsplash

Introduction

WordPress is one of the most popular website-building platforms in the world, powering over 40% of all websites. Many people assume that WordPress is entirely free, but is that really the case?

While WordPress itself is free to download and use, building a fully functional website involves various costs. From hosting and domain names to themes and plugins, several factors determine the actual price of running a WordPress site.

In this article, we will break down the costs of WordPress websites, explore free vs. paid options, and help you understand what to expect when building your website.

Is WordPress Free to Use?

Yes, the core WordPress software is completely free. It is an open-source content management system (CMS), which means anyone can download, install, and modify it without paying a single penny. However, there’s a catch—while the software itself is free, you still need additional services and tools to create a live website.

There are two versions of WordPress:

  • WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) – Free to download, but requires hosting, a domain, and other paid features.
  • WordPress.com (Hosted Solution) – Offers a free plan with limitations and paid plans for advanced features.

If you want full control over your website, WordPress.org is the best choice, but it comes with extra costs.

The True Cost of a WordPress Website

Even though WordPress is free, running a professional website requires additional investments. Below are the main costs you should consider:

1. Web Hosting (Essential Cost)

  • Hosting is where your website files are stored and served to visitors.
  • Shared hosting costs $3–$10/month, while managed WordPress hosting can go up to $30–$100/month for better performance.
  • Popular hosting providers include Bluehost, SiteGround, and Kinsta.

2. Domain Name (Essential Cost)

  • A custom domain (e.g., yourwebsite.com) is crucial for branding and credibility.
  • Domains typically cost $10–$20/year, depending on the provider and domain extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.).
  • Free themes are available, but premium themes offer better design, customization, and support.
  • Premium themes range from $30–$100 (one-time payment or annual subscription).
  • Some popular theme providers include Astra, Divi, and GeneratePress.

4. Plugins for Extra Features (Optional but Useful)

  • Free plugins offer basic functionality, but advanced features require paid plugins.
  • Essential paid plugins include SEO tools (Yoast SEO, Rank Math), security plugins (Sucuri, Wordfence), and page builders (Elementor, WPBakery).
  • Premium plugins typically cost $20–$200 depending on the functionality.

5. Website Security (Essential for Protection)

  • An SSL certificate is required for a secure connection (HTTPS), and some hosting providers include it for free.
  • Additional security tools may cost $50–$200/year.

6. Professional Support & Maintenance (Optional but Helpful)

  • If you are not tech-savvy, you may need to hire developers or purchase maintenance plans.
  • WordPress support services range from $20–$100/month for updates, backups, and troubleshooting.

Can You Build a WordPress Website for Free?

Technically, yes—but with limitations. Here’s what a 100% free WordPress website would look like:

  • You use WordPress.com’s free plan, which includes a yourwebsite.wordpress.com domain.
  • You choose a free theme with limited customization options.
  • You rely only on free plugins for functionality.
  • You deal with WordPress ads on your website (WordPress.com places ads on free sites).

While this setup works for personal projects or small blogs, it is not ideal for professional businesses, portfolios, or eCommerce stores.

How to Minimize Costs While Building a WordPress Website

If you want a cost-effective WordPress website, here are some smart ways to save money:

  • Choose Affordable Hosting – Start with budget-friendly hosting providers like Bluehost, Namecheap, or Hostinger.
  • Use a Free Theme – Themes like Astra, OceanWP, and Neve offer great free versions.
  • Limit Paid Plugins – Only buy essential plugins; many free ones provide excellent functionality.
  • Look for Discounts – Many hosting services and theme providers offer discounts on annual plans.
  • Manage Updates Yourself – Instead of paying for maintenance, learn basic WordPress management.

Conclusion

While WordPress itself is free, creating and maintaining a professional website comes with extra costs. Hosting, domain names, themes, plugins, and security features are all necessary investments depending on your website’s needs.

If you are looking for a completely free website, the options are limited, and you will have to compromise on branding and features. However, by making smart choices, you can build a cost-effective WordPress website without overspending.

WordPress remains one of the best platforms for website creation, whether you are on a budget or willing to invest in a high-quality site. The key is to plan ahead and choose the right tools for your needs.

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