When you start a website, one of the first steps is choosing a domain name — your website’s address on the internet. But how much should you expect to pay for it in Canada? The answer can be a little tricky.
Why Domain Name Pricing Can Be Confusing
Some hosting and domain providers advertise very low prices for the first year — sometimes as low as $1 for popular extensions like .com or .ca. It sounds like a great deal, but the renewal price for the second year and beyond can jump significantly, often to $32.99 or more.
Other companies, like Green Energy Hosting, offer consistent pricing starting at $22.95 per year, which stays the same every year. While it may seem more expensive upfront, this approach usually saves you money over time.
It’s also worth noting that some domain extensions cost more than others. Popular extensions like .com or .ca are generally affordable, but newer or specialized extensions (like .tech, .store, or .design) can have higher registration and renewal fees.
First-Year Price vs Long-Term Cost (4-Year Example)
Let’s compare a low-cost first-year domain with a consistently priced domain over 4 years:
- $1 domain for the first year:
- Year 1: $1
- Years 2–4: $32.99 × 3 = $98.97
- Total for 4 years: $99.97
- $22.95 per year domain:
- Year 1–4: $22.95 × 4
- Total for 4 years: $91.80
Even though the consistent option costs more in the first year, it ends up being cheaper over time and avoids unexpected price jumps.
Why Consistent Pricing Is Better
Choosing a domain with stable pricing ensures:
- Predictable yearly expenses
- No surprise spikes in your website budget
- Better long-term value for multi-year planning
At Green Energy Hosting, domain names start at $22.95 per year and remain the same every year. This predictable pricing makes budgeting for your website easier and helps avoid unexpected costs.
Final Thoughts
Cheap first-year domains can be tempting, but the best choice is often the one with consistent, fair pricing year after year. Paying a little more upfront — like $22.95 per year — usually saves money over time and provides peace of mind.
