VendorClue research · software cost principles
WordPress hosting: compare the first payment and renewal
A low monthly equivalent can require years of prepayment.
- Evidence
- Sources linked below
- Source check
- 2026-10-11
- Author
- VendorClue editorial
On this page
At a glance
The short answer
Compare what you pay on day one, how many months it buys and what renewal costs. Hostinger Premium is $143.52 upfront for 48 months, shown as $2.99 a month, and lists renewal at $10.99 a month. SiteGround StartUp shows $2.99 a month for the first 12 months and $17.99 a month at renewal. Put the term, the upfront amount and the renewal rate side by side before comparing hosts.
Record cash due, not just the monthly headline
Write the selected term, amount due now and renewal rate in separate columns. Include currency and tax treatment. An annual or four-year payment is not a monthly subscription even when the page expresses it as a monthly equivalent.
A long introductory term
The observed Hostinger Premium offer is $143.52 upfront for 48 months, shown as $2.99/month. It lists a $10.99/month renewal rate. Decide whether a four-year commitment fits a site that might move or need a different resource tier.
An annual introductory term
SiteGround StartUp shows $2.99/month equivalent for the first 12 months and $17.99/month at renewal. The observed DreamPress 1 offer uses EUR: €14.99/month equivalent in the first year and €19.99 at renewal. Keep their currencies separate until you apply your own exchange-rate scenario.
Promotional extras have their own dates
A free first-year domain or mailbox is not free indefinitely. Put the domain renewal, mailbox price and any required add-ons into the same budget. Check the cancellation and refund window before moving your production site.
Match resources before ordering by cost
Compare sites, storage, traffic and backups for one configuration. A cheaper term that cannot hold your sites is not an adequate alternative. Revisit the choice before renewal rather than relying on the original promotion.
Sources
Figures in this guide come from the suppliers’ official pages, checked on 11 October 2026. Confirm the plan you buy at checkout.
Hostinger: official product and plan documentation · Evidence: documentation · Oct 11, 2026
SiteGround: official product and plan documentation · Evidence: documentation · Oct 11, 2026
DreamHost: official product and plan documentation · Evidence: documentation · Oct 11, 2026