Ever wondered what it actually costs to snag a domain name in 2025?

Whether you’re launching a side hustle, building your personal brand, or just claiming your slice of internet real estate, domain prices can be confusing as hell.

I’m going to break down exactly what you can expect to pay, what factors affect pricing, and how to avoid getting ripped off when registering your perfect domain.

How Much Do Domains Cost in 2025?

Let’s cut to the chase: most common domain names like .com will cost you $10-$20 per year. This hasn’t changed much over the years, despite inflation wreaking havoc on pretty much everything else.

The classic extensions like .net and .org typically run between $10-$50 annually, depending on a bunch of factors we’ll get into.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

What Actually Determines Domain Pricing?

Domain Extension (TLD)

The letters after the dot matter a lot for pricing:

• .com domains = The gold standard, usually $10-$20/year (renewals often slightly higher at $12-$18)
• Country-specific domains (.uk, .us, .ca) = $10-$50/year
• Trendy tech domains (.io, .ai, .app) = $15-$100+/year

The .io and .ai extensions are crazy expensive because every tech startup and AI company wants them. Supply and demand, baby.

Premium Domains

Short, catchy, memorable domains can cost anywhere from a few hundred bucks to literal millions. Why? Because they’re rare and valuable!

Think of them like beachfront property – there’s only so much to go around, and people will pay top dollar for the best locations.

GoDaddy’s Premium Domain Guide has some wild examples of domains that sold for six and seven figures.

First-Year vs. Renewal Pricing

This is where registrars play games with you.

Many companies offer dirt-cheap first-year pricing (sometimes under $1!) but then jack up the renewal fees to $60+ per year. Classic bait and switch.

Always check the renewal price before getting excited about that “$0.99 domain” deal.

Add-ons and Extras

Registrars love upselling you on:

• Privacy protection ($5-$15/year)
• SSL certificates (sometimes free, sometimes $$$)
• Domain theft protection (usually unnecessary)
• Email forwarding (often bundled)

Some of these are worth it (privacy protection), while others are just money grabs.

Price Breakdown by Domain Type

Domain Type	First Year	Renewal	Who Uses These?
.com	$8-$15	$12-$18	Everyone and their mother
.net	$10-$17	$14-$20	Tech companies, networks
.org	$9-$16	$12-$20	Nonprofits, communities
.co	$15-$35	$25-$35	Startups (when .com is taken)
.io	$40-$70	$40-$70	Tech startups showing off
.ai	$50-$80	$60-$100	AI companies (obviously)
.xyz	$0.99-$12	$8-$15	Budget-conscious startups

As you can see, there’s a HUGE range. The “cool” extensions like .ai are waaaay more expensive than standard ones.

Namecheap’s Domain Pricing Page shows current prices across hundreds of TLDs if you want to check specifics.

Domain Buying Hacks

1. Many hosting companies give you a free domain for the first year when you buy hosting
2. Look for transfer specials if you already own domains elsewhere
3. Register for multiple years upfront for discounts (and less renewal hassle)
4. Always enable auto-renewal unless you want to risk losing your domain

The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

Here’s what the domain registrars don’t advertise:

• Domain brokers fees (if buying from current owners) = 10-15% of purchase price
• Aftermarket domains can cost 10-100x more than registering a new one
• Trademark issues can be expensive to resolve if you pick the wrong name
• Brand building takes way more effort with a less-than-ideal domain

Domain Name Wire regularly reports on aftermarket domain sales if you’re curious what premium domains actually sell for.

Is Paying More For a Domain Worth It?

The short answer: it depends on your goals.

If you’re building a serious business, spending a few thousand on the perfect .com domain might be the best investment you ever make. Think about it – you’ll use this domain for years, possibly decades.

For a personal blog or hobby project? Stick with standard pricing and don’t overthink it.

Final Thoughts

Domain pricing hasn’t changed dramatically in years, but the market has gotten more complex with hundreds of new extensions.

For most people and businesses, a .com domain at $10-$20/year is still the gold standard and best value. If that perfect .com is taken, explore alternatives but be prepared for potentially higher costs with trendy extensions.

Remember that your domain is your digital address for years to come – choose wisely, and don’t let a few dollars per year be the deciding factor in compromising on quality.

And if you’re overwhelmed by all the options and pricing structures, just remember this: nobody ever regretted buying a great domain, but plenty of people regret settling for a mediocre one.