Guide · Updated October 2026

How Much Does Shopify Cost per Month?

Shopify pricing explained: plan tiers, payment fees, apps, themes and the real monthly cost of running an online store. Always check current Shopify prices.

How Much Does Shopify Cost per Month?

Short answer: Shopify charges a monthly subscription that rises as you move up its plans, plus payment processing fees on every sale. Paid apps and themes are where costs really grow. For an accurate figure, check Shopify's current pricing for your country and add up the apps you will need.

How Shopify plans work

Shopify offers a ladder of plans, from a low-cost starter option for selling via social links up to plans for larger stores, with an enterprise tier above that. Higher plans unlock more staff accounts, better reporting and lower card rates. Annual billing usually reduces the monthly equivalent. Prices vary by region, so check the local version of the pricing page.

The fees on every sale

Shopify Payments

If you use Shopify's own payment system, you pay a card processing rate per transaction. The rate improves on higher plans.

Third-party gateways

Use a different gateway and Shopify may add its own transaction fee on top of the gateway's fees. This is one reason most merchants stick with Shopify Payments where it is available.

Where costs really add up: apps

Shopify's core is lean by design. Features many stores want come from apps: reviews, upsells, subscriptions, wholesale pricing, advanced shipping, email marketing, loyalty programmes. Many charge a monthly fee. A store with eight or ten paid apps can spend more on apps than on the plan itself.

Apps also add code to your store, which can slow it down. Audit them regularly.

Not ready for a full store? Start with a fast site that sells.

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Themes and design

Shopify has free themes that work well. Premium themes are a one-off purchase. If you hire a Shopify designer or developer for customisation, budget for that separately.

Other running costs

  • Domain: yearly renewal, bought through Shopify or elsewhere.
  • Email: professional mailboxes are separate.
  • Shipping: label costs and any shipping apps.
  • Point of sale: hardware and POS plans if you sell in person.
  • Taxes: sales tax, VAT or GST setup and compliance. General information, not tax advice.

A simple way to estimate your monthly bill

  1. Choose the plan that fits your size.
  2. Estimate monthly sales and multiply by the card rate.
  3. List every app you need and add their fees.
  4. Add domain and email, divided monthly.

Do you actually need Shopify?

Shopify is excellent for product businesses with a real catalogue. But many small businesses only sell a few items, gift vouchers or deposits. They do not need a full e-commerce platform. A simple site with a payment link or a booking deposit can do the job at a fraction of the running cost. We cover this in how to take payments on your website.

If you want a brochure site alongside an existing Shopify store, or a simple site with payment buttons, our plans may be enough.

The bottom line

Shopify's plan price is only one piece. Payment fees scale with your sales and apps can quietly double your monthly bill. Start lean, add apps only when they earn their keep, and review costs every few months.

Frequently asked questions

Does Shopify charge transaction fees?

You pay card processing fees on sales. Using a third-party gateway can also trigger an extra Shopify transaction fee.

Are Shopify apps expensive?

Individually many are affordable, but several monthly app fees together can exceed your plan cost.

Is there a free trial?

Shopify usually offers a free trial or low-cost introductory period. Check current offers.

Do I need Shopify to sell online?

Not if you sell only a few items. Payment links or a simple checkout on a regular site may be enough.

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