If you’re thinking about building a website with Squarespace, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: “How much is a Squarespace website?”
Squarespace is popular because it combines ease of use, beautiful templates, hosting, and e-commerce tools in one platform. Whether you’re a blogger, small business owner, freelancer, or planning to sell products online, understanding the costs before you start is important.
In this guide, we’ll break down Squarespace pricing plans, explain hidden costs, compare it with other platforms like GoDaddy, and even give tips on saving money. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect for your Squarespace website.
Squarespace Pricing Plans in 2025
Squarespace offers four main plans to suit different needs. You can pay monthly or annually, but annual plans usually save you money.
1. Personal Plan – $16/month (billed annually)
This plan is perfect for personal websites and portfolios.
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage
- Mobile-optimized templates
- SSL security and basic SEO tools
- Free domain for the first year
Example: If you are a photographer showcasing your portfolio, this plan gives you everything you need to create a professional-looking site without extra costs.
2. Business Plan – $23/month (billed annually)
The Business Plan is ideal for small businesses looking to grow online.
- All features of the Personal Plan
- Advanced website analytics
- Marketing tools and custom code options
- Ability to sell products (2% transaction fee applies)
Example: A small café wanting to show menus, take bookings, and sell merchandise can use this plan effectively.
3. Commerce Basic Plan – $28/month (billed annually)
This plan is designed for growing online stores.
- Full e-commerce features
- No Squarespace transaction fees
- Inventory management
- Customer accounts and checkout options
Example: A handmade jewelry business can sell products online with a professional checkout experience.
4. Commerce Advanced Plan – $52/month (billed annually)
The Advanced Plan is best for established online businesses that need advanced tools.
- All features of the Commerce Basic Plan
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Advanced shipping and tax calculators
- Priority customer support
Example: An established clothing store selling nationwide can manage large orders and shipping efficiently.
Do You Pay for Squarespace Websites?
Yes. Squarespace is not free, but they do offer a 14-day free trial. This gives you time to explore templates, customize your site, and see if it fits your needs.
After the trial, you need to choose a paid plan. The cheapest plan is $16/month if billed annually. Paying monthly costs a little more, but it gives flexibility if you’re unsure about committing long-term.
Additional Costs You Should Know
While the subscription fee covers most features, there are some extra costs you might encounter.
1. Domain Renewal
- Free for the first year on annual plans
- After that, domains cost $20–$70 per year, depending on the domain extension
Tip: If you plan to keep your site long-term, factor this into your yearly budget.
2. Premium Templates
- Some premium Squarespace templates cost $200–$500
- These offer more unique designs and advanced features
Example: If you want a highly customized photography site, a premium template can give you a professional look without hiring a designer.
3. Custom Design Services
- Hiring a professional designer can range from $1,000 to $10,000+
- Costs depend on complexity, number of pages, and e-commerce integration
Example: A large online boutique needing custom layouts and integration with inventory systems may need to hire a designer for advanced features.
4. Transaction Fees
- Business Plan charges 2% per sale
- Commerce plans have no Squarespace fees, only payment processor fees (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
Tip: For small stores, upgrading to Commerce Basic or Advanced can save money in transaction fees.
Squarespace integrates with Stripe and PayPal for payments. You can see Stripe’s exact processing fees here.
5. Other Potential Costs
- Third-party apps or integrations
- Email marketing tools (if not included)
- Custom fonts or images
- SSL certificates (mostly included)
By knowing these, you can avoid surprises and budget effectively.
Annual vs Monthly Billing
Paying annually usually saves money.
Example:
- Personal Plan: $16/month annually → $192/year
- Personal Plan: $20/month monthly → $240/year
That’s a $48 saving for the first year.
Annual billing also gives you a free domain for the first year.
Comparing Squarespace with Competitors
Many people ask: “How much is GoDaddy vs Squarespace?”
- Squarespace: All-in-one platform with hosting, templates, e-commerce, and SEO tools included. Prices start at $16/month.
- GoDaddy: May appear cheaper initially, but hosting, themes, and e-commerce often cost extra.
Tip: If you already plan to use Squarespace, buying your domain through them simplifies management and renewals.
Other competitors include Wix, WordPress, and Shopify, each with pros and cons. Squarespace stands out for design-focused sites and ease of use.
“For a detailed comparison of website builders, including Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress, check this expert guide
How Much to Charge for Squarespace Web Design
If you’re a freelancer or web designer, you might wonder how much to charge for building a Squarespace website.
- Small personal sites: $500–$1,500
- Small business sites: $2,000–$5,000
- Advanced e-commerce sites: $5,000–$10,000+
Factors affecting price: number of pages, e-commerce integration, custom design, SEO optimization, and ongoing maintenance.
If you want to compare what agencies charge versus doing it yourself, check out this helpful guide on how much agencies charging for website design
Tips to Save Money on Squarespace
- Choose annual billing instead of monthly
- Start with free templates, upgrade later if needed
- Avoid unnecessary third-party apps
- Do basic SEO and design yourself if possible
- Only hire designers for custom features you really need
Example: A blogger could start with a Personal Plan and free template, then upgrade to Business Plan once traffic grows.
You can save money by customizing your templates yourself. For example, you can change your logo on each page in Squarespace without hiring a designer.
Is Squarespace Worth the Price?
Squarespace combines ease of use, professional design, and built-in tools, which makes it a strong option for individuals and small businesses.
Real-life examples:
- Freelancer portfolio: Personal Plan, $16/month
- Small café: Business Plan, $23/month + free domain
- Online boutique: Commerce Basic, $28/month + premium template
Even with extra costs like domain renewal and premium templates, Squarespace often costs less than hiring a full-time developer for the same quality of website.
Squarespace is also reliable hosting, security, and customer support are all included, which reduces stress for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you pay for Squarespace websites?
Yes, after a 14-day free trial, a paid subscription is required.
2. Can I build a Squarespace website for free?
Only with the free trial. There’s no permanent free plan.
3. How much to charge for Squarespace web design?
$500–$10,000 depending on the complexity and type of site.
4. How much is GoDaddy vs Squarespace?
GoDaddy may seem cheaper initially but usually requires additional costs for hosting, themes, and apps. Squarespace is all-in-one.
5. Should I buy my domain through Squarespace or GoDaddy?
Buying through Squarespace simplifies renewals and management if your website is already hosted there.
Conclusion
Building a website with Squarespace is an investment in your online presence.
From personal blogs to advanced e-commerce stores, Squarespace offers flexible plans for different needs. By understanding subscription costs, hidden fees, and potential extra services, you can plan a realistic budget.
Choosing the right plan, using free templates initially, and knowing when to hire a designer can save you money while giving you a professional, fully functional website.
Squarespace’s all-in-one platform including hosting, templates, SEO, and e-commerce tools makes it a reliable choice for anyone looking to build a website quickly and professionally.
