How Much Does Shopify Really Cost?
How Much Does Shopify Really Cost Per Month?
Short answer: Shopify realistically costs between $39 and $300+ per month for most stores. While the advertised plan starts at $39, most businesses pay more once apps and fees are added.
The Real Monthly Cost of Shopify (By Scenario)
Low-Cost / Starter Store
This is the absolute minimum most people can operate on.
It typically includes:
- Shopify Basic plan
- One or two essential paid apps
- Shopify Payments transaction fees
This setup works if:
- You have a very small product catalog
- You are doing all setup, design, and support yourself
- You are validating demand, not scaling
Important:
Most stores outgrow this tier quickly once real orders start coming in.
Typical Small Business Store
This is where the majority of legitimate Shopify businesses land.
It usually includes:
- Shopify Basic or Shopify plan
- Multiple paid apps for operations (email, shipping, subscriptions, SEO, upsells)
- Ongoing transaction fees
At this level:
- Shopify is no longer “cheap”
- But it replaces several standalone tools and services
For most small ecommerce businesses, this is the true monthly cost of Shopify in practice.
Growing / Serious Store
This tier applies once revenue, automation, or scale becomes important.
It often includes:
- Higher Shopify plans
- Premium or higher-usage app tiers
- Increased transaction volume
- Advanced reporting or operational tools
At this stage:
- Shopify becomes a core operating expense
- Platform stability and time savings usually matter more than raw cost
This is no longer about starting — it’s about running efficiently.
Who Shopify Is NOT For
Shopify is probably not a good fit if:
- You want a one-time setup with no monthly costs
- You are extremely price-sensitive
- You want full control without relying on third-party apps
- You are experimenting casually with no intent to monetize
- You expect a “set it and forget it” website
Shopify is designed for business owners, not hobbyists.
The Verdict
Shopify is not as cheap as the headline price suggests — but it is not misleading either.
The real cost comes from:
- Convenience
- Speed to launch
- A managed ecommerce ecosystem
If you value control above all else, Shopify will feel expensive.
If you value time, reliability, and momentum, the cost is usually justified.
Should You Use Shopify?
If you are building a real ecommerce business and want a proven, widely supported platform, Shopify is a strong option — as long as you understand the real monthly cost upfront.