How much does a domain name cost? Find out! 

If you’re looking to start an online venture, securing a domain name is ground zero. Whether or not you already have an established business, you can’t make a stand on the internet without a domain. But how much does a domain name cost?

This guide will answer that question. We’ll be discussing domain pricing ranges, hidden fees to watch out for, how premium domains are priced, and how you can save money when buying a domain. 

GoDaddy offers competitive domain pricing for both new and premium domains, so if you’re in the market for a domain name, check out our offerings!

How much does a domain name cost?

Generally speaking, domain names cost between $10 and $20 per year to register. However, prices can vary depending on factors like the domain extension and availability. Keep in mind that renewal fees may be higher than your initial registration cost, so it's important to check renewal prices before committing.

Standard domain name price ranges by TLD

Here’s a quick glance at typical domain pricing by extension (these prices exclude any sale, promotional, or discount pricing):

Prices accurate for GoDaddy.com domain registrations at the time of writing, May 20, 2026.

When it comes to domain names, .com domains tend to be top-of-mind for most looking to register a new name. It’s trusted, well-known, and established. If you’re thinking about a .com, we’ve got everything you need to know about .com domains here. Or, if you’re not quite sure yet, take a look at this comparison between .com versus .net versus .org to get a better idea of your options. 

Country-code domain (ccTLD) pricing

Domain name extensions also include country-specific options. These country-code domains (ccTLDs) are a great option for companies that operate primarily in a specific country, as they signal to viewers where you’re located (many ccTLDs have residency requirements to register).

For a full breakdown of all of the domain options available, check out our domain extensions guide.

The pricing range for these domains can vary widely, since the pricing is set by the country or registry managing the extension. Here are some of the most-registered ccTLDs and their annual pricing (these prices exclude any sale, promotional, or discount pricing):

Prices accurate for GoDaddy.com domain registrations at the time of writing, May 20, 2026.

GoDaddy offers a large range of ccTLD options, not just the ones listed here. If the country you’re curious about isn’t listed above, check out our ccTLD domain options here. 

New and trending TLD pricing

Newer domain extensions, such as .app, .io, .tech, and .ai, are on the higher end of the pricing scale, as they've only recently become available. These domain extensions are considered more premium domains, and their prices reflect that with a typical range of $30-100 per year. However, these domain extensions can signal industry relevance, especially for tech startups, so some businesses feel that they’re worth the price.

Pricing for other popular domain extensions

There are some other domain extensions that have become popular in recent years that we haven’t covered yet, but might be interesting, depending on your business type. 

Here’s a quick overview of other popular domain extensions, their pricing, and businesses that might see a benefit to branching out beyond a .com domain:

Prices accurate for GoDaddy.com domain registrations at the time of writing, May 20, 2026.

Premium domain names: Costs and how to get a good deal

Premium domain names — short, memorable domains that are in high demand — can cost significantly more than the extensions we’ve covered so far. They’re already registered and are up for sale on a domain aftermarket service. Depending on the current demand, the price for premium domain names can vary widely, ranging from a 3-figure number to a 7-figure number (registry premiums: $100–$5,000+ and aftermarket domains: $1,000–$1,000,000+).

The most expensive domain names will be the ones available on auction houses, through aftermarket services, or private sellers. 

Factors that usually cause premium domain names to be priced higher include:

• Length: Shorter domain names tend to be worth more and are therefore priced higher.
• Keyword demand: Domains that have established, in-demand SEO keywords also tend to be more expensive.
• TLD: Despite many other domain extensions being available, some TLDs retain more value in resale, such as .com domains.

While premium domain names are more expensive than new domains, it’s definitely possible to find valuable domains in the aftermarket. Do your research before committing to a domain name, and make sure that you fully understand premium domains first. 

Here are some quick tips before diving into premium domains:

• Consider looking for sales, promotional offers, or introductory pricing.
• Be aware of renewal fees, as initial prices may differ from renewal costs.
• Consider exploring less popular domain extensions.

The most important part to understand is that there are no definitive prices for domain names in these venues. The business of buying and selling domains means that prices vary widely. The only way to know is to visit sites like Afternic or GoDaddy Auctions to get a feel for the cost. You can learn more about the entire process of selling a domain in this guide.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to purchase a domain that someone else already owns, check out GoDaddy’s Domain Broker Service. Let the brokers handle the nitty-gritty of negotiating so you can own the domain your business deserves.  

Are free domain names worth it?

Domains can sometimes be included as a free add-on with another purchase. GoDaddy, for example, offers a free year of domain registration with a web hosting plan. There are other ways to get a free domain through GoDaddy, so it’s worth checking to see if any options appeal to your needs. 

The downside to free domain names is that you’re responsible for the renewal fees going forward, as free domain offers tend to only be for the first year of registration. Be sure to review the renewal pricing on your selected domain extension to avoid an unpleasant surprise next year. 

Domain name cost vs. website hosting cost: What’s the difference?

One mistake that beginners can make is confusing a domain vs. hosting. A domain name is your web address, while hosting is where your website lives. These are two separate services and would need to be paid for individually. Most website hosting providers also offer domain registrations, including GoDaddy, making it easier to keep both services active. 

How does domain pricing compare across registrars?

Prices between registrars vary, but these prices tend to reflect the services included with the domain name. It’s important to choose a reputable registrar, specifically one that provides 24/7 customer support, robust security features, and transparent renewal pricing. 

It’s strongly recommended that you compare domain registrars before choosing where you’ll register your domain name. 

Prices accurate for .com domain renewals at the time of writing, May 20, 2026.

What factors affect the cost of a domain name (including hidden fees)?

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of domain pricing, let’s discuss the specific details that can impact domain pricing overall.

• Promotional offers: Some domain registrars lean into heavy discounts for new domains, while others opt for similar pricing between their new domains and renewals. How long you plan to keep your domain name may impact which pricing strategy appeals to you.
• Hosting bundles: If you’re planning to build a website for your domain name, selecting a provider that offers both at a discount can save you money over time.
• WHOIS privacy: WHOIS privacy is strongly recommended for domain registrations, but not all domain registrars provide this service by default (or it’s a paid service). GoDaddy, for example, offers free WHOIS privacy for domains registered with us. However, be aware that not all TLDs allow for domain privacy. For more on this, check out our guide on domain privacy explained.
• Domain protection: Domain protection is a bit different from WHOIS privacy. WHOIS privacy protects your personal information, while domain protection prevents unauthorized changes to your domain, such as domain transfers, DNS updates, and domain expiration. Take a look at our guide on “What is domain protection?” for a full list of what GoDaddy’s domain protection services offer.
• Registration length: Some registrars offer discounts for multi-year domain purchases, so be sure to check with your domain registrar to see if this is an option.
• Taxes and fees: Many domain TLDs include a fee on top of the registrar’s purchase price. Additionally, some ccTLDs will have country-specific taxes added to the purchase price as well.
• Addons and upsells: Because most domain registrars sell products other than simply domain names, there may be additional services offered at the time of purchase for your domain. These can include hosting, SSL certificates, email, etc., and will increase your overall purchase price.
• Redemptions/recovery fees: If your domain name expires and isn’t renewed within the registry-defined grace period, there may be an additional fee to recover your expired domain.
• Transfer fees: If you choose to move your domain name to a new registrar, your new registrar will charge you a fee to transfer your domain name.

How to save money when buying a domain

Your domain name is an ongoing investment, so being able to save some money on that investment is important. Here are some quick tips for buying a domain name that can help you save money:

• Choose an affordable registrar
• Buy multi-year domain registrations to save on yearly fees
• Find and use promo codes to get cheap domains
• Register a less competitive TLD
• Avoid unnecessary addons
• Check domain renewal pricing before purchasing
• Buy domain bundles in bulk when possible
• Take advantage of bundled products that include a free domain

Some caveats here: the cheapest domain registrar isn’t always the best option, and the cheapest domain registration isn’t always the best long-term investment. With domain names, you generally get what you pay for, and this includes the company that you choose to do business with. Lower-priced domain registrars often don’t provide the security or support options that you may need for your business. Additionally, there are times when a premium domain name would be a better investment than a new domain. Do your research and choose carefully. 

Do I need more than one domain?

Short answer, yes. Even if you only plan to launch one website, the answer is still yes. Let me tell you why — brand protection.  

Owning multiple variations of your domain name accounts for accidental misspellings and encroaching competitors.  

If you secure your business against common spelling errors, you can cover all your bases and still point each domain name to the primary site. Now, traffic that wants to find you will actually make it to your site, regardless of typos.  

And, perhaps on a grander scheme, owning multiple domain names protects your business from competitors.  

If you have it in the budget, consider purchasing domain names pertinent to your brand (even if they’re not immediately recognizable as your business’s name) to keep competitors away from your traffic.  

GoDaddy domain pricing: Full transparency on what you actually pay

So far in this guide, we’ve given a more general overview of domain pricing across various domain registrars. Now, let’s take a detailed look at what domains cost at GoDaddy and what those prices include. 

*With a 3-year registration

Prices accurate for GoDaddy.com domain registrations and renewals at the time of writing, May 20, 2026.

Included with your GoDaddy domain purchase:

• WHOIS privacy: Free domain privacy is included with domain registrations.
• Domain transfers: Outgoing transfers do not have an associated cost and can be completed by the customer from within their account. Incoming domain transfers start at $11.99 and include one free year of registration.
• Customer support: 24/7 customer support, including telephone and chat support, in multiple countries.
• AI-powered tools: GoDaddy’s AI tools provide an integrated experience, simplifying the process of getting online. Your domain includes a free AI logo generator, payment capabilities, a personalized Coming Soon site, social media marketing, and upgrades for premium features.
• Additional services: GoDaddy’s domain registrations include a free site builder, free domain privacy, a free logo maker tool, and free domain-based pay links to allow users to collect payments without a website. Other GoDaddy services include hosting, email, web design, and marketing solutions. Investors and power users can also take advantage of GoDaddy’s domain auction marketplace and bulk tools.

FAQs about domain pricing