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WordPress: costs, maintenance and alternatives

WordPress is a free system for websites that you run with a host of your choice or rent as a subscription from WordPress.com. The software costs nothing, but hosting, templates, extensions and above all regular maintenance do.

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Last updated: 23 October 2026 · By Maurice, freeehouse team · About 3 minutes to read

What is WordPress?

WordPress is a content management system that runs a large share of all websites worldwide. There are two versions, which are often mixed up:

  • Self-hosted WordPress. The free software from wordpress.org, installed with a host such as IONOS, STRATO or another. The site belongs to you, and so does the upkeep.
  • WordPress.com. A subscription offer where the provider handles the hosting. According to the pricing page from US$4 per month on annual payment, excl. tax.

What does WordPress cost?

The software is free. With a self-hosted site you pay for hosting, domain, often a template, extensions with yearly licences, and someone to install updates if you do not do it yourself. An overview is at What does WordPress cost?, and upkeep at WordPress maintenance.

Why is maintenance so important with WordPress?

The official WordPress documentation names up-to-date versions of WordPress, extensions and templates as the most important step for security. It also advises deleting unused extensions. On many older sites, extensions that nobody maintains any more build up over the years. That is the biggest risk with WordPress.

What alternatives are there?

Website builders where the provider handles the technology, or a hand-built website that is looked after. More at WordPress alternatives and in the comparison WordPress or website builder.

If nobody looks after your WordPress site any more: freeehouse rebuilds it, carries over all posts and redirects old addresses. You only pay for hosting with care, cheaper than today, and you no longer have to worry about updates. Move from WordPress

All articles on WordPress

What does a WordPress website cost?WordPress maintenance: what you need and what it costsWordPress alternatives for businessesWordPress: pros and cons for small businesses

Frequently asked questions

Is WordPress free?

The software is. For a website, though, you need hosting and a domain, often a template and extensions, and someone for updates.

What is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?

WordPress.org is the free software that you install yourself with a host. WordPress.com is a subscription where the provider handles the hosting.

Do I need programming skills for WordPress?

Not for simple sites. For security, updates and fixing errors you need basic technical knowledge or a service provider.

Can I take my WordPress site with me?

Yes. A self-hosted WordPress site can be moved to another host. That is a real advantage over website builders.

Sources

Providers' prices and terms change often. What counts is what's in your customer account and your contract. Not legal advice.

Read more

What does a WordPress website cost?WordPress maintenance: what you need and what it costsWordPress alternatives for businessesWordPress: pros and cons for small businesses
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