Guide · Updated October 2026

How Much Does Website Hosting Cost? Shared, Managed and Edge Hosting Explained

How much does website hosting cost? Compare shared, VPS, managed and edge hosting, what each costs, and which type suits a small business website.

How Much Does Website Hosting Cost? Shared, Managed and Edge Hosting Explained

Short answer: hosting for a small business website ranges from a few dollars a month for basic shared hosting to more for managed or high-performance plans. Price depends on the type of hosting, how much traffic you get and how much maintenance is done for you.

Types of hosting

  • Shared hosting: many sites on one server. Cheapest, but performance can suffer when neighbours get busy.
  • VPS hosting: a reserved slice of a server. More power and control, more technical to manage.
  • Managed hosting: the host handles updates, backups and security, usually for WordPress.
  • Edge or static hosting: pre-built pages served from a global network. Very fast and secure, and often low cost.

What affects the price

  • Storage and bandwidth limits.
  • Whether SSL, backups and email are included.
  • Introductory discounts that jump on renewal.
  • Support level and response times.

Skip the hosting headaches.

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Watch out for renewal prices

Many hosts advertise a low first-year price that rises sharply on renewal. Always check the renewal rate and the contract length before buying.

Which hosting suits a small business?

For most small business sites, speed and reliability matter more than raw storage. A static site on an edge network, or a managed plan that handles security for you, gives the best experience for visitors and the least work for you.

The bottom line

Hosting does not have to be expensive, but the cheapest plan is not always the best value. Choose fast, secure hosting with clear renewal pricing, or a website plan that includes hosting so you never have to think about it.

Frequently asked questions

Is free hosting OK for a business?

Free hosting usually has ads, limits and weak support. It is rarely suitable for a business site.

Does hosting affect SEO?

Yes, indirectly. Slow or unreliable hosting hurts page speed and uptime, which affect rankings and conversions.

Do I need hosting if I use a website builder?

No separate hosting is needed. Builders include hosting in their plans.

Can I move my site to a different host?

Usually yes, though it is easier with some platforms than others. Check before you commit.

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Related guides

Do I Need a Website for My Small Business in 2026?Read guide →Are Websites Still Necessary Now That We Have Social Media and AI?Read guide →Do I Need a Website to Get Google Reviews?Read guide →Can I Build My Own Website for My Business? Pros, Cons and Hidden CostsRead guide →

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