Thinking about launching a website but unsure what it’ll really cost on Squarespace? You’re not alone—pricing is one of the first things on everyone’s mind when considering a new online project. Knowing the true costs upfront helps you plan better and avoid surprises down the road.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how much a Squarespace website costs, what’s included in each plan, and share smart tips to get the most value for your budget.
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How Much Is a Squarespace Website? A Complete Cost Breakdown for 2025
If you’re thinking about building a website, you’ve probably heard of Squarespace. Known for its stylish templates, user-friendly interface, and all-in-one platform, Squarespace is a top choice for creatives, small business owners, and entrepreneurs alike. However, one of the first questions you’ll need answered before launching your website is: how much will a Squarespace website actually cost?
In this guide, you’ll get a clear answer to this question and a thorough breakdown of costs, features, and tips for making the most of your investment.
Quick Answer: What Does a Squarespace Website Cost?
Generally, a Squarespace website will cost you between $16 and $49 per month (when billed annually). The amount you pay depends on the plan you choose and any add-ons or extras. For businesses or online stores, expect to pay towards the higher end of this range.
Keep in mind: paying month-to-month is usually a bit more expensive than paying yearly.
Understanding Squarespace’s Pricing Plans
To make things easier, Squarespace bundles its services into four main website plans:
1. Personal Plan
- Best for: Simple blogs, portfolios, or service sites
- Cost: Around $16/month (billed annually)
- Features include:
- Free custom domain (for the first year)
- SSL security
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage
- Mobile-optimized templates
- Up to 2 contributors
2. Business Plan
- Best for: Small businesses, growing brands, or those needing some commerce features
- Cost: About $23/month (billed annually)
- Features include:
- All Personal features plus:
- Unlimited contributors
- Advanced website analytics
- Promotional pop-ups and banners
- Basic e-commerce features (up to 3% transaction fee if you sell online)
- Professional email from Google (for one year)
3. Commerce (Basic) Plan
- Best for: Online stores just getting started
- Cost: Roughly $27/month (billed annually)
- Features include:
- No transaction fees on sales
- Point-of-sale support (US only via Square)
- Customer accounts
- E-commerce analytics
4. Commerce (Advanced) Plan
- Best for: Serious online businesses
- Cost: About $49/month (billed annually)
- Features include:
- All Basic Commerce features plus:
- Advanced shipping and discount options
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Subscriptions for customers
- Advanced e-commerce analytics
Note: Monthly billing is available for all plans but comes at a higher price point (about 20-30% more per month).
Breaking Down the Key Costs of a Squarespace Website
Building a successful website can involve a few different types of costs. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Core Squarespace Subscription
This is the base fee you pay for hosting, design tools, and all of Squarespace’s core features.
– Ranges from $16 to $49 per month (annual billing) depending on your plan.
– Pay monthly if you want more flexibility, but you’ll pay more overall.
2. Custom Domain Name
- Included for free for your first year on annual plans.
- After the first year, expect to pay approximately $20 to $25 per year to renew your domain through Squarespace.
- You can also bring your own domain from another provider (fees vary).
3. Third-Party Apps & Integrations
- Most basic functions are included, but some specialized integrations (ex: scheduling, booking, advanced analytics) may cost extra.
- Pricing depends on the third-party service.
4. E-commerce Transaction Fees
- Squarespace Commerce plans come with 0% transaction fees from Squarespace. (You’ll still pay Stripe or PayPal processing fees, usually about 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction.)
- The Business plan charges a 3% transaction fee on all sales made through your website.
5. Email & Marketing Tools
- A professional email address (powered by Google Workspace) is included for free for one year on Business and Commerce plans.
- After that, a professional email will cost around $6/month.
- Built-in email marketing tools are available as paid add-ons.
6. Design and Development Costs (Optional)
- DIY is always an option with Squarespace’s drag-and-drop interface.
- Custom design or hiring a web developer/designer? Freelance fees can range from $300 to $5,000+ depending on complexity.
- Even with a professional’s help, many choose Squarespace to save on ongoing maintenance and hosting costs.
Factors That Affect the Total Cost of Your Squarespace Website
A few things can increase or decrease your total out-of-pocket cost:
- Type of website: Complex e-commerce and membership sites generally cost more than simple portfolios.
- Design customization: The more you tailor your site (custom code, special layout), the more you may pay professional designers.
- Number of websites: Each separate site needs its own Squarespace subscription.
- Add-ons: Want email campaigns or premium scheduling? These come with their own pricing tiers.
- Professional help: Hiring a copywriter, SEO expert, or branding specialist adds to your bill, but can increase the value of your site.
Benefits of Using Squarespace
When weighing up the cost, consider what you get for your money:
- All-in-one platform: Every plan includes hosting, security updates, SEO tools, and design templates.
- Stunning designs: Choose from dozens of sleek, mobile-friendly templates.
- User-friendly editor: No coding required—just drag and drop.
- E-commerce ready: Start selling products, services, or memberships with minimal fuss.
- Reliable support: Access to 24/7 customer care.
These built-in benefits often save you time, effort, and money compared to piecing together separate providers for hosting, design, and security.
Potential Challenges & Limitations
Even with these advantages, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Limited advanced customization: While most users are satisfied, heavy custom coding can be tricky.
- No free plan: Squarespace doesn’t offer a permanent free website option—though all plans come with a free trial.
- Transaction & payment processing fees: You’ll still pay standard payment processor fees even on Commerce plans.
Practical Tips to Save Money on Squarespace
- Choose your plan wisely: Don’t pay for features you won’t use. Start with the Personal or Business plan and upgrade as your needs change.
- Pay annually: Annual plans are significantly cheaper than month-to-month.
- Use the free trial: Build your site before paying to see if Squarespace is right for you.
- Take advantage of included features: Lean on the built-in tools instead of paying for third-party add-ons when possible.
- DIY where possible: With Squarespace’s intuitive tools, you can manage most design tasks yourself and only hire help for specific needs.
Special Considerations: E-Commerce and Hidden Fees
If you plan to sell products or services, keep these cost tips in mind:
- Start on the Business plan if you’re only selling occasionally, but upgrade to Commerce plans if online sales are a major focus.
- Watch transaction fees: On the Business plan, Squarespace takes a small cut. Commerce plans eliminate this, but payment processors still charge their own fees.
- Shipping & fulfillment: If you ship physical goods, consider the cost of setting up and managing shipping. Squarespace offers built-in tools, but third-party fulfillment may cost extra.
Best Practices for Building Your Squarespace Site
- Plan your content first: Organize what you want to say and show, so launching your website goes smoothly.
- Use built-in SEO tools: They’re user-friendly and can help your site show up in searches.
- Customize your templates: Stand out with your brand colors, fonts, and images.
- Preview before publishing: Squarespace allows you to see your site live before it goes public.
- Keep learning: Check out Squarespace’s tutorials to get the most out of your website.
Summary: Is Squarespace Worth the Cost?
A Squarespace website is affordable for most individuals and small businesses, especially given its comprehensive features, reliable security, and professional look. While not the cheapest option available, the all-in-one convenience means fewer headaches and more time for you to focus on your content or growing your business.
Expect the average cost to fall between $16–$49/month (if billed annually), plus any special add-ons or services you need. For that price, you get a beautiful, effective site without having to be a tech expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a basic Squarespace website really cost per year?
A Personal plan paid annually is about $192 per year ($16/month x 12). This includes hosting, templates, security, and your custom domain name for the first year.
Can I build and launch a Squarespace website for free?
Squarespace offers a free 14-day trial, but there is no ongoing free plan. After the trial, you must subscribe to a paid plan to make your website live.
Are there hidden costs with Squarespace?
Most core website functions are included in your plan, but domain renewal (after the first year), premium email, third-party integrations, and payment processor fees are extra expenses to consider.
Is it cheaper to use Squarespace or hire a web developer?
Squarespace is designed for easy DIY site building, which can be much cheaper than hiring a professional. However, if you want a custom design, hiring a developer may be worth the extra investment.
What happens if I want to move my website away from Squarespace?
You can export some of your content (like blog posts and images), but some features are unique to Squarespace and may not transfer. It’s a good idea to review export options before you build.
By now, you should have a clear picture of what you’ll invest to get your site started with Squarespace—and how to make every dollar count. Whether you’re launching a portfolio, small business, or full online store, you can find a Squarespace plan that fits your needs and budget, all without the stress of juggling multiple services.