“How much will my Shopify store cost?” is usually the first question we get on a discovery call. It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is that it can be anything from a few hundred dollars to six figures. What you pay depends on who builds it, how custom it is and what you need it to do.

This guide breaks down the real costs of a Shopify store in 2026 for businesses in the US and UK: the platform itself, design and development, apps and ongoing support. By the end, you’ll know what a sensible budget looks like for your business and what questions to ask before you sign anything.

The quick answer

Option Typical build cost Best for
Do it yourself with a theme A few hundred dollars (theme and apps) Brand new sellers testing an idea
Freelancer Varies widely, often a few thousand dollars Small stores with simple needs
Offshore or remote agency Usually well below US and UK agency rates Growing brands that want agency quality on a tighter budget
US or UK agency Around $8,000 to $20,000 for a new store, more for redesigns Established brands with bigger budgets
Shopify Plus and custom builds $60,000 and up High volume brands with complex needs

These are rough guides. The agency figures come from Tenten’s 2026 Shopify agency pricing research, and every project is different, so treat them as a guide rather than a quote.

1. Shopify plan fees

Every store pays Shopify a monthly subscription. The Basic plan starts at around $29 a month when billed annually, with higher plans for growing businesses and Shopify Plus for large brands. You’ll also pay card processing fees on each sale, and an extra transaction fee if you use a payment provider other than Shopify Payments.

These costs are the same whoever builds your store, so they shouldn’t be the deciding factor when you compare quotes.

2. Theme costs

Shopify offers free themes, and premium themes from the Shopify Theme Store are a one off purchase. A premium theme is a solid starting point for many stores. A fully custom theme costs more because a designer and developer build it specifically around your brand and your customers.

3. Design and development

This is where most of your budget goes, and where prices vary the most. According to Tenten’s 2026 research into what Shopify agencies charge:

  • New Shopify store setup: about $8,000 to $20,000 with a typical agency
  • Redesign or refresh: about $15,000 to $40,000
  • Migration from WooCommerce or BigCommerce: about $25,000 to $60,000
  • Shopify Plus with custom development: about $60,000 to $150,000

The same research shows hourly rates of roughly $150 to $350 an hour in the US and UK, compared with roughly $60 to $120 in Eastern Europe and $50 to $100 in Southeast Asia. That gap is why so many US and UK brands now work with remote agencies.

What pushes the price up

  • A fully custom design instead of a customised theme
  • Large catalogues with many products, variants and collections
  • Custom features, such as product builders, subscriptions or wholesale portals
  • Integrations with systems like your ERP, CRM or email platform
  • Migrating products, customers and orders from another platform
  • Selling in multiple countries, currencies and languages

4. Apps

Most Shopify stores use a handful of apps for things like reviews, email marketing, subscriptions, loyalty and shipping. Many charge monthly, and the costs add up quickly. A good designer will recommend only the apps you actually need, because every extra app can slow your store down and add to your monthly bill.

5. Content and photography

Professional product photos, lifestyle images and well written product descriptions make a huge difference to sales. If you don’t already have them, budget for them separately. Strong product pages often matter more than any design detail, as we explain in our guide to increasing your Shopify conversion rate.

6. Ongoing support and growth

Launching your store is the start, not the finish line. After launch, you may need help with updates, new landing pages, speed improvements, SEO and ads. Tenten’s research puts post launch support from many agencies at around $500 to $2,000 a month, with larger growth retainers costing much more.

Freelancer, offshore agency or local agency?

Freelancer

Freelancers are often the most affordable option and can be great for smaller projects. The trade off is that one person rarely covers design, development, SEO and conversion strategy equally well, and availability can be a risk if they get busy or move on.

US or UK agency

A local agency gives you a full team and easy meetings in your time zone. You pay for it, though, with some of the highest hourly rates in the world.

Offshore or remote agency

A remote agency gives you a full team of designers, developers and marketers at a lower cost, because of lower local operating costs rather than lower quality. The key is choosing one with a strong portfolio, clear communication and working hours that overlap with yours. Our guide to outsourcing web design to an offshore agency explains exactly what to check.

How to avoid overpaying (or underpaying)

  • Get a clear scope in writing. A detailed scope prevents surprise costs later.
  • Compare like with like. A custom design and a customised theme are very different projects, even if both quotes say “Shopify store”.
  • Ask about ongoing costs. Check which apps you’ll need and what support costs after launch.
  • Check real results. Ask to see live stores the team has built and the results they achieved.
  • Be wary of very cheap quotes. A store that loads slowly or doesn’t convert will cost you far more in lost sales than you saved.

Is Shopify the right platform for your budget?

If you’re still deciding, our Shopify vs WordPress comparison breaks down the cost differences between the two platforms over time. And if you’re launching before the holidays, our Black Friday 2026 checklist will help you plan your timeline.

Get a clear quote for your Shopify store

Ace 360 Solutions is a remote Shopify agency working with brands in the US, UK and beyond. We design custom, fast and conversion focused stores at lower rates than typical US and UK agencies. Read what’s included in our Shopify store design services, explore our Shopify and ecommerce services, see our work in the portfolio, or request a free quote and we’ll send you a clear scope for your project.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a basic Shopify store cost?

If you build it yourself with a free or premium theme, you can launch for the cost of your Shopify plan plus a few apps. A professionally designed store usually costs a few thousand dollars with a freelancer or remote agency, and more with a US or UK agency.

What are the monthly costs of running a Shopify store?

Your main monthly costs are your Shopify plan, payment processing fees, apps and any ongoing support, marketing or maintenance you pay for.

How long does it take to build a Shopify store?

A simple store with a customised theme can be ready in a few weeks. A fully custom store with integrations or a migration usually takes longer. Your agency should give you a timeline with the quote.

Is it cheaper to hire an offshore Shopify agency?

Usually, yes. Remote agencies in regions with lower operating costs can deliver the same quality of work for less. Check their portfolio, communication and time zone overlap before you hire.