Key takeaways
- Standard domain names cost $10–$40 AUD per year, with prices varying by extension and registrar.
- Premium domains can range from $100 to over $1,000,000, depending on demand and memorability.
- Factor in additional costs like annual renewals, privacy protection, and SSL certificates when budgeting.
- Popular extensions like .com.au and .com typically cost more than newer niche extensions.
- Investing in the right domain protects your brand and supports long-term business growth.
Domain names typically cost $10–$40 AUD per year, though prices vary based on extension, availability, and whether the domain is premium.
If you're looking to start an online venture, securing a domain name is your starting line.
A domain name is the web address users type into their browser to access your website, such as example.com.au.
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?
How much time should you spend looking for one? What are your options? Fortunately, we've got some answers to help steer you in the right direction.
Related: What is a domain name?
Domain name pricing guide
Below are some common domain name costs in Australia:
Typical domain extension prices (AUD per year)
| Extension | Approximate Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| ..com.au | $20–$35 |
| ..au | $15–$25 |
| ..com | $20–$40 |
| ..net | $20–$35 |
| ..org | $20–$35 |
| ..io | $50–$80 |
Keep in mind that these prices can differ across domain providers, especially if they’re running any promotions.
When discussing the cost of domains, it’s also important to distinguish between available domains (new registrations), already registered domains (secondary market), premium domains, and expired domains.
Available domains (new registrations)
Available domains are names that have not yet been registered and can be claimed for your website. Their registration prices are generally set according to the top-level domain (TLD), or extension, you choose, such as .com, .au, or .app. Newer domain extensions, such as .app, and .ai, might be on the higher end of that scale, as they've more recently become available.
Costs can still vary based on the extension and the domain’s availability. Renewal fees may be higher than the initial registration price, so review the renewal cost before completing your purchase.
Already registered domains (secondary market)
Already registered domains are names that another person or business has previously claimed. They may be listed for sale through a secondary market, where buyers can purchase the domain directly from the current registrant.
Prices for these domains are not standardised and can vary significantly. A short, recognisable, or highly memorable name may cost more because it has stronger perceived value and greater demand. Current market conditions and negotiations between the buyer and seller can also affect the final price.
Premium domain names
Premium domain names are identified by registries or current owners as having exceptional market value. Think of them as digital real estate assets; a strong, memorable name can offer instant credibility, improve discoverability, and help accelerate brand recognition.
Unlike standard registrations, premium domains have higher initial purchase prices and may also have higher renewal fees set by the registry. Prices vary widely based on perceived value, market conditions, and, for owner-listed domains, negotiations between the buyer and seller. Some premium domains cost hundreds of dollars, while highly sought-after names can reach seven figures.
The most expensive domain names will be the ones available on auction houses, through aftermarket services, or private sellers.
You can buy premium domains through domain registrars and auctions on sites like Afternic or GoDaddy Auctions.
Expired domains
Expired domains are names that were previously registered but were not renewed by their former registrant. After the registration expires, the domain may become available through a marketplace or auction. These domains can often be a good middle ground when it comes to pricing.
Some expired domains may have an established online history, backlinks or name recognition that could be relevant to your business. Review the domain’s past use, current price, and renewal cost before purchasing to make sure it supports your brand and goals.
Ongoing domain name costs (renewals and fees)
Purchasing a domain name is not a one-time transaction. Instead, a domain works like a rented digital address. You register the name for a set period, typically one year, and renew it to maintain control and keep your website accessible.
Most domains have an annual renewal fee. Some registrations also include a small ICANN fee, though this fee does not apply to every domain extension. Check the renewal price and any applicable fees before registering so you can plan for the ongoing cost.
Are there any hidden costs of a domain name?
Privacy is an additional feature that can be used with many domain extensions, which is meant to keep your registrant information out of WHOIS searches.
Other associated costs can include bulk purchases, domain protection, and additional services like business email, web hosting, and SSL certificates. SSL certificates are essential for securing your website with data encryption and building customer trust. Adding an SSL certificate may increase the total cost of owning a domain, but it's a worthwhile investment for your online presence.
What affects the cost of a domain name?
Ever wondered why some domain names cost more than others? Here are the main factors that shape those price tags:
| Factor | How It Affects Price |
|---|---|
| Domain extension | Older, popular, and more traditional extensions like .com often cost more than newer or niche extensions, and availability can be limited. |
| Where you purchase | Prices vary between registrars, aftermarket services, and private sellers. |
| Term length and popularity | Short, memorable domain names tend to be more expensive due to high demand. |
| Prestige and recognition | Traditional TLDs can be more expensive because they are familiar , in high-demand, and trusted by users. |
| Add-ons selected | Multiple-year registration and features like privacy protection increase overall price. |
| Availability | Purchasing from current owners or domain aftermarkets can significantly increase cost. Previously registered domains with built-in authority often cost more. |
Why premium domains command higher prices
Premium domains often cost more because they are scarce, memorable, and commercially appealing. Their value usually comes down to several factors that can help a business establish a clear, recognisable online presence.
- Scarcity and language value: Short dictionary words, common verbs, category-defining nouns and widely recognised terms are limited in supply. Their broad appeal can make them valuable to brands seeking a name that is easy to understand, remember and use across markets.
- Commercial relevance and search potential: A domain that closely reflects a business, product or industry can help visitors quickly understand what the website offers. Names connected to popular search terms may also attract more interest because they support clear branding and marketing efforts.
- Market demand and history: Some premium domains have existing traffic, backlinks, or prior brand recognition. This history may add value, particularly when the name remains relevant to a current business or audience. Strong demand for certain terms and extensions can also raise pricing.
- Branding power and competitive value: An easy-to-spell, easy-to-pronounce domain can make a brand more recognisable and easier to share. Premium domains can become a central part of a company’s identity, which often makes them appealing to start-ups and established businesses alike.
Domain pricing trends and market data
Domain registration volumes do not set the price of an individual domain name, but they can reveal which extensions have established demand and which are gaining attention. This context can help you choose an extension that suits your brand, audience, and budget.
At the end of Q4 2025, there were 386.9 million domain name registrations across all top-level domains, up 6.2% year over year. Popular extensions included:
- .com: More than 161 million registrations, making it the most widely used domain extension worldwide.
- .de: More than 17 million registrations. Germany’s country-code extension remains one of the most popular ccTLDs globally.
- .net: About 12.5 million registrations.
- .org: More than 11 million registrations, reflecting its continued use among organisations, communities and mission-led projects.
Newer extensions are also gaining momentum. The .ai extension has attracted more than 20,000 new registrations each month as start-ups and technology-focused businesses use it to signal a connection to artificial intelligence and innovation.
Choosing the right domain for your budget
Your budget can help narrow down your domain options. A new registration usually has a predictable annual cost, while a premium or secondary-market domain may require a larger upfront investment. Each option can work well when the name feels right for your business and is easy for customers to remember.
Set aside room in your budget for renewal fees, domain privacy protection, and any add-ons you plan to use. These ongoing costs are part of maintaining your digital address over time.
Professionals like writers, coaches, therapists, and photographers can also use their domain to make a strong first impression. Combining your full name with your profession, such as JohnSmithPhotography.com, makes your personal brand clear and helps potential clients understand what you offer as soon as they see your web address.
