Cost Implications of Hosting, Domain, and SSL Certificates

The cost implications of hosting, domain, and SSL certificates generally break down as follows:

• Web Hosting: Hosting plans vary widely depending on type and resources. Shared hosting, suitable for small websites or blogs, typically costs between S$2 to S$5 per month for basic plans with essentials included. More advanced hosting like VPS or dedicated servers can cost significantly more, ranging from S$20 to hundreds per month depending on performance needs.

• Domain Name: Domains usually cost around S$20 to S$30 per year after any initial free period offered by hosting providers. Some providers offer domains as low as S$1 per year for certain promotions, but standard renewal fees apply. Premium or highly sought-after domains can cost much more.

• SSL Certificates: Basic SSL certificates are often included free with most hosting plans, providing essential encryption and security. For enhanced security, especially for e-commerce or sites handling sensitive data, Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates cost between S$70 to S$300 per year. Some hosts offer SSL add-ons at around S$1 per month for basic paid certificates.

Additional context:

• Hosting closer to your target audience improves website speed and performance, which is why hosting providers with local servers are preferred for regional audiences.

• Domain extensions like .SG do not directly affect website speed or SEO rankings but can improve local relevance and branding.

• When budgeting, consider multi-year domain registrations to save costs and avoid losing your domain due to missed renewals.

In summary, a small to medium website can expect to pay roughly S$2–5/month for hosting, S$20–30/year for domain renewal, and potentially free to S$1/month for basic SSL, with costs increasing for premium services or higher security certificates.