How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shopify Store in 2025?

Starting an online store can be exciting, but one of the first questions most people ask is, “How much does it cost to build a Shopify store in 2025?” Whether you’re selling handmade crafts or launching a full-scale eCommerce brand, knowing what to expect in terms of expenses can help you plan better and avoid surprises.

Shopify remains one of the most popular platforms for building online stores, especially in the USA, because of its simple setup and flexibility. But the shop cost depends on several things—like subscription plans, themes, apps, and whether you want to do it yourself or hire a developer. So, how much is a Shopify store, really? And what should you budget for?

This guide will take you step by step through all the key details you need to know. From how much a store costs to ongoing maintenance and optional add-ons, this article will give you a complete breakdown of what it takes to get your Shopify store up and running in 2025. We’ll also share some tips on how to keep your expenses low while still building a professional, reliable store.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear idea of what it takes to create a Shopify store that fits your needs and budget. Whether you’re just starting out and asking, “What’s the cost of setting up a shop?” or you’re a business owner curious about the price of a Shopify store in the USA, you’ll find all the answers here to make smart choices. Let’s dive in!

Shopify Pricing Plans: What You Need to Know in 2025

One of the biggest factors when figuring out how much does it cost to build a Shopify store in 2025 is the Shopify pricing plan you choose. Shopify offers four main pricing options, each designed to meet different business needs. We’ll go through each option to help you choose the one that fits your needs best.

1. Basic Shopify Plan ($29/month)

The Basic Shopify Plan is best for beginners or small businesses just starting their online journey. It costs $29 per month, making it an affordable choice for those asking, “how much is a shop to run on a budget?”

Here’s what you get with this plan:

• Unlimited product uploads
• Two staff accounts
• Basic sales reports
• Secure checkout with SSL certification
• Discount codes and gift cards

This plan is ideal if you’re just starting out and want a straightforward, easy-to manage store without too many advanced features. However, as your business grows, you may want to explore more advanced plans.

For more details on Shopify pricing plans and their features, check out our Shopify Pricing Plans Explained.

2. Shopify Plan ($79/month)

The Shopify Plan costs $79 per month and is suited for growing businesses that need more tools to manage their stores effectively.

With this plan, you’ll get:

• Five staff accounts
• Professional sales reports to track your store’s performance
• Lower credit card fees compared to the Basic Plan
• International pricing options for global sales

This plan is a great choice for businesses that are scaling and want to offer a better customer experience. Wondering about the right plan for expanding businesses? This one offers a solid mix of features and affordability.

3. Advanced Shopify Plan ($299/month)

For larger businesses or those with complex needs, the Advanced Shopify Plan costs $299 per month. It provides advanced tools that help businesses manage their stores more efficiently.

Here’s what you get with this plan:

• 15 staff accounts
• Detailed reports that help you track customer activities and understand buying patterns.
• Third-party calculated shipping rates
• Custom pricing per region to sell internationally

This plan is best for businesses aiming to expand globally or those needing detailed reports to make data-driven decisions.

4. Shopify Plus (Starting at $2,000/month)

Shopify Plus is the go-to option for large companies needing advanced features and customization. This plan is designed for large companies that need a highly customizable store and dedicated support.

Shopify Plus offers:

• Unlimited staff accounts
• Customizable checkout experiences
• Advanced automation tools
• Dedicated support from Shopify’s team

Although Shopify Plus has a higher price tag, it’s the best option for businesses with high sales volumes or those looking to scale rapidly. Explore more about how to choose the right Shopify plan in our Complete Shopify Pricing Guide.

Summary of Shopify Pricing Plans in 2025

Pro Tip: Always consider your business size and future goals before choosing a plan. While the Basic plan is great for starting out, you may need to upgrade as your store grows.

Shopify Themes and Design Cost

Once you’ve chosen your pricing plan, the next step is to decide on your store’s look and feel. Shopify offers a wide range of themes to choose from, both free and paid, but the costs can vary depending on how customized you want your store to be.

Here’s a breakdown of Shopify theme costs in 2025:

1. Free Themes: Great for Beginners

Shopify offers several free themes that are perfect for beginners or those working on a tight budget. These themes are easy to set up and provide all the basic features needed to get your store up and running.

Some popular free themes include:

• Dawn – A minimalist design suitable for various industries
• Sense – Ideal for health and beauty stores
• Craft – Best for home and living products

While free themes are a good starting point, they can be quite limited in terms of customization and features. If you want your store to stand out, you may want to consider a paid theme.

2. Paid Themes: More Customization Options

If you’re looking for more design flexibility, Shopify’s paid themes start at around $180. These themes come with advanced features, better aesthetics, and more customization options compared to free themes.

Benefits of paid themes:

• More professional look and feel
• Built-in features like advanced product filters and quick view
• Better mobile responsiveness

For example, the Capital theme costs $350 and is popular among businesses looking for a sleek, modern design. While the Editions theme is priced at $150 and offers unique layouts.

Pro Tip: Investing in a paid theme can help your store look more professional and improve customer experience.

3. Custom Design: Hiring a Shopify Designer

For businesses that want a completely unique look, hiring a professional Shopify designer is an option. However, custom design costs can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your store.

Here’s a rough estimate of custom design costs:

• Basic custom design: $1,000 to $3,000
• Mid-level custom design: $3,000 to $6,000
• Advanced custom design: $6,000 to $10,000+

Custom design is best for brands that want to stand out and create a memorable shopping experience. However, it’s essential to work with experienced Shopify developers to avoid technical issues.

Follow us on Instagram for design tips and tricks to make your Shopify store look amazing.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide between free themes, paid themes, and custom design

By choosing the right theme, you can ensure your store looks professional and provides a great user experience. Whether you go with a free theme, invest in a paid option, or opt for a custom design, the key is to create a store that reflects your brand.

Shopify App Costs: Enhancing Your Store’s Functionality

When building your Shopify store, apps play a key role in improving the store’s performance and adding useful features. These apps can help with marketing, payments, shipping, customer service, and more. Depending on your business needs, the cost of apps can range from $0 to hundreds of dollars per month. Let’s take a closer look at the types of apps you might need and their associated costs.

1. Essential Shopify Apps

These are the must-have apps that help run your online store smoothly. They typically include apps for accepting payments, managing shipping, and running basic marketing campaigns.

Examples of Essential Apps:

Payment Gateway Apps: To accept credit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods.
Shipping Apps: Manage shipping labels, tracking, and order notifications.
Email Marketing Apps: Automate email campaigns to reach your customers.

Cost Range:

Free apps: $0/month (limited features)
Paid apps: $10 to $50/month

For beginners, starting with free apps is a good idea. As your store grows, you can switch to paid versions to unlock advanced features.

2. Premium Shopify Apps

Premium apps are more advanced and offer features that help increase sales and improve the customer experience. These apps include tools for upselling, advanced analytics, customer relationship management (CRM), and loyalty programs.

Examples of Premium Apps:

Advanced Analytics Apps: Tools like Google Analytics integrations to track your store’s performance.
Upsell Apps: Help you recommend products to increase the cart value.
CRM Apps: Manage customer data and interactions to improve customer service.

Cost Range:

$20 to $200/month, depending on the app and the features offered.

For more details, check out our page on Best Shopify Apps for eCommerce Stores.

Shopify Developer Costs: Customizing Your Store

Shopify offers plenty of tools to build your store, but if you want a unique design or custom functionality, hiring a Shopify developer is a smart choice. Developers can help customize your store beyond the standard templates and ensure
everything works smoothly.

Let’s explore how much it costs to hire a Shopify developer.

1. Freelance Shopify Developers

Freelancers are a more affordable option if you need small customizations or quick fixes. Their rates vary based on experience, from $20 to $150/hour.

Pros of Hiring a Freelancer:

• More affordable than agencies
• Flexible for smaller projects
• Ideal for short-term tasks

Tip: Make sure to check the developer’s portfolio and reviews before hiring to ensure quality work.

2. Shopify Development Agencies

If you’re planning to launch a full-scale Shopify store with custom features, hiring a development agency is the best option. Agencies have dedicated teams of designers, developers, and project managers to handle large, complex projects.

Cost Range:

• Starts at $5,000 for a basic setup.
• Can go up to $20,000 or more for advanced stores with unique features.

Pros of Hiring an Agency:

• Comprehensive service (design, development, and maintenance)
• Handles complex projects from start to finish
• Offers ongoing support after the launch

Share your portfolio and recent projects on LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and partners.

Shopify Maintenance Costs: Keeping Your Store Running Smoothly

Maintaining your Shopify store is essential to ensure it keeps running smoothly, remains secure, and delivers a good customer experience. Shopify maintenance includes updating apps, fixing bugs, improving site performance, and keeping the store secure.

Here’s a breakdown of Shopify maintenance costs.

1. Monthly Website Packages

Many developers and agencies offer monthly website packages to help store owners with regular maintenance tasks. These packages usually cover basic updates, security checks, and performance improvements.

Cost Range:

• Starts at $50/month for basic support.

What’s Included in Basic Packages:

• App updates
• Bug fixes
• Security checks
• Basic customer support

Check out our Website Maintenance Packages for more details on available plans.

2. Advanced Support Plans

For larger Shopify stores with custom features or high traffic, advanced support plans are recommended. These plans offer more comprehensive services, including performance optimization, custom feature updates, and priority customer support.

Cost Range:

• Up to $500/month, depending on the complexity of your store.

What’s Included in Advanced Packages:

• Priority support
• Custom feature updates
• Advanced performance checks
• Personalized security monitoring

Tip: Regular maintenance ensures your store runs smoothly, improving your customers’ experience and reducing the risk of downtime.

Examples of Shopify Store Cost Breakdown

Understanding how much a Shopify store costs can feel overwhelming. To make things easier, let’s break down three examples of Shopify store setups: small, medium-sized, and large custom stores. Each example includes recurring monthly costs (like Shopify plans and apps) and one-time non-recurring costs (like themes and developer fees).

These examples will give you a clear idea of how much is a shop depending on the size and features you choose.

1. Small Shopify Store Setup (Estimated Cost: $2,229)

A small store is perfect for beginners or small businesses just starting with a limited product range.

Recurring Costs (Monthly)

• Shopify Basic Plan: $29
• Apps: $50 for essential apps like email marketing and shipping tools

Non-Recurring Costs:

• Theme: $150 for a paid Shopify theme (optional, free themes are available)
• Developer Fees: $2,000 for basic customization and setup

Total Estimated Cost:

• $2,229 (including the first month’s recurring costs)

Tip: For small stores, using free themes and managing product uploads yourself can help save money.

2. Medium-Sized Shopify Store Setup (Estimated Cost: $5,529)

A medium-sized store is suitable for businesses looking to scale with more features and customizations.

Recurring Costs (Monthly)

• Shopify Plan: $79
• Apps: $100 for more advanced apps like CRM tools and upselling apps

Non-Recurring Costs:

• Theme: $350 for a premium theme with better design flexibility
• Developer Fees: $5,000 for a more customized store with unique features

Total Estimated Cost:

• $5,529 (including the first month’s recurring costs)

For more details on apps that can enhance your Shopify store, check out our Best Shopify Apps for eCommerce Stores page.

3. Large Custom Shopify Store Setup (Estimated Cost: $10,599+)

A large custom store is for businesses with a high volume of products and the need for unique branding and advanced features.

Recurring Costs (Monthly)

• Shopify Advanced Plan: $299
• Apps: $300 for premium apps like advanced analytics, loyalty programs, and
• marketing tools

Non-Recurring Costs:

• Theme: Custom theme design (cost varies)
• Developer Fees: $10,000+ for a completely customized store

Total Estimated Cost:

• $10,599+ (including the first month’s recurring costs)

Tip: Large custom stores may require ongoing maintenance, which adds to the cost. Take a look at our detailed Website Maintenance Packages to find the right option for your store.

Shopify Maintenance Costs

Building your Shopify store is just the beginning. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your store runs without any issues. This includes updating apps, fixing bugs, improving site performance, and securing your store against cyber threats.
Let’s look at the typical ongoing maintenance costs for a Shopify store.

1. Monthly Website Packages

Most Shopify store owners opt for monthly support packages to keep their site updated and secure. These packages usually include bug fixes, security patches, and general store improvements.

Basic Support Package:

• Cost: $50/month
• Suitable for small stores with fewer custom features.
• Includes basic theme updates, bug fixes, and general performance improvements.

Advanced Support Package:

• Cost: $500/month
• Designed for larger stores with custom themes and complex features.
• Includes advanced updates, security monitoring, and priority customer
• support.

Learn more about our Website Maintenance Packages to choose a plan that fits your business.

2. Updates and Security

Updating your Shopify store regularly is important to keep it secure and performing well. Regular updates ensure that your store runs smoothly, apps function correctly, and your customer data remains safe.

Here’s what regular maintenance covers:

• Theme Updates: To fix bugs, improve speed, and add new features.
• Bug Fixes: To address technical issues that could impact customer experience.
• Security Patches: To protect your store from cyber threats and keep customer data secure.

Tip: Regular maintenance reduces downtime, improves customer satisfaction, and keeps your store secure from hackers.

How to Reduce Shopify Store Costs

Shopify stores can be expensive to set up and maintain, but there are ways to save money without compromising on quality. Here are some practical tips to help you reduce Shopify store costs:

1. Start with a Free Theme

While paid themes offer better customization, Shopify’s free themes are a great option when you’re starting out. As your business expands, you have the option to switch to a paid theme for more customization.

Tip: Customize free themes to give your store a unique look without spending extra on design

2. Use Free Apps First

Many Shopify apps have free versions that provide basic functionality. Before investing in premium apps, test out the free ones to see if they meet your needs.

Examples of Free Apps

• Shopify Email
• Oberlo for dropshipping
• SEO Booster

Tip: Use free apps during the initial phase of your store to reduce monthly recurring costs.

3. Do Content Uploads Yourself

Hiring a developer to upload product descriptions, images, and other content can add to your store’s setup cost. Handling this task on your own can help you cut down on costs.

What You Can Do Yourself

• Upload product images
• Write product descriptions
• Organize collections

Tip: Use Shopify’s easy drag-and-drop tools to manage your store content without needing technical skills.

4. Choose the Right Plan

If you’re wondering how much does a store cost, picking the right Shopify plan can save you a lot in the long run. Begin with the basic plan and move to a higher one when your store starts to grow.

Cost Comparison of Shopify Plans:

• Basic Shopify: $29/month
• Shopify: $79/month
• Advanced Shopify: $299/month

Tip: If you’re targeting international customers, opt for a plan that supports currency conversion and advanced reporting tools.

Conclusion: What’s the Final Shopify Store Cost in 2025?

Building a Shopify store in 2025 can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on your needs and goals. The total cost involves a combination of Shopify subscription plans, themes, apps, developer fees, and ongoing maintenance.

For beginners, starting with a Basic Shopify plan and a free theme is a smart way to launch your online store without breaking the bank. As your business grows, you can invest in paid themes, premium apps, and custom developer services to enhance your store’s functionality and user experience.

In summary, here are the key cost factors to keep in mind:

• Shopify Pricing Plans: Start small and upgrade as your store grows.
• Themes and Design Costs: Free themes are great for beginners; paid themes offer more customization.
• Apps and Plugins: Essential for improving store functionality but can add recurring costs.
• Developer Fees: For a more personalized and professional store, consider hiring a Shopify developer.
• Maintenance Costs: Regular updates and security checks are essential to keep your store running smoothly.

Pro Tip: To save money, start with free themes and apps, handle content uploads yourself, and consider upgrading to paid options only when your business starts generating revenue.

If you found this blog helpful, check some of the other blogs below:

1. How Much Does a Website Cost in 2025? (Detailed Pricing Guide)
2. How to Choose the Right Web Development Company?

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