Pricing and quotation guide
Website hosting migration cost
A straightforward hosting migration of a single small site is a modest job. The cost rises with site size, the number of sites, whether email moves too, and whether the site needs updating to run on the new server's software. There is also a short period of paying for both old and new hosting.
This page explains what affects the cost of moving hosts and how to compare it with what you might save.
Illustrative diagram
Hosting move
- Migration work
- Copy and test
- Switch and check
- Email
- Mailbox move
- Record checks
- Compatibility
- Software updates
- Code fixes
- Ongoing fees
- New hosting
- Overlap period
What shapes the cost
- Site size and type
- Brochure site, shop or application with a large database.
- Number of sites
- Each site and domain adds work.
- Whether mailboxes and their contents must move too.
- Compatibility
- Updates needed for newer server software.
- Testing and checks
- Forms, shop, scheduled tasks and email verified.
Costs paid to third parties (separate from our fees)
- New hosting plan fees
- Overlap period paying for both hosts
- Email hosting, if moved to a separate provider
- Security certificate, if not included with hosting
Hosting fees are paid to the host; compare renewal prices, not only introductory offers.
Typical migration scenarios
| Scenario | Relative effort |
|---|---|
| Small site, email elsewhere | Low |
| Small site with email on the same host | Moderate (email moves too) |
| Online shop with large database | Moderate to high |
| Several sites and domains | Higher |
| Outdated site needing updates first | Higher (compatibility work) |
When the site needs updating first
Older sites may rely on server software versions that new hosts no longer offer. Moving them can require updating the site's core, theme and plugins, or fixing custom code, before it will run correctly. This can be the largest part of the cost, but it also leaves the site more secure and maintainable. A check before migrating identifies whether this applies.
Example: consolidating two sites
Illustrative example — not a client case study
Situation: A business has two small sites on different hosts and its email on one of them.
- Both sites are moved to one host; email is moved to a dedicated email service.
- One site needs plugin updates to run on newer server software.
- Forms, email and backups are tested before the old hosts are cancelled.
What this shows: One hosting bill replaced two, and email became independent of website hosting. This example is illustrative.
Comparing quotations
Included
- Number of sites and domains
- Email migration
- Testing after the switch
Clarify
- Compatibility updates
- Who opens the new hosting account
- Support after the move
Weighing cost against benefit
Moving hosts can reduce fees, improve speed or bring better support, but the migration itself has a cost. Compare the yearly difference in hosting fees and the value of better performance or support against the one-off migration cost. Introductory prices that rise sharply at renewal can erode savings, so compare like for like over several years.
Separating email from hosting
A migration is a good moment to consider moving email to a dedicated provider, separate from website hosting. That way, future website changes do not put email at risk. It adds a one-off cost and possibly a subscription, but many businesses find the independence worthwhile.
Managed hosting
Some hosts offer managed plans that include updates, backups and security monitoring. These cost more than basic hosting but may reduce maintenance work. When comparing costs, consider what the hosting includes as well as the price.
Host-provided migration
Some hosts offer free or low-cost migration for simple sites. It can work well for straightforward cases but may not cover email, testing of forms and integrations, or compatibility updates. Check what is included before relying on it, and plan to verify the result yourself or with help.
Timing and renewals
Plan the move before the current hosting renews, so you are not committed to another year. Allow enough time for testing and a short overlap before the renewal date.
Small, simple sites
For a small brochure site with email elsewhere and current software, the move is often short and low-risk.
Questions about website hosting migration cost
How much does a hosting migration cost?
It depends on site size, number of sites, email and compatibility work.
Does moving email cost extra?
Usually; mailboxes and their contents need moving and testing.
Will we pay for two hosts?
Briefly, until the new setup is confirmed.
Why might our site need updates first?
New hosts may not support older server software versions.
Is hosting included in the migration price?
No; hosting fees are paid to the host.
Will moving save money?
Compare renewal prices and benefits against the migration cost.
Should email be separate from website hosting?
Many businesses prefer it, so website changes do not affect email.
Can host-provided migration replace a provider?
For simple sites it may; check whether email, forms and testing are covered.
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