E-commerce Website Cost in 2026: Shopify vs Custom vs WooCommerce
What a store actually costs in 2026 on Shopify, WooCommerce, and custom — including apps, checkout logic, and the migration tax nobody puts in the first quote.
Written and reviewed by Artem Palamarchuk, Founder of BLEX STUDIO.
How much does an online store cost in 2026?
Plan $2,500–$12,000 for a Shopify or WooCommerce store that a real catalog can live on, $12,000–$40,000 when checkout, B2B pricing, or operations get custom, and $40,000–$120,000+ for a headless or fully custom commerce platform. The monthly plan is the smallest line on the invoice.
Shopify vs custom is the same ceiling problem as Wix vs custom, except the tax shows up at checkout, not on the homepage.
Shopify: cheap to start, expensive to outgrow
Shopify wins on time-to-first-sale. Themes, payments, and hosting are someone else’s problem. The cost appears as apps: reviews, subscriptions, wholesale, Bundles, and a better search. A $39 plan becomes $250/month without anyone making a “we chose custom” decision.
Where Shopify is still the correct default
Fewer than a few hundred SKUs and a standard checkout
No B2B price lists, quote flows, or customer-specific catalogs
Is Shopify cheaper than WooCommerce?
In year one, usually yes. Over three years it depends on app spend and whether you need ownership of checkout. WooCommerce can be cheaper if you already run WordPress well; it is more expensive if you do not.
When should I leave Shopify?
When checkout rules, B2B catalogs, or data ownership become the product — not when you dislike the theme. Theme dislike is a design job.
How much is a custom e-commerce website?
Most custom or headless stores we see quoted in 2026 start around $25,000 and climb with inventory logic, ERP, and multiple storefronts.
Can you migrate without losing SEO?
Yes, with a URL inventory and one-hop 301s. That process is how to migrate without losing rankings.
Do I need a custom store to rank?
No. A well-run Shopify store with real content beats a neglected custom one. Custom raises the ceiling; it does not replace merchandising.