If you’re launching a new website or building your brand online, one of the first things you’ll need is a new domain name. But how much does a domain name cost? While you’ll often see a simple price tag, the true cost can vary based on several factors, and what’s shown at checkout isn’t always the full story.
In this guide, we’ll break down domain prices, explore what influences them, highlight common traps to avoid, and help you choose the right domain name for your business or personal project.
How much does a domain name cost?
Most standard domain extensions, such as .com.au, .com or .net will cost anywhere from $10 to $100 per year, depending on the registrar and the extension (TLD) you choose. It’s important to keep in mind that domain names are not a one-time purchase. Instead, they operate on an annual model, meaning you pay to register your domain for a set period, typically one year at a time.
Here’s a domain pricing table that includes the most popular domain names.
| Extension | Registration | Renewal | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| .au | $9.95* | $22.95 | FREE |
| .com.au | $9.95* | $22.95 | FREE |
| .net.au | $22.95 | $22.95 | FREE |
| .org.au | $17.95 | $17.95 | FREE |
| .id.au | $17.95 | $17.95 | FREE |
| .asn.au | $17.95 | $17.95 | FREE |
| .melbourne | $23.25* | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| .sydney | $23.25* | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| .com | $24.95 | $24.95 | $24.95 |
| .net | $27.00 | $27.00 | $27.00 |
| .org | $24.75 | $24.75 | $24.75 |
| .co | $18.50* | $63.75 | $63.75 |
| .xyz | $2.95* | $27.50 | $27.50 |
| .site | $2.95* | $61.75 | $61.75 |
| .online | $2.95* | $61.75 | $61.75 |
| .biz | $39.50 | $39.50 | $39.50 |
| .store | $2.95* | $98.00 | $98.00 |
| .tech | $8.95* | $109.75 | $109.75 |
| .info | $7.00* | $46.75 | $46.75 |
| .work | $20.50 | $20.50 | $20.50 |
* “Registration” with an asterisk indicates a promotional first-year price; renewals may differ.
Some extensions, especially newer or niche ones like .tech, .store, and .ai, tend to cost more. That’s often because they’re newer to market or cater to a specific audience, offering strong brand alignment.
What Affects the Cost of a Domain Name?
The cost of a domain name isn’t fixed. Several factors influence domain pricing:
- Domain Extension (TLD): Short for top-level domain, this is the ending of your domain, like .au, .com and .org. Prices vary based on demand and market value.
- Premium Domains: These are high-value domain names (often short, memorable, or keyword-rich) that may have been previously owned or deemed valuable by registrars. Premium domains can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars.
- Registrar Pricing Models: Not all domain registrars price their services the same. Some inflate the initial cost, others use cheap entry prices with high renewal fees.
- Add-on Services: Extras like DNS hosting, WHOIS privacy, email forwarding, or web hosting can significantly affect the overall price, especially if they’re not clearly disclosed.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees and Additional Costs
One of the most common traps for new website owners is hidden fees. Many registrars advertise low upfront prices, only to surprise you later with high renewal costs and additional charges for things like WHOIS privacy.
At VentraIP, we believe in transparent pricing. That means we include:
- Free DNS Hosting
- Free WHOIS Privacy
These inclusions ensure you’re not caught off guard by additional costs just to manage or protect your domain.
Renewal Costs: Planning for the Long Term
Your domain name isn’t a set-and-forget purchase. Each year, you’ll need to renew your domain. This is where many businesses unknowingly overpay, especially if they’ve registered through a provider with steep renewal increases.
Tip: Always check the renewal price before registering a domain. At VentraIP, we display both registration and renewal costs clearly, so you know exactly what to expect.
Should You Buy a Premium Domain?
A premium domain is a high-value domain name that’s priced above standard rates due to its perceived marketability. These domains are often short, keyword-rich, easy to remember, or highly brandable.
While premium domain prices can be significantly higher, the investment may be worthwhile for businesses looking to secure a powerful digital identity. For new ventures or those on a tighter budget, starting with a standard domain name is often a more practical and cost-effective approach.
Domain Prices by Extension: What Are the Options?
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect to pay for different domain name extensions. Pricing will vary from domain registrar to domain registrar. It’s important to compare providers based on cost, included services, and support. For example, VentraIP’s domain pricing includes Free WHOIS privacy protection and free DNS Hosting.
How to Register a Domain Name Without Overpaying
When you’re ready to register your domain, follow these tips to avoid overpaying:
- Choose a reputable domain registrar with transparent pricing and reliable customer support.
- Look for inclusions, such as Free DNS, Email Forwarding, and WHOIS protection.
- Avoid long-term lock-ins unless you’re confident in the provider.
- Watch for auto-renewals, especially if the renewal cost is higher than expected.
- Beware of “free” trials that convert into paid services.
At VentraIP, we make the process simple, fast, and affordable, without the gimmicks.
Domain Name + Hosting + Email: What’s the Full Picture?
While this post focuses on domain pricing, keep in mind that a domain is just one part of your web presence. To make your domain functional, you’ll usually need:
- Web hosting to store your website content.
- Business email services, so you can use addresses like hello@yourdomain.com.
Some providers offer bundled services, but check whether they’re actually cost-effective. Many bundle options hide their true prices behind “starter” deals that ramp up later.
Still Have Questions About Domain Names?
If you’re still unsure about what’s involved in managing a domain, you’re not alone. Here are a few helpful resources that can guide you further:
- What Is a Domain Name? – A clear explanation of what domain names are and why they matter.
- How to Choose a Domain Name – Tips on picking the perfect domain for your business or website.
- How to Transfer a Domain Name – A step-by-step guide to switching registrars if you’re looking to move your domain to VentraIP.
These articles are a great place to start if you’re looking to make informed decisions before registering or renewing your domain.
Final Word: What’s the Real Cost of a Domain Name?
When it comes to registering domain names, the key is knowing what you’re paying for, asking the right questions, and choosing a registrar that offers value beyond the initial registration.
With VentraIP, you get:
- Competitive prices with no hidden fees.
- Free DNS hosting and WHOIS privacy.
- Full transparency at every step.
Ready to get started? Search for your domain name now and secure a name that will help your brand stand out online.
