Thinking about building your website with Squarespace, but wondering what it will actually cost? You’re not alone. Whether you’re starting a side hustle, launching a new business, or creating a portfolio, understanding the true expenses is essential before diving in.
This article breaks down exactly how much Squarespace websites cost—including plan options, extra fees, and tips to get the best value. Read on for the insights you need to budget smartly and launch confidently.
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How Much Do Squarespace Websites Cost?
When you’re planning to build a new website, one of the first questions you’ll want answered is, “How much will it cost?” With Squarespace, pricing is streamlined and predictable—but there are still important details and potential extra charges you should know about before you start. This guide breaks down exactly how much you can expect to pay for a Squarespace website, what is included in each plan, and what extra costs you might encounter along the way.
Squarespace Pricing Plans Explained
Squarespace offers a clear structure of tiered pricing plans designed to suit a range of website needs—from personal portfolios to online stores. Here’s a breakdown of their core plans:
1. Personal Plan
- Best For: Simple personal websites, portfolios, or blogs.
- Key Features:
- Free custom domain (with annual purchase)
- SSL security
- Mobile-optimized websites
- 24/7 customer support
Cost:
- Monthly Billing: Around $16 per month (prices may vary slightly by region or promotions)
- Annual Billing (billed upfront): Roughly $12 per month (saving about 25%)
2. Business Plan
- Best For: Small businesses that want advanced marketing tools and basic e-commerce.
- Key Features:
- Everything in Personal Plan
- Advanced website analytics
- Promotional pop-ups and banners
- Basic e-commerce capabilities (including selling unlimited products)
- Ability to accept donations
- $100 Google Ads credit
Cost:
- Monthly Billing: About $26 per month
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Annual Billing: About $18 per month
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Note: There is a 3% transaction fee on sales for e-commerce using this plan.
3. Commerce (Basic) Plan
- Best For: Small to medium online shops, no transaction fees.
- Key Features:
- Everything in the Business Plan
- 0% transaction fees
- More robust e-commerce tools (like customer accounts and advanced merchandising)
- POS integration (for in-person selling)
- E-commerce analytics
- Powerful inventory and order management
Cost:
- Monthly Billing: About $35 per month
- Annual Billing: About $27 per month
4. Commerce (Advanced) Plan
- Best For: Growing businesses with advanced e-commerce needs.
- Key Features:
- Everything in Basic Commerce
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Advanced shipping and discount options
- Subscription selling
- Advanced shipping for real-time carrier rates
Cost:
- Monthly Billing: About $54 per month
- Annual Billing: Around $49 per month
What’s Included (and What’s Not)
Understanding what each Squarespace plan includes is crucial. Every plan gives you access to their stunning templates, easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder, and built-in security features. However, a few extras might add to your costs:
What’s Included in All Plans
- Hosting
Your website is automatically hosted on Squarespace’s secure, fast servers. - Unlimited Bandwidth & Storage
You don’t have to worry about running out of space or traffic limits. - Award-Winning Templates
Choose from dozens of beautifully-designed, mobile-friendly templates. - SSL Security
Encryption for your website to keep visitor information safe.
Potential Additional Costs
Even though the core Squarespace fee is predictable, there are optional or situational extras to consider:
– Domain Name Renewal:
The first year of a custom domain is usually free if you pay annually, but renewals often cost $20+ per year depending on the name and extension.
– Email Hosting:
Squarespace partners with Google Workspace for professional email (e.g., [email protected]). After a trial period, expect around $6/month per user.
– Third-Party Integrations:
Some features, like advanced booking or specific marketing tools, may require paid add-ons.
– Custom Development or Design:
If you hire a professional designer or developer, this can cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the project.
– Premium Images/Fonts:
Stock imagery or specialized typefaces from outside Squarespace may carry license fees.
Comparing Squarespace to Other Website Builders
To get the most value, consider how Squarespace’s costs compare with other platforms:
- All-in-One Simplicity:
Squarespace covers hosting, design, security, and maintenance in their pricing—making your monthly fee comprehensive and predictable. - E-Commerce Savings:
Squarespace’s Commerce plans eliminate transaction fees, which can save high-volume sellers significant money over platforms that charge per sale. - No Hidden Hosting or Security Costs:
There are no surprise fees for traffic spikes or SSL certificates, which some other platforms charge for.
How to Choose the Right Squarespace Plan for You
Picking a plan depends on your site’s purpose and your goals. Here’s a simple approach:
1. Clarify Your Website Goals
- If you mainly need a portfolio, blog, or basic site – stick to the Personal Plan.
- If you want business tools or basic product sales – choose the Business Plan.
- For a growing store with more advanced needs – look at the Commerce Plans.
2. Consider Future Growth
- If you plan to scale your online store, factor in whether features like abandoned cart recovery or subscriptions will be necessary.
- Upgrading is easy, so start modestly if you’re unsure.
3. Calculate Annual vs. Monthly Billing
- Annual billing saves you money. If cash flow allows, pay yearly instead of month-to-month.
4. Think About Add-Ons in Advance
- If professional email or special integrations are important, include them in your initial budgeting.
Benefits of Using Squarespace
Squarespace is popular for a reason. Here are key benefits:
- Intuitive Design:
No coding experience needed. The visual editor makes building your site a breeze. - All-In-One Solution:
Hosting, templates, e-commerce, analytics—every core tool is included. - Reliable and Secure:
Automatic SSL, secure hosting, and solid uptime. - Excellent Support:
24/7 customer service via live chat and email. - Beautiful Templates:
Websites look modern and professional out-of-the-box.
Common Challenges or Drawbacks
While Squarespace is beginner-friendly and reliable, there are a few trade-offs:
- Limited Advanced Customization:
You can tweak templates and add custom code, but deeply custom websites may outgrow Squarespace’s flexibility. - Transaction Fees on Business Plan:
If you use Squarespace for e-commerce, expect a 3% transaction fee on the Business Plan, which disappears at the Commerce level. - Restrictive for Large Complex Sites:
Heavy-duty e-commerce operations or sites with highly custom workflows might require more than Squarespace can offer.
Practical Tips to Keep Squarespace Costs Manageable
Building a site doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are actionable ways to maximize your investment:
- Start With a Free Trial:
Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial — no payment info required. Use this time to build out your site and test features before committing. - Lock In Annual Pricing:
Pay yearly to take advantage of the discounted rate and free domain offer. - Utilize Free Resources:
Squarespace provides a large suite of tutorials, guides, and webinars to help you DIY much of your site. - Choose Templates That Need Minimal Tweaking:
The less you need to customize, the less likely you’ll need to hire outside help. - Plan Your Content Ahead:
Mapping out pages and writing content in advance will speed up building and reduce the temptation to pay for expedited help. - Monitor Third-Party Tools:
Only use paid plugins and integrations when absolutely necessary.
Budget Considerations: Shipping Costs for E-Commerce
If you’re planning to sell physical products via your Squarespace site, be aware of shipping-related costs:
- Carrier Integration Fees:
Advanced Commerce plans include real-time shipping rates; for simpler needs, you may set flat rates. - Package and Labor:
Packing materials and fulfillment costs fall outside Squarespace fees. - Shipping Upgrades:
Features such as label printing or outsourcing shipping may involve third-party services with their own fees. - International Shipping:
Factor in higher costs and possible taxes/duties for global orders.
Real-World Example: Calculating the Total Squarespace Website Cost
Let’s walk through a typical cost calculation for a small business:
- Business Plan (Annual): $18/month = $216/year
- Custom Domain Renewal (after first year): $20/year
- Google Workspace Email (1 user): $6/month x 12 = $72/year
- Stock Images (if needed): $30 one-time
First Year Total: $216 (plan) + $0 (domain included) + $72 (email) + $30 (images)
Total: $318
Following Year: $216 (plan) + $20 (domain) + $72 (email) = $308
This example gives you a solid benchmark for what to expect, though your own needs may shift costs up or down.
In Summary
Squarespace keeps website costs clear and predictable, with plans starting around $12 to $49 per month (when billed annually). Your total expense depends on the features you need—personal websites are much cheaper than e-commerce ventures, for instance. While there are some optional add-ons and potential costs, most users can build a beautiful, fully functioning website at a price far below custom web development. Stay mindful of annual domain renewals, email subscriptions, and any integrations you need, and you can keep your project on-budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it actually cost to launch a Squarespace website?
Most users pay between $144 and $588 annually for a Squarespace subscription, depending on the chosen plan. Additional costs for a custom domain, email hosting, and third-party tools may add $100–$200 per year. Launching a small, simple website can be done for less than $200 in the first year.
Can I use my own domain with Squarespace?
Yes! You can connect your existing domain to Squarespace or register a new one directly through them. Domain registration for the first year is often included with annual billing, but subsequent renewals start around $20 per year.
Are there any hidden fees with Squarespace?
Squarespace pricing is transparent. The main additional charges to watch for are domain renewals after the first free year, professional email costs, and transaction fees on the Business plan. Any paid third-party integrations would also be extra.
Is there a free plan available on Squarespace?
Squarespace does not offer a permanent free plan. There is, however, a 14-day free trial that lets you build and test your site before making payment.
What’s the difference between monthly and annual billing?
Annual billing locks in a lower monthly rate and often includes your domain registration free for the first year. Monthly billing is more flexible but typically costs about 20–30% more over the course of a year.
Building your website with Squarespace is straightforward, both in design and budgeting. Choose the right plan, watch for add-ons, and take advantage of their resources to build an engaging, professional website that fits your goals and your wallet.