What Amount Should a Domain Name Really Cost?
Short answer: a standard .com usually costs about $10 to $20 per year at renewal. First-year promotional prices can be lower, and premium names can cost hundreds or thousands.
Typical domain prices
| Type | Typical yearly cost |
|---|---|
| Standard .com | $10 - $20 |
| Other common extensions (.net, .org) | $10 - $25 |
| Newer extensions (.shop, .site, .online) | $2 - $40 (varies widely) |
| Premium / aftermarket names | $100s to $1,000s+ |
First year vs renewal
Registrars often discount the first year and charge the regular rate after. Check the renewal price before buying.
Extras you can usually skip
- Paid privacy protection (many registrars include it free)
- Bundled email you do not need
- Multi-year prepay upsells unless the discount is real
Tip
Keep auto-renew on and make sure the registrar account email is one you actually check. Losing a domain to an expired card is a common and avoidable mistake.
Disclosure: some links on this site may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. See the full disclosure. Prices are typical ranges as of October 2026 and change often, so confirm current pricing with the provider before buying.