If you’ve been thinking about launching an online business, you’ve probably come across Shopify. It’s one of the most popular and accessible eCommerce platforms in the world — and for good reason. With its user-friendly interface, robust features, and extensive app ecosystem, starting a Shopify store feels more doable than ever. But before you jump in, there’s one question nearly every beginner asks: How much does it cost to have a Shopify store?
The truth is, the cost of running a Shopify store can vary widely depending on your goals, preferences, and the level of functionality you want. While Shopify’s monthly fees are easy to find, there are other expenses you’ll want to factor into your budget — like themes, domains, apps, and transaction fees.
This guide is designed to walk you through all of it. Whether you're bootstrapping a side hustle or planning a full-scale eCommerce brand, we’ll help you understand what to expect so you can make smart, confident decisions from day one.
★ Shopify offers pricing plans starting at $39 per month for beginners.
★ Additional costs include your domain, theme, and any apps you choose to install.
★ Transaction fees vary depending on your payment method and sales volume.
★ Most beginners spend between $100–$300 per month in total.
★ Costs can scale with your business, but you can start lean and grow smart.
One of the first steps in setting up your Shopify store is choosing the right subscription plan. Shopify offers several plans tailored to different stages of business, but the most popular starting point for beginners is the Basic Shopify plan, which costs $39 per month.
This plan gives you access to all the fundamental features you’ll need to build and run your store — like product listings, discount codes, order management, and basic reporting. It also allows you to use Shopify’s secure checkout, integrate shipping solutions, and connect with various payment processors.
There are other plans available too, including a more advanced option with enhanced reporting and shipping features, as well as an enterprise-level solution for high-volume brands. But for most new store owners, the Basic plan is more than enough.
You also have the option to pay annually to save a little money each month. Shopify occasionally offers promotional rates or extended trials, so it’s worth checking for discounts before committing.
While the monthly subscription fee is the foundation of your Shopify store cost, there are several other expenses to keep in mind. These optional — but often necessary — additions can have a big impact on how your store looks, functions, and performs.
To make your store look credible and professional, you’ll need a custom domain name, such as www.yourstorename.com. Shopify makes it easy to purchase a domain directly through their platform, usually costing around $14 to $20 per year. You can also buy a domain through a third-party provider and connect it to your store manually.
Shopify provides a handful of free themes to choose from, and they’re surprisingly high quality. However, if you want a more premium, customized look with better design flexibility, you may consider buying a paid theme from the Shopify Theme Store or a third-party designer.
Paid themes generally range between $140 to $400 as a one-time purchase. They come with enhanced features, layout options, and built-in functionality that can improve your store’s visual appeal and user experience.
One of Shopify’s biggest strengths is its app ecosystem. Thousands of third-party apps allow you to expand your store’s functionality in countless ways — from email marketing and reviews to product bundling, upselling, and analytics.
While many apps offer free plans, the most powerful features often come with a monthly subscription. On average, a small Shopify store might spend anywhere from $30 to $100 per month on apps, depending on what tools are needed.
It’s easy to get carried away with add-ons, so be sure to only install apps that genuinely improve your store or your customers’ experience.
Every time you make a sale, Shopify takes a small cut through payment processing fees. If you use Shopify Payments (their built-in processor), the standard rate on the Basic plan is 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction.
If you choose to use a third-party payment gateway like PayPal or Stripe, Shopify adds an extra transaction fee — usually around 2% — unless you’re on one of the higher-tier plans.
These fees are unavoidable, but they’re also a normal part of running an online business. The more you sell, the more important it becomes to keep an eye on these costs and optimize your pricing accordingly.
Starting a Shopify store is one thing — scaling it is another. As your business grows, so do your operational needs. And naturally, your expenses will evolve along the way.
In the beginning, your costs might be limited to a basic plan, a domain, and one or two essential apps. But as your order volume increases, you’ll likely need to invest in more robust tools, upgraded plans, and potentially even third-party services to help manage fulfillment, inventory, customer support, and marketing automation.
You may outgrow the Basic plan and upgrade to the Shopify or Advanced plan for better reporting, lower transaction fees, and more staff accounts. Your app usage might grow to include advanced email marketing platforms, live chat, affiliate program tools, or integrations with external systems like QuickBooks or CRM software.
As your team expands, you may also hire professionals — developers, designers, virtual assistants, or marketing experts — which will contribute to your ongoing costs.
This isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it's a sign that your business is progressing. Just be sure to review your budget regularly and optimize where you can. Look for ways to consolidate tools, remove unused subscriptions, and maximize the ROI of every dollar spent.
One of the best things about Shopify is that it doesn’t require a massive investment to get started. But if you’re looking to be especially cost-conscious, there are a few strategies that can help.
Begin with a free theme and a minimal number of apps. Focus on building a strong product catalog, driving traffic, and learning your customers' needs. As revenue increases, reinvest in higher-end tools and design upgrades.
It’s tempting to try every shiny new app that promises to boost conversions, but unnecessary apps can slow your site and drain your budget. Stick to essentials only — like email marketing, reviews, and analytics — until you know what works for your store.
Shopify’s interface is intuitive, and there are thousands of tutorials available online. Instead of hiring a developer right away, consider learning how to customize your theme, add apps, and tweak your store layout yourself. When you’re ready to scale or need advanced features, then bring in a professional.
1. Can I create a Shopify store for free?
You can sign up for a free trial to explore the platform and build your store, but you’ll need to select a paid plan before you can go live and accept orders.
2. Is the cheapest Shopify plan enough for beginners?
Yes. The Basic plan at $39/month is designed specifically for beginners and includes all the core features you’ll need to get started.
3. Do I need to hire a web developer to launch a Shopify store?
Not necessarily. Most beginners can build a fully functional Shopify store on their own using free themes and the platform’s drag-and-drop editor.
4. What are the most essential paid apps for a new store?
While this depends on your niche, popular choices include email marketing, product reviews, and sales popups. Many of these have free tiers that are good enough to start with.
5. How do I know if I'm spending too much on my Shopify store?
Track your expenses closely and compare them with your revenue. If you're not generating consistent sales yet, look for ways to reduce app usage and optimize your marketing instead of adding more tools.
Starting a Shopify store is one of the smartest moves you can make as a new entrepreneur in the eCommerce space. With its accessible pricing, scalable features, and beginner-friendly tools, Shopify makes it easy to launch — and grow — your online business.
While your initial monthly cost can be as low as $39, most beginners can expect to spend somewhere between $100 and $300 per month once you factor in domains, themes, apps, and transaction fees. But remember: your store doesn’t need to be perfect or expensive from day one. What matters most is launching, learning, and improving over time.
With a clear budget and realistic expectations, you’ll be well on your way to building a profitable and sustainable online store.
Ready to turn your vision into a thriving Shopify store? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your setup, the team at N&A Collectives is here to help. If you're unsure about which path to take or how to plan your budget effectively, our comprehensive guide on how to start a Shopify store will help clarify the key financial aspects and provide insights into the best options for your business. From choosing the right Shopify plan to factoring in design, apps, and marketing, this guide covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Let us help you save time, avoid costly mistakes, and launch with confidence.
Reach out to N&A Collectives today — and let’s build something great together.
Amber Dickerson is a true Shopify queen, renowned for her expertise in creating seamless, high-performing online stores. With her deep understanding of Shopify’s powerful tools and features, she has built a reputation for transforming e-commerce dreams into reality.
