Website hosting costs: complete price overview [2026]
What are the website hosting costs in 2026? Whether you are starting a personal blog or setting up a web shop, you want to know what hosting will cost you. In this complete price overview we list all the costs: from shared hosting for a few euros per month to powerful dedicated server servers. We discuss not only the base price, but also the hidden costs to watch out for. That way you make a well-considered choice that fits your budget and needs.
The web hosting market in the Netherlands offers a wide range of options. Prices range from less than two euros per month for the most basic plans to hundreds of euros for enterprise solutions. In this article we compare all types of hosting, the associated costs, and what you get for your money.
Website hosting costs per type of hosting
Website hosting costs depend strongly on the type of hosting you choose. Each type has its own price range, possibilities and limitations. Below you find an overview of the four most common hosting types and what you can expect in terms of costs.
| Type of hosting | Monthly costs | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Shared hosting | €2 - €15/mo | Small websites, blogs, starters |
| VPS hosting | €15 - €80/mo | Growing websites, web shops, developers |
| Dedicated server | €80 - €300/mo | Large websites, high traffic, enterprise |
| Managed WordPress hosting | €15 - €50/mo | WordPress sites that need to perform optimally |
Let's look at each type in detail, so you know exactly where you stand.
Shared hosting: the most affordable option (€2 - €15/mo)
Shared hosting is by far the cheapest web hosting option available. With shared hosting you share a server with dozens or sometimes hundreds of other websites. This makes it possible to keep costs low, but it also means you share resources with others. Most Dutch hosts offer shared hosting plans from two to five euros per month for entry plans. Premium shared hosting with more storage, higher speed and more extensive features typically costs eight to fifteen euros per month.
What do you typically get for this amount? With an entry plan you can count on 5 to 25 GB SSD storage, a limited number of email accounts, one or a few domains, and a free SSL certificate. More expensive shared hosting plans often offer unlimited email, more domains, daily backups and better performance. For most starting websites, shared hosting is a fine starting point that you can always upgrade later.
VPS hosting: the middle class (€15 - €80/mo)
A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is the logical step up when shared hosting no longer suffices. With a VPS you have guaranteed resources: a fixed amount of RAM, CPU cores and storage that are available only to you. Website hosting costs for a VPS start at around fifteen euros per month for a basic VPS with 2 GB RAM and rise to eighty euros or more for more powerful configurations with more memory, processing power and storage space.
A managed VPS, where the hosting provider takes care of the complete server management for you, costs on average ten to thirty euros more than an unmanaged VPS. This is absolutely worth it if you have no technical knowledge or do not want to spend time on server maintenance, security updates and configuration. At Theory7 we offer managed VPS solutions that combine carefree server management with excellent performance.
Dedicated server: maximum power (€80 - €300/mo)
A dedicated server is a complete physical server used exclusively for your website or websites. This is the most expensive option, but it also offers the most power, control and security. The costs vary greatly depending on the specifications: an entry model starts around eighty euros per month, while high-end configurations with a lot of RAM, fast NVMe storage and multiple CPUs quickly cost two hundred to three hundred euros per month.
Dedicated servers are especially interesting for websites with very high visitor traffic, complex applications that require a lot of computing power, or organizations with strict security and compliance requirements. Managing a dedicated server does require technical expertise, unless you choose a managed variant.
Managed WordPress hosting (€15 - €50/mo)
Specially optimized WordPress hosting is a category of its own. These plans are specifically set up for WordPress websites, with optimized server configurations, automatic WordPress updates, built-in caching and extra protection against WordPress-specific vulnerabilities. Website hosting costs for managed WordPress typically lie between fifteen and fifty euros per month, depending on the number of visitors, the amount of storage and the service level.
The big advantage of managed WordPress hosting is that you do not have to tinker with caching plugins, security settings or updates yourself. The host arranges all of this for you, so you can focus on your content and your business. This makes it a popular choice for entrepreneurs and bloggers who want a fast, secure WordPress site without technical hassle.
Extra costs to take into account
The monthly hosting price is only part of the total website hosting costs. There are various additional costs that affect your budget. Some of these are one-time, others come back every year. It is crucial to include these in your calculation so you do not face unpleasant surprises.
Domain name registration
A domain name is the address of your website (for example yourcompany.nl). The cost of a .nl domain is on average between five and fifteen euros per year. Popular extensions such as .com typically cost ten to twenty euros per year. Some hosting providers offer a free domain name for the first year with a hosting plan, but note: after the first year you pay the regular rate. More exotic extensions such as .io or .tech can be considerably more expensive, sometimes thirty to fifty euros per year.
SSL certificate
An SSL certificate is essential for the security of your website and is now a ranking factor for Google. Fortunately, most Dutch hosts, including Theory7, offer free Let's Encrypt SSL certificates with every hosting plan. Premium SSL certificates with extended validation can cost fifty to three hundred euros per year, but these are only needed for specific business applications such as web shops that want to project extra trust.
Backup services
Some hosting plans include daily backups, but with cheaper plans this is by no means always the case. External or extensive backup services typically cost one to ten euros per month, depending on the storage capacity and the retention policy. We always recommend having at least daily backups. It is a small investment that can save you an enormous amount of trouble if something goes wrong with your website.
Email addresses
Professional email addresses (such as info@yourcompany.nl) are included with many hosting plans. But if you need many email accounts or extra storage space for your mailbox, there can be additional costs. Business email solutions through Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 cost five to twelve euros per user per month, but then offer advanced features such as shared calendars and collaboration tools.
Hidden costs at budget hosts
One of the biggest pitfalls when comparing website hosting costs are the hidden costs at budget hosts. Those tempting offers of less than two euros per month look attractive, but there is often a catch. Read our extensive web hosting comparison to map out all the pitfalls.
Entry price vs. renewal price
Many hosting companies advertise a sharp introductory price that only applies for the first contract year or even only with a multi-year contract. At renewal, the price can double or even triple. A plan of three euros per month can suddenly cost ten euros per month after the first year. Therefore, always check the renewal prices before you enter into a contract. At Theory7 we use fair prices: the price you see when you sign up is the same price you pay at renewal.
Unlimited claims that are not unlimited
Many budget hosts advertise unlimited storage or bandwidth. In practice there is always a Fair Use Policy in the small print. If your website uses too many resources, you are still limited, slowed down or have to upgrade to a more expensive plan. Truly unlimited hosting simply does not exist. There is always a physical limit to a server. So be critical when you come across these kinds of claims.
Mandatory upsells at checkout
At checkout, many budget hosts offer additional services that are ticked by default: premium DNS protection, site security packages, SEO tools, professional email and more. Before you know it, your invoice is two to three times higher than expected. Always look critically at what you really need and untick unnecessary extra services before you check out.
Migration costs and lock-in
Do you want to switch to another hosting provider later? Some providers charge for exporting your data or make it technically difficult to move by using proprietary systems. Preferably choose a host that offers free migration and does not use lock-in. At Theory7 we are happy to help you migrate your website free of charge.
Paying annually vs. monthly for hosting
The way you pay has a considerable influence on your total website hosting costs. Most hosting providers offer a discount when you pay annually or even for several years in advance instead of monthly. Here is an overview of what you can expect.
| Payment period | Typical discount | Example (shared hosting) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | No discount | €9.99/mo = €119.88/year |
| Annually | 15-30% discount | €6.99/mo = €83.88/year |
| 2 years | 25-40% discount | €5.99/mo = €143.76/2 years |
| 3 years | 30-50% discount | €4.99/mo = €179.64/3 years |
Paying annually is for most users the best balance between discount and flexibility. Multi-year contracts offer the lowest monthly price, but you are tied to a provider for longer. Paying monthly is more expensive per month but gives maximum flexibility. That is ideal if you are not yet sure whether a host suits you or if you are just starting out and still experimenting.
Cheap vs. expensive: what makes the difference in website hosting costs?
Is expensive hosting always better than cheap hosting? Not necessarily, but there are clear and important differences. The concepts you encounter when exploring hosting options take concrete shape when you look at what you can expect per price class.
Budget hosting (€2 - €5/mo)
Fine for a simple website or blog with little traffic. Expect shared resources, basic support via email and limited features. Not suitable for web shops or business websites that must always be reachable and load fast. The support is often slow and you have little control over the server configuration.
Mid-range hosting (€5 - €20/mo)
The sweet spot for most websites. Better performance, more storage, faster support and extra features such as automatic backups and staging environments. Suitable for business websites, active blogs and smaller web shops. Here you usually also get better uptime guarantees and faster servers with SSD storage.
Premium hosting (€20+/mo)
Guaranteed resources, excellent performance, advanced security features and premium support with short response times. Necessary for busy websites, large web shops and business-critical applications. The investment pays off in reliability, speed and peace of mind.
Theory7 hosting: fair website hosting costs with no surprises
At Theory7 we believe in transparent and fair prices. What you see is what you pay. No hidden costs, no steep price increases after the first year, and no misleading unlimited claims. All our hosting plans include a free SSL certificate, daily backups, and professional Dutch support as standard.
Whether you choose our shared hosting, a managed VPS, or WordPress hosting, you always get:
- Transparent prices with no hidden costs or renewal increases
- Free SSL certificates (Let's Encrypt) with every plan
- Daily backups included as standard
- Dutch support from real hosting experts
- Free migration help when switching from another provider
- Fast SSD/NVMe storage for optimal website speed
How much does a website cost in total per year?
To give a complete picture of the total website hosting costs, we work through a number of common scenarios. This gives you a realistic picture of what you can expect when you add up all the costs.
| Cost item | Personal blog | Business website | Web shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosting | €60/year | €120/year | €360/year |
| Domain name (.nl) | €10/year | €10/year | €10/year |
| SSL certificate | Free | Free | Free |
| Included | Included | €60/year (extra) | |
| Backups | Included | Included | Included |
| Total per year | €70 | €130 | €430 |
As you can see, a website does not have to be expensive at all. You can host a personal blog or simple website for less than six euros per month including all the basics. A professional business website costs around ten euros per month, and even a web shop stays affordable with the right hosting choice.
Tips to save on website hosting costs
Do you want to keep your website hosting costs as low as possible without giving up on quality? Here are our best saving tips that you can apply right away:
- Choose annual payment: Save 15 to 30 percent right away compared to paying monthly.
- Start small and scale up later: Begin with a basic plan and only upgrade when your website actually grows.
- Use free SSL: Let's Encrypt is free, reliable and sufficient for the vast majority of websites.
- Compare renewal prices: Look not only at the attractive introductory price but also at what you pay after the first year.
- Bundle services: Purchasing a domain and hosting from the same provider is often cheaper and easier to manage.
- Avoid unnecessary extras: Only buy the additional services you actually need.
Frequently asked questions about website hosting costs
What does website hosting cost on average per month?
On average you pay five to ten euros per month for shared hosting. VPS hosting costs fifteen to fifty euros per month and dedicated hosting eighty to three hundred euros per month. The exact price depends on the specifications, the service level and your hosting provider.
Is cheap hosting reliable?
Cheap hosting can be reliable, but watch out for the pitfalls: overloaded servers, slow support and hidden costs at renewal. Rather choose a slightly more expensive plan from a reliable host than the very cheapest offer on the market.
What extra costs are involved in hosting?
Besides the hosting price you pay for a domain name, possibly premium SSL, extra email storage and backup services. With a good hosting provider such as Theory7, SSL certificates and daily backups are included as standard.
Is paying annually cheaper than monthly?
Yes, paying annually typically earns you a 15 to 30 percent discount compared to paying monthly. With multi-year contracts the discount can even rise to 50 percent.
How much does a website cost in total per year?
A simple website costs a total of around seventy euros per year including hosting and domain. A professional business website around one hundred and thirty euros per year, and a web shop with extra needs around four hundred and thirty euros per year.
Can I upgrade to a more expensive plan later?
Yes, with most hosting providers you can easily upgrade. At Theory7 you can grow from shared hosting to VPS or dedicated hosting without downtime when your website grows.
Website hosting costs: saving tips without giving up on quality
You can save on website hosting costs without endangering the performance or reliability of your website. Here are proven strategies.
Contracting smartly
Most hosting providers offer a discount for longer contract periods. A three-year contract is often 40 to 60 percent cheaper than paying monthly. Do note: only choose a longer contract if you have confidence in the provider. Read reviews and, if possible, test for a month before you commit. Some providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which reduces the risk.
Cutting unnecessary features
Do not pay for features you do not use. A dedicated IP address is only needed for specific SSL configurations. Unlimited email accounts sounds nice but most companies use fewer than ten. Premium support is unnecessary if you are technically skilled. Evaluate your hosting plan annually and downgrade if you use fewer resources than you pay for. That way you keep your hosting costs manageable while your website keeps performing optimally.
Website hosting costs: summary
When calculating your total website hosting costs you have to take into account all components: hosting, domain name, SSL, backups and email. Start with an honest inventory of your needs and choose a plan that fits them without paying for unnecessary features.
View our web hosting range at Theory7 for reliable and fast hosting.
