Have you ever wondered if starting a blog is affordable—or if it requires a big investment?
Maybe you’ve read success stories of bloggers making six figures, traveling the world, and turning their websites into full-time businesses. But the big question is:
How much does it actually cost to start a WordPress blog—and is it worth the investment?
Some claim you can start for free, while others say you need hundreds or even thousands. The reality? You can start for as little as $99 per year, but the cost depends on your goals and growth strategy.
This guide will break down:
✔️ The minimum cost to start a blog the right way
✔️ What’s essential vs. optional for success
✔️ Real-world examples of how bloggers budget their first year
✔️ What blogging costs look like in Year Two and beyond
✔️ When to invest in premium tools for faster results
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect—and how to start your blog affordably while setting yourself up for long-term success.
How Much Does It REALLY Cost to Start a WordPress Blog?
To build a professional, money-making blog, you need a self-hosted WordPress.org setup. While free platforms like Blogger and Wix exist, they come with major limitations—so most serious bloggers go the WordPress.org route.
Here’s what you absolutely must pay for when starting a blog:
Essential Blogging Costs (First-Year Breakdown)
| Expense | Cost | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domain Name | $10–$15 | Annual | Your blog’s web address (e.g., yourblog.com) |
| Web Hosting | $3–$15 | Monthly | Bluehost, SiteGround, or Hostinger are great starter options |
| WordPress Software | $0 | One-time | Free CMS from WordPress.org |
| SSL Certificate | $0–$70 | Annual | Free with most reputable hosting providers |
| Total Minimum Cost | $99–$200 | Per year | Enough to start a professional blog |
💡 Pro Tip: Many hosting providers include a free domain name for the first year, which helps you save even more upfront.
Budget vs. Growth vs. Pro Blogger Costs
Not all bloggers spend the same amount when starting. Some go for bare minimum costs, while others invest early to scale faster. Here’s how different blogging budgets compare:
| Cost Factor | Budget Blogger 💰 ($99–$200/yr) | Growth Blogger 🚀 ($300–$600/yr) | Pro Blogger 💼 ($1,000+/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Shared Hosting ($3–$6/month) | Faster Hosting ($10–$20/month) | Premium Hosting ($30–$50/month) |
| Theme | Free (Astra, GeneratePress) | Premium ($50–$150) | Custom ($500+) |
| SEO Tools | Free (Rank Math, Yoast) | Paid ($99–$200) | Pro-Level (Ahrefs, SEMrush) |
| Email Marketing | Free (ConvertKit, MailerLite) | Paid ($10–$30/month) | Advanced CRM ($50+/month) |
| Social Media Tools | Manual Sharing | Tailwind, Buffer ($9–$30/month) | Full Automation Tools |
| Total Cost | $99–$200/yr | $300–$600/yr | $1,000+/yr |
💡 Best Choice? If you’re just starting, the budget option is enough. Upgrade only when your blog is growing and making money.
Real-World Examples: How Much Do Bloggers Actually Spend?
Example #1: Sarah, the Budget Blogger ($120 First Year)
Sarah started a lifestyle blog with just:
- $36/year hosting on Hostinger
- $15 domain from Namecheap
- A free theme (Astra)
- Free SEO tools (Rank Math)
First earnings: She made her first $500 in 6 months through affiliate marketing, covering all her blog costs and reinvesting in better tools.
Example #2: David, the Growth-Focused Blogger ($500 First Year)
David launched a tech blog with:
- $100/year hosting on SiteGround
- $99 premium theme (GeneratePress Pro)
- $120 SEO tool subscription (Ahrefs)
First earnings: He hit 10,000 monthly visitors in 4 months and made $1,200 in affiliate sales, quickly scaling his investment into higher-tier tools.
💡 Lesson? Both bloggers started at different price points, but both succeeded because they invested wisely.
What Will Your Blog Cost in Year Two? (Beyond First-Year Costs)
One thing many new bloggers overlook is that Year Two costs are different. Hosting renewal prices often increase, and as your blog grows, you may need better tools.
| Expense | Year 1 Cost | Year 2+ Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | $36–$100 | $100–$200 (renewal rates are higher) |
| Domain Name | Free or $15 | $15/year (renewal) |
| Premium Tools (Optional) | Free–$300 | Free–$500 (if upgrading SEO, email, or automation tools) |
💡 Planning ahead? Consider saving a portion of blog earnings to cover Year Two renewals without stress.
Free vs. Paid Blogging – Which is Better?
You might be tempted to start with a free blogging platform like Blogger, Wix, or WordPress.com, but these come with major downsides.
Why Free Blogs Are a Bad Idea
❌ Unprofessional URL – You’ll be stuck with a subdomain like yourblog.wordpress.com.
❌ Limited Monetization – Many free platforms restrict affiliate marketing and ads.
❌ Less Control – You don’t own the site, meaning they can delete it anytime.
❌ Fewer Customization Options – No access to premium themes, plugins, or advanced SEO settings.
If you want to make money blogging, you need full control—which only self-hosted WordPress.org provides.
What About Extra Costs? (Optional, but Useful)
While you can start a WordPress blog for $99–$200 per year, many bloggers eventually invest in premium tools to boost performance, improve design, and grow faster.
Additional Blogging Costs & Upgrades
| Upgrade | Cost | Frequency | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium WordPress Theme | $50–$150 | One-time or Annual | Makes your blog look more professional & customizable |
| SEO Plugin (Rank Math, AIOSEO Pro) | $0–$99 | Annual | Helps optimize your blog for Google search rankings |
| Email Marketing (ConvertKit, MailerLite) | $0–$30 | Monthly | Grows your email list and builds long-term traffic |
| Social Media Scheduler (Tailwind, Buffer) | $9–$30 | Monthly | Automates posting to Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram |
| Premium Plugins (Affiliate WP, WP Rocket, OptinMonster) | $30–$150 | Annual | Adds advanced features like caching, pop-ups, and affiliate tracking |
| Freelance Help (Writers, Designers, VA) | Varies | Ongoing | If you outsource blog writing, design, or admin tasks |
💡 Best Strategy? Start with the essentials and only upgrade once your blog is making money.
Budget Breakdown: How Much Should You Expect to Spend?
Your blogging costs depend on whether you want to keep expenses low or invest for faster growth. Here’s a realistic breakdown of different budgets:
📌 Budget Blogging Plan: The Cheapest Way to Start ($99–$200 per year)
- ✅ Basic Hosting: Bluehost or SiteGround ($3–$10/month)
- ✅ Free WordPress Theme: Astra, GeneratePress, Kadence
- ✅ Essential Free Plugins: Rank Math, WPForms, MonsterInsights
🔹 Best for: Beginners who want to test blogging without big financial commitments.
🚀 Growth Blogging Plan: A Smarter Investment ($300–$600 per year)
- ✅ Premium WordPress Theme ($50–$150)
- ✅ SEO Plugin (Rank Math Pro, AIOSEO Pro) ($99)
- ✅ Email Marketing Tool (ConvertKit, MailerLite) ($10–$30/month)
- ✅ Faster Hosting (SiteGround GrowBig, WPX) ($15–$25/month)
🔹 Best for: Bloggers who are serious about growth and want better performance.
💼 Business Blogging Plan: Scaling Fast ($1,000+ per year)
- ✅ Premium Hosting (Kinsta, WPX, Flywheel) ($30–$50/month)
- ✅ Custom Branding (Logo, Fonts, Colors) ($100–$500)
- ✅ Affiliate Marketing Plugins (Affiliate WP, Lasso) ($99+)
- ✅ Professional Blog Design ($500+)
🔹 Best for: Entrepreneurs who want to turn blogging into a full-time business fast.
How to Start a WordPress Blog for the Lowest Cost Possible
Starting a WordPress blog doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of smart strategies you can use to minimize costs while still building a blog with professional potential.
The key is to prioritize essentials, use free alternatives when possible, and only invest in premium tools when necessary. Below, I’ll walk you through the most cost-effective approach to launching a blog without overspending.
1. Choose an Affordable Hosting Provider That Includes Free Extras
Hosting is one of the biggest costs of starting a blog, but choosing the right provider can help you save both money and headaches.
Some hosting providers offer deep discounts for the first year, along with freebies like a domain name and SSL certificate. This means you can secure a high-quality host for as little as $3–$5 per month without needing to purchase a separate domain.
💡 Best budget-friendly hosting providers:
- Bluehost – Free domain + SSL, starts at $2.95/month
- Hostinger – Affordable shared hosting, starts at $2.99/month
- SiteGround – Fast and reliable, starts at $3.99/month
If your budget is extremely tight, opt for the cheapest plan (typically a shared hosting plan) and upgrade later as your blog grows.
2. Start with a Free WordPress Theme and Upgrade Later
While premium themes offer better designs and customization, you don’t need one to start a blog. There are plenty of high-quality free WordPress themes that look professional and work well.
Some of the best free themes include:
- Astra – Lightweight, fast, and highly customizable
- GeneratePress – SEO-friendly and mobile-optimized
- Kadence – Modern, sleek design with free starter templates
These themes are great for beginners, and if you ever want more design flexibility, you can upgrade to the premium version later without switching themes entirely.
3. Use Free Plugins for Essential Features
WordPress plugins enhance your blog’s functionality, but many premium plugins have free alternatives that work just as well. Here’s how to cover the basics without spending a dime:
- SEO Optimization: Use Rank Math or All-in-One SEO instead of paid SEO tools.
- Website Speed: Install WP Super Cache for caching (instead of WP Rocket).
- Social Sharing: Grow Social by Mediavine is a great free alternative to premium social media plugins.
- Contact Forms: Use WPForms Lite instead of paid form builders.
- Security & Backups: Install UpdraftPlus for free backups and Wordfence for security.
By choosing free plugins, you can save $200+ per year while still adding the essential features your blog needs.
4. Leverage Free SEO and Marketing Tools
Many new bloggers make the mistake of investing in expensive SEO and marketing tools too soon. Instead, take advantage of free tools that can help you grow traffic without spending a cent.
SEO & Traffic Growth:
- Google Search Console & Google Analytics – Track visitors and optimize blog posts for rankings.
- Ubersuggest (Free Version) – Get keyword research insights without paying for Ahrefs or SEMrush.
Email Marketing:
- ConvertKit Free Plan – Collect up to 1,000 email subscribers for free.
- MailerLite – A beginner-friendly email tool with a free plan for up to 500 subscribers.
Since email marketing is one of the most effective ways to make money blogging, it’s crucial to start early. Thankfully, both ConvertKit and MailerLite offer solid free plans that allow you to build an email list without upfront costs.
5. Only Invest in Premium Tools When Your Blog Starts Making Money
One of the biggest mistakes new bloggers make is spending too much too soon. The reality is, you don’t need fancy tools right away—especially if your blog isn’t making money yet.
A good rule of thumb is to only invest in premium tools when you start earning from your blog. For example:
- If your site traffic grows, upgrade your hosting to faster servers.
- If you make affiliate sales, invest in a premium SEO tool like SEMrush or Ahrefs.
- If you want better conversions, upgrade to a premium email marketing tool.
Until then, stick to free resources and scale gradually.
6. Write Your Own Content (Avoid Paying for Writers at First)
Hiring freelance writers can be costly, with professional blog writers charging $50–$200 per article. While outsourcing content can save time, it’s not necessary when you’re just starting out.
Instead, write your own blog posts at first and learn the basics of SEO. As your blog grows and earns money, you can reinvest in hiring writers later.
If you struggle with grammar or readability, use free writing tools like:
✔️ Grammarly (Free Version) – Fixes grammar and clarity issues.
✔️ Hemingway Editor – Helps improve readability.
By writing your own content, you can save thousands of dollars while refining your blogging voice and expertise.
7. Monetize Early to Cover Your Costs
The faster you monetize your blog, the sooner you can cover expenses and reinvest in better tools. Here are some beginner-friendly monetization strategies:
💰 Affiliate Marketing: Promote relevant products and earn commissions for every sale.
💰 Display Ads: Join Google AdSense or Ezoic to earn money from ads on your blog.
💰 Digital Products: Sell e-books, printables, or online courses once you have an audience.
Even if you only make $50–$100 per month in the beginning, that’s enough to cover hosting, a premium theme, and some paid tools.
🔎 Summary: How to Start a WordPress Blog on a Budget
If you want to start a WordPress blog for the lowest possible cost, here’s the smartest approach:
1️⃣ Pick a budget-friendly hosting plan that includes a free domain (like Bluehost, SiteGround, or Hostinger).
2️⃣ Use a free theme like Astra, GeneratePress, or Kadence instead of purchasing a premium one.
3️⃣ Install free essential plugins for SEO (Rank Math), speed (WP Super Cache), and security (Wordfence).
4️⃣ Leverage free marketing tools like Google Analytics and ConvertKit’s free plan to track traffic and build an email list.
5️⃣ Write your own blog posts instead of outsourcing content creation to save money.
6️⃣ Monetize early with affiliate marketing, ads (Google AdSense, Ezoic), or digital products to cover costs.
7️⃣ Upgrade only when necessary—don’t invest in premium tools until your blog starts generating income.
By following this cost-effective strategy, you can start a professional blog for as little as $99 per year and scale gradually as your earnings grow.
🚀 Ready to launch your blog? Click here to get your hosting & domain today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How Much Does It Cost to Start a WordPress Blog?
Starting a self-hosted WordPress blog costs between $99–$200 per year for basic hosting and a domain. If you invest in premium tools, costs can range from $300–$1,000+.
2. Can I Start a WordPress Blog for Free?
Yes, but free blogs have major limitations, such as no custom domain (e.g., yourblog.wordpress.com), restricted monetization, and limited customization. A self-hosted WordPress.org blog gives full control and earning potential.
3. What Is the Cheapest Way to Start a WordPress Blog?
The most affordable way is to:
- Choose budget hosting with a free domain (e.g., Bluehost, Hostinger).
- Use a free theme like Astra or GeneratePress.
- Install free plugins for SEO, speed, and security.
- Monetize early with affiliate marketing or ads.
4. Do I Need a Premium Theme for My Blog?
No, you can start with a free theme (like Astra, Kadence, or GeneratePress). However, a premium theme ($50–$150) offers better design, speed, and features.
5. How Long Before My Blog Starts Making Money?
Most blogs take 3–6 months to earn their first income through affiliate marketing, ads, or selling digital products. Growth depends on content quality and SEO strategy.
6. What Are the Costs in Year Two and Beyond?
Hosting renewal prices increase (from $3/month to $8–$15/month), and you may want to upgrade tools like SEO software, email marketing, or premium hosting.
7. What Is the Best Hosting for a New WordPress Blog?
For beginners, budget-friendly hosting that includes a free domain and SSL is ideal. Popular choices include:
- Bluehost – Affordable starter plan at $2.95/month.
- SiteGround – Reliable, fast hosting at $3.99/month.
- Hostinger – Cheapest long-term option at $2.99/month.
8. Do I Need to Know How to Code to Start a Blog?
No! WordPress is user-friendly, and no coding skills are required. Themes and plugins allow easy customization, and page builders like Elementor or Gutenberg make designing a blog simple.
9. How Do I Monetize My Blog?
There are several ways to make money from your blog, depending on your niche and audience size. The most common methods include:
- Affiliate Marketing: Earn a commission by promoting products or services from companies like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Impact.
- Display Ads: Platforms like Google AdSense, Ezoic, and Mediavine allow you to earn money by displaying ads on your blog.
- Selling Digital Products: Create and sell e-books, online courses, templates, or printables. This is a great way to generate passive income.
- Sponsored Content: Brands may pay you to write a blog post about their products or services.
- Freelancing & Consulting: Use your blog to offer services such as writing, coaching, or web design.
Many bloggers use a combination of these strategies to maximize earnings over time.
10. How Many Blog Posts Do I Need to Start?
You can launch with as few as 5–10 posts, but it’s best to have at least 10–20 high-quality articles before focusing on traffic growth. Quality matters more than quantity!