Shopify Website Development Costs in 2025: Full Breakdown

Building an ecommerce store is like curating the perfect recipe - every ingredient adds to the flavour and the cost depends on what you include. 

Shopify or Shopify plus still remains one of the top choices of entrepreneurs to build their online stores. 

But the question which lingers in everyone’s mind is - How much does it actually cost to build a store on Shopify?

The answer? 

It’s not as simple as slapping on a price tag. From basic templates to custom features that reflect your brand’s personality, the cost varies widely depending on your goals.

This blog unpacks everything you need to know about Shopify website development costs in 2025. Whether you're a small business owner looking to take your store online or a seasoned brand aiming to level up, you’ll discover exactly where your money goes.

Let’s start.

What Is The Cost Involved In Shopify Website Development?

Before we go into a full breakdown cost of Shopify website development, we will initially start with the total estimated cost. In this way, you will have a figure in mind before proceeding further.

A Shopify store made with a ready-made theme can cost you the following:

• Building your Shopify store yourself can cost between $50 and $1,000, depending on the resources and features you choose.

• Opting for professional development services typically ranges from $300 to $4,500, offering tailored solutions and expert services.

A custom-made Shopify store can cost you the following:

• Designing a custom theme tailored to your brand can range from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity and features required.

• Developing custom apps or adding unique functionalities to improve your store’s capabilities typically costs between $5,000 and $20,000.

The goals of your store along with the level of customization needed will determine how much a Shopify website development will cost. Although pre-made themes are less expensive, custom-built stores offer unmatched scalability and uniqueness.

Therefore various factors affect the cost of your Shopify store. But what are they? Let’s check them out in the next section.

Factors Affecting The Cost of Shopify Website Development 

Just like a gourmet dish, the cost of Shopify website development is influenced by what you put into it—be it intricate designs, advanced functionalities, or specialized integrations.

We will discuss the key factors that shape the cost of developing your Shopify store.

#1 Monthly Subscription Fees

Every Shopify store requires a monthly subscription, which forms the foundation of your store's operating costs. Shopify offers various pricing plans, starting from $39/month for the Basic plan, $105/month for the Shopify plan, and $399/month for the Advanced plan. Each plan includes essential ecommerce features, but higher-tier plans provide advanced tools like professional reports, lower transaction fees, and greater scalability.

Also read: A guide to split testing for pricing.

#2 Type of Theme Selected

Choosing between a free or paid theme is one of the first decisions you'll make. Free themes are affordable, but they don't allow for much customisation. 

Premium themes, ranging from $100 to $300, provide more design flexibility and advanced features. However, if you want a completely unique look, custom themes can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $15,000.

#3 Custom Functionality and Apps

Adding features like advanced search filters, custom checkout processes, or integrating third-party apps increases development costs. Custom apps or functionalities, essential for unique business needs, can range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on complexity.

#4 Content Creation

Professional content, including product descriptions, images, and videos, significantly enhances user experience but adds to the cost. Hiring experts for photography, videography, or copywriting can be a worthwhile investment for higher conversions.

#5 SEO and Marketing Integration

To ensure your store ranks well in search engines, SEO optimization is crucial. This includes keyword research, metadata setup, and even blog creation. Combining SEO with marketing tools, like email campaigns or social media integration, further increases costs but delivers long-term value.

Complete Breakdown of Shopify Website Development Cost

We will do a complete breakdown of the cost for two scenarios - 1) When you build a store on your own 2) When you take the help of Shopify experts

1. When you build your own store 

For small ecommerce business owners, creating a Shopify store yourself can be a budget-friendly option. Starting with the Basic Shopify plan is a great way to begin, and as your business grows, you can upgrade to the Shopify or Advanced Shopify plan for additional features.

When building a store on your own, you’ll take charge of designing the website and selecting a free or affordable paid theme to customize. Additionally, you'll need to manage tasks like setting up inventory, shipping, and payment options independently. 

While this method requires effort and a bit of technical know-how, it can significantly reduce costs.

TOTAL: $61 – $919

If you take advantage of Shopify's $1/month for the first 3 months offer (available on all plans except Shopify Plus), you can set up your store for under $100. Without the offer, the Basic Shopify plan costs $39/month for a monthly subscription or $29/month if billed annually.

This means the total minimum cost without the offer would be $99—still an affordable option!

That said, it’s important to plan realistically for additional costs, especially if you want to add more advanced features or need professional help with specific tasks. With the DIY approach, you can start small and scale up as your business grows!

2. When you take the help of Shopify experts

If you're aiming to build a robust Shopify store for a mid to large-sized eCommerce business, hiring a professional is a smart move. Even small business owners can benefit from professional Shopify development services, especially if they want their store to look polished, run smoothly, and drive conversions effectively.

Let’s explore the costs involved in professional Shopify store development and what factors contribute to the final price.

Key Takeaways:

• A basic Shopify store setup ranges between $331 and $4,729, depending on the store size and the level of services used.

• For a highly customized store with advanced features and premium plans, expect to invest between $4,830 and $47,030.

To Wrap Up

Building a Shopify store in 2025 offers incredible flexibility, whether you're starting small or aiming for a custom-built, feature-packed eCommerce platform. The cost can vary widely, from an affordable DIY approach to a high-end, professionally developed store. 

By understanding the factors that influence development costs—such as theme selection, custom functionalities, and ongoing maintenance—you can make informed decisions that align with your business goals and budget.

Author

Rutvik Boghara

Rutvik, the head of our Shopify department, is your go-to Shopify aficionado, turning complex ideas into smooth-running, scalable stores. With a passion for writing, he blends storytelling with tech to amp up your ecommerce game. When he’s not optimizing or creating content, he’s probably lost in a tech rabbit hole.