How Much Does a Domain Name Cost in 2026? The Full Guide
A domain name can cost under $1 the first year… or several hundred dollars. Between teaser prices, climbing renewals, taxes and "premium" names, it's hard to see clearly. This guide breaks down the real prices in 2026 and how to pay the least.
What does a domain's price depend on?
The price of a domain name comes down to four factors:
- The extension (TLD): a
.comdoesn't cost the same as a.aior a.store. - The registrar: for the same extension, prices vary widely from one registrar to another.
- Year 1 vs renewal: the promotional first-year rate often hides a much higher renewal.
- "Premium" status: some sought-after names are priced separately by the registry, far above the standard rate.
Price ranges by extension in 2026
Here are rough ranges (standard registration, excluding promotions and premium). Real prices are verified live on our comparator.
| Extension | Registration (yr 1) | Renewal | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| .com | ~$8–12 | ~$10–15 | Universal default |
| .fr | ~€6–10 | ~€8–12 | France |
| .net / .org | ~$9–14 | ~$12–16 | Tech, nonprofits |
| .io | ~$28–40 | ~$45–60 | Tech, startups |
| .ai | ~$70–100 | ~$80–110 | Artificial intelligence |
| .co | ~$25–30 | ~$30–35 | .com alternative |
| .shop / .store | ~$2–30 (promo) | ~$30–60 | E-commerce |
| .xyz | ~$1–12 | ~$12–15 | Projects, tech |
⚠️ Notice the huge gaps between year 1 and renewal on .io, .shop or .store: that's where the trap hides (see our renewal guide).
💡 See the real price of YOUR domain
Type your name and compare year 1 AND renewal across multiple registrars, live.
Compare now →Why does the same domain cost different prices?
The registry (the body that runs the extension) sets a wholesale price. Each
registrar adds its margin, promotions and sometimes hidden fees (WHOIS
privacy, add-ons). The result: a .com can cost $8 at one and $22 at another,
for the exact same name. That's why comparing before you buy pays off.
Fees to watch
- Renewal: the cost that matters over time. A slashed teaser price is pointless if the renewal triples.
- WHOIS privacy: often free (Porkbun, Cloudflare) but sometimes billed.
- Transfer: changing registrar usually costs one year of renewal (added to your term).
- Premium names: always check the exact price of the name, not the extension's base rate.
How to pay the least?
- Compare year 1 AND renewal, not just the teaser price.
- Pick a sensible extension: a
.comor.fris often cheaper overall than a costly "trendy" TLD. - Aim for reputable low-cost registrars (see our registrar comparison).
- Beware premium promos: a "$2 .shop" may renew at $60.
- Register several years if the renewal is high, to lock in the rate.
In short
In 2026, a domain name costs anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred depending on the extension, the registrar and premium status. The golden rule: compare the real price — year 1 and renewal — before you buy. That's exactly what DomaineScan does, live and with no commission bias.