Switching from Shopify to WordPress is a big decision for any e-commerce business. While Shopify offers an easy-to-use platform, many store owners find themselves outgrowing its limitations, especially when it comes to customization, scalability, and long-term costs. WordPress, with WooCommerce as its e-commerce solution, provides greater flexibility and control, but what does it cost to migrate?
A Shopify to WordPress migration involves various expenses, from hosting and themes to plugins and development. Understanding these costs upfront can help you make an informed decision and determine whether the switch is truly worth it. In this guide, we’ll break down the migration costs and explore whether the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment.
Why Businesses Are Migrating from Shopify to WordPress
Before diving into the cost breakdown, it’s important to understand why many businesses are making the move.
1. More Control and Customization
Shopify is a closed ecosystem, meaning you’re limited to the features and customization options Shopify allows. If you need advanced functionality, you often have to rely on paid apps, which can quickly increase costs.
WordPress, on the other hand, gives you complete control over your site. You can modify every aspect of your store, integrate custom features, and choose from thousands of plugins without platform restrictions.
2. Lower Long-Term Costs
Shopify charges a monthly subscription fee, plus transaction fees if you’re not using Shopify Payments. Additionally, premium apps, themes, and add-ons can add up.
WordPress itself is free, and WooCommerce is also free to install. While there are still costs associated with hosting, themes, and plugins, store owners often find that WordPress results in lower expenses over time.
3. Full Ownership of Your Store
With Shopify, your store is hosted on its platform, meaning Shopify ultimately has control over your data and how your business operates. If you ever want to move away from Shopify, exporting your data and rebuilding your store can be challenging.
With WordPress, you fully own your website and data. You’re not tied to a single platform, and you have complete control over where and how your store operates.
Shopify to WordPress Migration Cost Breakdown
Migrating from Shopify to WordPress involves several costs. While some expenses are unavoidable, others depend on the level of customization and professional help you require.
1. Domain Name and Hosting
Unlike Shopify, which includes hosting in its subscription, WordPress requires you to purchase hosting separately. The cost of hosting varies depending on the provider and the features you need.
- Domain Name: If you already have a custom domain with Shopify, you can transfer it. If not, a new domain typically costs $10–$20 per year.
- Hosting: Reliable hosting is crucial for WordPress performance. Pricing varies:
- Shared hosting (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround): $5–$15 per month
- Managed WordPress hosting (e.g., Kinsta, WP Engine): $25–$50 per month
Estimated cost: $60–$600 per year
2. WordPress Theme and Design
- Free Themes: WordPress offers many free themes, but they may require additional customization.
- Premium Themes: High-quality WooCommerce themes range from $50–$150.
- Custom Design: Hiring a designer or developer for a custom theme can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on complexity.
Estimated cost: $0–$5,000
3. WooCommerce and Essential Plugins
While WooCommerce is free, you’ll likely need additional plugins for enhanced functionality.
- SEO Plugin (Yoast SEO, Rank Math) – Free or $100–$300 per year for premium versions.
- Security Plugin (Wordfence, Sucuri) – Free or $50–$200 per year.
- Backup Plugin (UpdraftPlus, Jetpack Backup) – Free or $50–$150 per year.
- Advanced E-commerce Features (Subscriptions, Memberships, Booking) – Can range from $100 to $500 per year, depending on your needs.
Estimated cost: $0–$1,000 per year
4. Data Migration and Setup
Migrating your store from Shopify to WordPress requires transferring products, customers, and orders while preserving SEO rankings. You can do this manually, use a migration tool, or hire a professional.
- DIY (Manual Export/Import) – Free but time-consuming.
- Migration Plugin (Cart2Cart, WP All Import) – $50–$300, depending on the number of products/orders.
- Hiring a Developer for Migration – $500–$5,000, depending on the complexity of your store.
Estimated cost: $0–$5,000
5. SEO and Redirect Setup
One of the biggest risks of migrating is losing SEO rankings. Since Shopify and WordPress have different URL structures, you’ll need to set up proper 301 redirects to ensure your traffic remains intact.
- DIY Redirect Setup – Free but requires technical knowledge.
- SEO Consultant or Developer Assistance – $200–$1,000 for a smooth transition.
Estimated cost: $0–$1,000
6. Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Unlike Shopify, where maintenance is handled for you, WordPress requires ongoing updates and security management. Some businesses opt for maintenance services to handle this.
- DIY Maintenance – Free but requires time.
- Managed Maintenance Service – $30–$150 per month, depending on the provider.
Estimated cost: $0–$1,800 per year
Shopify to WordPress Migration Service
If you don’t have the time or technical skills to handle the migration yourself, hiring a Shopify to WordPress migration service can be a smart investment.
What a Professional Service Includes
- Full product, customer, and order data transfer
- SEO-friendly URL redirects
- WooCommerce store setup and theme customization
- Plugin and feature integration
- Testing and post-migration support
Cost Range: $500–$5,000, depending on store size and complexity.
A professional migration service ensures a seamless transition without risking lost sales or traffic. For businesses that rely on steady revenue, this can be well worth the cost.
Is It Worth the Investment?
The total cost of migrating from Shopify to WordPress varies based on factors like hosting, design, plugins, and whether you hire professionals. However, most businesses see significant long-term savings after the initial investment.
Key Considerations:
- Short-Term Costs vs. Long-Term Savings – Shopify’s recurring fees can add up, whereas WordPress offers more control over expenses.
- Customization & Growth Potential – If you need full control over your store’s functionality, WordPress is the better choice.
- SEO & Traffic Stability – Proper migration ensures you retain traffic and search rankings.
For businesses looking for greater flexibility, ownership, and cost efficiency, investing in a Shopify to WordPress migration is often well worth it.
Final Thoughts
Migrating from Shopify to WordPress requires an initial investment, but it can provide long-term benefits in terms of customization, cost savings, and full control over your store. Understanding the costs involved will help you make the transition smoothly and avoid unexpected expenses.
If you’re unsure about handling the migration yourself, hiring a Shopify to WordPress migration service can ensure a seamless process while protecting your traffic and sales. With the right approach, WordPress can be a powerful and cost-effective platform for your online business.
