I still remember the first store owner who asked me about moving from Shopify to WordPress back in 2018.
They were paying almost $300 every month for their Shopify store with all the apps they needed, and these ongoing costs were hurting their profits.
After I showed them how much they could save by switching to WordPress, they made the move and saved over $2,000 in just the first year.
Having helped dozens of online store owners make this switch over the past seven years, I’ve learned exactly what it costs, both the obvious expenses and the hidden ones.
Let me share what I’ve learned from real experience.
The Real-World Shopify to WordPress Cost Breakdown.
Most articles about Shopify to WordPress cost only talk about the basic fees. But as someone who’s helped businesses of all sizes make this move, I know there’s more to consider.
Last month, I helped a client with a 500-product store switch from Shopify to WordPress. Their Shopify bill had grown to nearly $250 monthly between their plan and necessary apps.
After moving to WordPress, they now pay about $95 monthly, a big difference that saves them over $1,800 each year.
Why Store Owners Think About Leaving Shopify
Before I break down the exact Shopify to WordPress cost comparison, here’s why business owners consider this move:
“I’m tired of feeling like I’m renting my own business,” one store owner told me last year. Many shop owners want to truly own their store, have more control, and better predict their costs.
Others simply look at their expenses. As Shopify stores grow, costs often increase, while WordPress can offer more stable expenses over time.
Current Shopify Expenses: What You’re Actually Paying
To make a smart decision about the Shopify to WordPress cost, you need to understand what you’re currently spending. Here’s what I typically see when reviewing clients’ Shopify expenses in 2025:
Monthly Subscription Plans:
- Basic Shopify: $29/month ($348/year)
- Shopify: $79/month ($948/year)
- Advanced Shopify: $299/month ($3,588/year)
Just last week, I reviewed a client’s Shopify bill and found they were paying for 12 different apps, adding $187 monthly. Many store owners don’t realize how quickly these extra costs add up.
Other Expenses That Increase Your Bill:
- Transaction fees: 0.5% to 2% per sale (unless using Shopify Payments)
- App costs: $10-$250+ monthly
- Theme customizations: $200-$2,000 for professional work
- Domain name: ~$14/year
One client who sells handmade jewelry figured out that Shopify’s transaction fees alone cost her over $900 last year, money she could have kept with WordPress.
WordPress + WooCommerce: The Real Costs
Now let’s look at what you’ll actually pay after moving to WordPress. Having set up dozens of WordPress stores, I can tell you that costs typically fall into these groups:
Basic WordPress Expenses:
- Domain name: $10-$15/year
- Hosting: $20-$300/month, depending on how much traffic you get
- SSL certificate: Usually included with hosting now
- WooCommerce plugin: $0 (free)
Choosing the right hosting is very important. I’ve seen businesses try to save money with $5/month hosting, only to switch later when their site becomes slow during busy times.
For most store owners with established shops, I recommend starting with managed WordPress hosting in the $30-50/month range.
Additional WooCommerce Expenses:
- Theme: $59-$200 (one-time purchase)
- Essential plugins: $150-$500/year
- Payment processor fees: Similar to Shopify, but with more options
I recently helped a client reduce their WordPress plugin costs, cutting their yearly expenses by $370 by finding cheaper alternatives to premium plugins they were only using for a few features.
The Moving Process: Where Shopify to WordPress Cost Often Surprises People
In my experience, the actual process of moving your store is the most overlooked part of the Shopify to WordPress cost.
DIY Moving Option
If you’re comfortable with technology, you might consider these do-it-yourself options:
- Shop2Woo Plugin: At $19.99 for a trial, this is what I recommend to my more tech-savvy clients. It works well for moving products, especially ones with variations and different options.
- Time Needed: Even with good tools, expect to spend 15-30 hours on a complete move. A client who runs a mountain bike accessories store spent three weekends getting everything just right.
Professional Moving Services
For most of my clients, I recommend getting professional help for at least some parts of the move:
- Basic moving service: $400-$800
- Complex store moving: $1,000-$3,000
- Custom development: $60-$150/hour for special needs
These prices come directly from quotes I’ve gathered for clients over the past year. The Shopify to WordPress cost for professional help varies widely based on how complex your store is and how much data you have.
Hidden Costs That Often Surprise Store Owners
Having guided many store moves, I’ve noticed several Shopify to WordPress cost factors that often catch store owners off guard:
- SEO Rebuilding: One client lost nearly 30% of their website visitors after moving because of problems with website addresses and missing redirects. We had to spend an additional $800 fixing these SEO issues.
- Payment Method Changes: A fashion store owner was surprised to find out their preferred payment processor charged different rates on WordPress than on Shopify.
- Learning Curve: Many clients underestimate how much time it takes to learn the WordPress dashboard after being used to Shopify’s interface.
- Security Needs: Unlike Shopify’s built-in security, WordPress requires ongoing attention to updates and security plugins, adding both time and some cost.
Real Example: Shopify to WordPress Cost Breakdown
Let me share the actual numbers from a medium-sized kitchenware store I helped move last quarter:
Previous Shopify Expenses:
- Shopify Plan: $79/month
- Apps: $143/month (7 essential apps)
- Transaction Fees: ~$120/month
- Total Yearly Shopify Cost: $4,104
New WordPress Setup:
- Premium Hosting: $50/month
- Essential Plugins: $317/year
- Security Service: $99/year
- Maintenance: $240/year
- Total Yearly WordPress Cost: $1,856
Moving Expenses:
- Professional Moving Service: $750 (one-time)
- Post-Move SEO Work: $350 (one-time)
- Total Moving Cost: $1,100
Their Shopify to WordPress cost savings in the first year: $1,148 (after accounting for moving expenses). Second-year savings: $2,248
Long-Term Shopify to WordPress Cost Analysis: My 3-Year Forecast
Based on dozens of store moves I’ve overseen, here’s the typical long-term financial impact for a growing store:
| Year | Shopify Costs | WordPress Costs | Yearly Savings | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $4,100 | $2,950 (includes moving) | $1,150 | $1,150 |
| Year 2 | $4,500 | $1,900 | $2,600 | $3,750 |
| Year 3 | $4,900 | $2,100 | $2,800 | $6,550 |
Notice how the Shopify costs tend to increase as your business grows due to more sales and needing more apps, while WordPress costs stay more stable after the initial setup.
Beyond the Shopify to WordPress Cost: Other Important Things to Consider
While the Shopify to WordPress cost comparison often favours WordPress for established stores, money isn’t everything. Consider these factors, I discuss with every client:
- Tech comfort level: Do you have the time or help to manage a self-hosted website?
- Growth plans: Faster-growing stores typically save more with WordPress over time.
- Custom needs: If you need very specific features, WordPress almost always costs less in the long run.
My Proven Tips to Lower Your Shopify to WordPress Cost
After helping many stores move, here are my tested strategies to keep costs manageable:
- Check what you’re using first: I start every client project by finding out which Shopify apps and features they actually use versus what they’re paying for.
- Move in stages: One client saved $600 by moving products first, then orders and customers later.
- Choose the right timing: Planning to move during your slowest business period minimizes potential lost sales.
- Plan properly: The most expensive moves I’ve seen were rushed ones that required extensive cleanup afterward.
Is the Shopify to WordPress Cost Worth It for YOUR Business?
Having guided businesses through this decision for years, here’s my honest take:
The switch makes financial sense if:
- Your yearly Shopify expenses exceed $1,500
- You’re paying for multiple apps that have free or one-time purchase alternatives on WordPress
- You need lots of customization
- You plan to run your store for at least 2+ more years
Consider staying with Shopify if:
- Your store is relatively small, with minimal app needs
- You value simplicity over cost savings
- You don’t have tech help to manage a WordPress site
- You plan to sell your business soon (Shopify stores often sell more easily)
Conclusion: Making a Smart Shopify to WordPress Cost Decision
After helping dozens of businesses analyse the Shopify to WordPress cost, I can confidently say that most established stores save money in the long run after moving. However, this isn’t true for everyone.
I recently advised a client against switching because their particular app needs would have been more expensive to recreate on WordPress. Every business situation is different.
If you’re thinking about this move, I recommend making a simple list of your current Shopify expenses and researching WordPress alternatives for each feature. This approach has helped my clients make data-driven decisions about whether the Shopify to WordPress cost difference justifies making the switch.
The most successful moves I’ve overseen weren’t motivated purely by cost—they were strategic decisions by business owners who understood both platforms and made informed choices aligned with their long-term goals.
Have specific questions about your store’s potential Shopify to WordPress cost savings? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll share insights based on my experience with similar businesses.
