Wix advertises free website building, but the true cost of a professional Wix site involves multiple pricing tiers, add-ons, and potential hidden fees. This comprehensive guide breaks down every expense you'll encounter when building a Wix website, from basic plans to premium features, helping you budget accurately for your online presence.
Understanding Wix Pricing Structure
Wix offers a complex pricing model with multiple components:
- Website Plans: From free to business premium
- Domain Names: Annual registration fees
- Premium Apps: Essential add-ons for functionality
- eCommerce Fees: Transaction costs for online stores
- Hidden Costs: Potential expenses many users overlook
Basic Website
$16-$27/month for core features
eCommerce
$27-$59/month for online stores
Domain Names
$14.95-$24.95/year standard pricing
Premium Apps
$5-$50/month for essential features
Wix Website Plans Breakdown
1. Free Plan (With Limitations)
The free Wix plan comes with significant restrictions:
- Wix-branded domain (yoursite.wixsite.com)
- Wix ads displayed on your site
- 500MB storage and bandwidth
- Basic website analytics
- No eCommerce functionality
Free Plan Reality
While technically free, the Wix free plan isn't suitable for professional websites due to branding limitations and lack of custom domains.
2. Core Website Plans
Wix offers three primary website plans (prices shown for annual billing):
- Light ($16/month): Connect custom domain, remove Wix ads, 2GB storage
- Core ($27/month): 50GB storage, basic site analytics, light marketing tools
- Business ($32/month): Accept payments, professional logo, events calendar
3. eCommerce Plans
For online stores, Wix offers three specialized plans:
- Business Basic ($27/month): Accept online payments, 50GB storage
- Business Unlimited ($32/month): Subscriptions, multiple currencies
- Business VIP ($59/month): Priority support, unlimited products
"The average Wix eCommerce store owner spends $45-$75/month when factoring in premium apps and transaction fees."
4. Enterprise Solutions
For large businesses, Wix offers custom enterprise plans:
- Custom pricing based on needs
- Advanced security features
- Dedicated account manager
- Custom integrations
- Scalable infrastructure
Domain Name Costs
Every professional website needs a custom domain:
- .com domains: $14.95/year (first year often discounted)
- Premium domains: $24.95+/year for specialized extensions
- Domain privacy: $9.90/year (recommended for security)
- Email forwarding: Free with domain purchase
Domain Tip
Purchasing your domain through Wix simplifies management but may cost slightly more than third-party registrars.
Premium App Costs
Essential Wix apps add significant functionality but increase costs:
- Wix Stores: Free with eCommerce plans
- Wix Bookings: $17/month for appointment scheduling
- Wix Forms: $9.90/month for advanced forms
- Wix SEO Wiz: Free basic version, $10/month for pro
- Wix Pro Gallery: $8.25/month for high-res images
Hidden Costs to Consider
Many Wix users encounter unexpected expenses:
- Transaction fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per sale (unless on Business VIP plan)
- Premium templates: $50-$200 for designer templates
- Professional email: $6/user/month for Gmail integration
- Storage upgrades: $10/month per 10GB additional storage
- Third-party integrations: Many require paid subscriptions
Need Help Choosing the Right Wix Plan?
Our experts can analyze your needs and recommend the most cost-effective Wix solution
GET WIX CONSULTATIONAnnual vs Monthly Billing
Wix offers significant discounts for annual commitments:
- Monthly billing: 20-30% more expensive than annual
- Annual savings: Equivalent to 2-3 free months
- Domain included: Free custom domain with annual plans
- No refunds: Annual plans are non-refundable
Real-World Wix Website Cost Examples
Typical Wix website budgets:
- Basic brochure site: $250-$400/year (Core plan + domain)
- Professional business site: $500-$800/year (Business plan + apps)
- eCommerce store: $800-$1,500/year (VIP plan + transaction fees)
- Membership site: $1,000-$2,000/year (Premium apps + integrations)
Wix Pricing Compared to Alternatives
How Wix stacks up against competitors:
- Wix vs Squarespace: Wix offers more flexibility but higher potential costs
- Wix vs WordPress: WordPress has lower base costs but requires more technical skill
- Wix vs Shopify: Shopify better for large stores but more expensive
- Wix vs Weebly: Weebly slightly cheaper but less design flexibility
Cost vs Value
While Wix isn't the cheapest option, its ease of use and design flexibility provide excellent value for non-technical users.
Wix Cost Optimization Tips
How to get the most value from Wix:
- Start with annual billing for maximum savings
- Only purchase essential apps initially
- Use Wix's built-in features before adding premium apps
- Monitor your storage and bandwidth usage
- Take advantage of seasonal discounts (Black Friday, New Year)
Conclusion: Budgeting for Your Wix Website
While Wix offers a free entry point, professional websites typically cost between $300-$1,500 annually depending on features and scale. By understanding all potential costs upfront—from hosting plans to premium apps and transaction fees—you can make informed decisions about your website investment.
Remember that your Wix costs should align with your business goals. A simple portfolio site requires minimal investment, while a full-featured eCommerce store demands a more substantial budget. Regularly review your Wix expenses as your business grows to ensure you're on the most cost-effective plan.
Final Cost Estimate
For most small businesses, budgeting $500-$800 annually for a professional Wix website with essential features provides the best balance of functionality and cost-effectiveness.