How much does a .com domain cost per year?
Typical price range
The wholesale price for a .com domain, set by Verisign, is around $10 per year as of recent years. Registrars like Namecheap, Google Domains (now Squarespace Domains), and GoDaddy add their own margin, so retail prices commonly fall between $10 and $20 annually.
Many registrars offer first-year discounts, sometimes dropping the price to $5–$10 for the first year. However, renewal prices are usually higher, often $12–$20 per year. Some registrars also charge extra for WHOIS privacy, though many now include it free.
What affects the price
Prices can vary by registrar, promotional periods, and whether you buy add-ons like SSL certificates or email hosting. Some registrars have higher renewal rates to compensate for low initial prices. Bulk discounts may apply if you register many domains.
ICANN imposes a $0.18 annual fee per domain, which registrars pass on. Verisign can also increase wholesale prices in limited increments, which may lead to gradual retail price increases over time.
- First-year promos: often $5–$10.
- Standard renewal: typically $12–$20 per year.
- Privacy protection: often free, but some charge $2–$5.
- Bulk registration: may reduce per-domain cost.
Common mistakes
- Expecting the first-year price to stay the same at renewal.
- Forgetting to factor in add-ons like privacy or SSL.
- Assuming all registrars charge the same: shopping around can save money.