Shopify true-cost calculator
A subscription price is only one line in the budget. Build a more useful first-year estimate with the costs you actually expect.
- 8 editable inputs
- Live first-year estimate
- Free — no signup
Use realistic assumptions, not the headline price
How to use the estimate
Run three versions: a lean case with free apps and theme, a realistic case, and a stress case with the tools you may add after launch. If the business only works in the lean case, validate demand before committing to a larger stack.
Do not confuse operating cost with total business cost. Inventory, packaging, creative production, advertising, returns, accounting, and tax can be much larger than the storefront software.
Official reference: Shopify pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Shopify store really cost per month?
The Basic plan is about $27/month ($19 on annual billing), but the plan is only one line. A realistic first-year budget also carries payment processing on every sale, a domain, an optional paid theme, and any apps you add — so the working monthly cost for a lean new store is usually closer to $40–70 once apps and fees are included. This calculator adds those lines up for your own assumptions.
Is there a hidden cost to Shopify?
Nothing is hidden, but three costs are easy to forget when you only look at the plan price: card processing fees on every order, apps you add after launch (the line that most often creeps up), and the extra transaction fee Shopify charges if you use a third-party payment gateway instead of Shopify Payments. The calculator surfaces each of these so the estimate reflects the real operating cost.
Does this calculator include Shopify payment fees?
Yes — you can enter your expected monthly revenue and a processing rate to include payment fees in the estimate. Card processing applies on every plan and is separate from the subscription. For a deeper breakdown of the fee side, use the dedicated transaction fee calculator.