Website hosting is the most important part to host any website. But do you know how much does website hosting cost in 2023? keep reading this website hosting pricing comparison guide to know how much does it cost to host a website from hosting companies in India.
You require a certain sum to make your website accessible to everyone and that is what accounts for hosting cost. The cost you will put to host a website would determine the amount of space it will get on the server to store your website’s files. In today’s post, we will learn about the different hosting service providers and the website hosting charges in India.
Table of Contents
What is Website Hosting?
Web hosting is a service that allows users to create and run their own websites. Web hosts provide the space on their servers for users to upload files, install software, and make other web-related requests. They also offer security and maintenance services for the websites they host.
Websites are hosted on servers, which can be located anywhere in the world. A website’s host offers a range of services including website design, web hosting, domain registration, and email service. Website hosting can be done through a number of different providers and can be very affordable. Know more about website hosting.
In other words, a website is hosted to reserve a portion in the webserver to store its files. The more you will spend on hosting your website, the more space you will get on the web server and it may increase the website development charges.
Besides, hosting costs there are many other expenses involved in creating a website. Some of them include:
Types of website hosting Services
There are several types of web hosting services available to cater to different needs and budgets.
Here are some common types of web hosting:
- Shared Hosting: In shared hosting, multiple websites are hosted on a single server. It is an affordable option as the cost is shared among different users. However, the resources are also shared, which means the performance can be affected if other websites on the server experience high traffic.
- Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting: VPS hosting divides a physical server into multiple virtual servers, providing dedicated resources to each user. It offers more control, customization options, and better performance compared to shared hosting.
- Dedicated Hosting: With dedicated hosting, you have an entire physical server dedicated to your website. This offers the highest level of performance, control, and flexibility. It is suitable for websites with high traffic, resource-intensive applications, or specific security requirements. Dedicated hosting is more expensive than shared or VPS hosting.
- Cloud Hosting: Cloud hosting uses a network of interconnected servers to host websites, allowing for scalability and flexibility. It provides resources on-demand, which means you can scale up or down based on your needs. Cloud hosting is known for its reliability, as it can handle traffic spikes and offers high uptime.
- Managed WordPress Hosting: This type of hosting is specifically optimized for WordPress websites. It includes features like automatic updates, enhanced security, and specialized support for WordPress-related issues. Managed WordPress hosting takes care of technical aspects, allowing you to focus on creating content.
- Reseller Hosting: Reseller hosting allows you to purchase hosting resources and then resell them to other individuals or businesses. It is suitable for those who want to start their own web hosting company or offer hosting services as part of their existing business.
- Colocation Hosting: In colocation hosting, you own the server hardware and lease rack space in a data center. The data center provides power, cooling, and internet connectivity, while you are responsible for managing the server. It offers full control and flexibility but requires technical expertise.
These are some of the most common types of web hosting services available. The choice of hosting depends on factors like your website’s requirements, expected traffic, budget, and technical expertise.
What type of website hosting should I buy?
The type of website hosting you need depends on various factors, including the nature of your website, expected traffic, budget, and technical requirements.
Here are a few scenarios to help you determine the appropriate hosting type:
- Shared Hosting: Shared hosting is suitable for small personal websites, blogs, or small businesses with low to moderate traffic. If you have a limited budget and don’t expect heavy traffic or complex technical requirements, shared hosting can be a cost-effective option.
- Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting: VPS hosting is ideal if you need more control, customization options, and dedicated resources. It is suitable for medium-sized businesses or websites with moderate to high traffic. If your website requires specific software installations or has increased security needs, VPS hosting can provide the necessary flexibility.
- Dedicated Hosting: Dedicated hosting is recommended for large websites or businesses with high traffic, resource-intensive applications, or specific security requirements. If you need complete control over your server, enhanced performance, and have the technical expertise to manage a dedicated server, this option can be suitable. However, dedicated hosting is generally more expensive.
- Cloud Hosting: Cloud hosting is beneficial if you expect fluctuations in traffic or if scalability and high uptime are crucial for your website. It is suitable for websites experiencing rapid growth, e-commerce platforms, or applications with variable resource requirements. Cloud hosting can handle traffic spikes efficiently and offers good scalability options.
- Managed WordPress Hosting: If your website runs on WordPress and you want a hassle-free experience with automatic updates, enhanced security, and specialized WordPress support, managed WordPress hosting is recommended. It is suitable for bloggers, content creators, or businesses relying heavily on WordPress.
- Other Factors: Besides the hosting type, consider factors such as storage space, bandwidth, security features, customer support, backup options, and any specific requirements your website may have (e.g., e-commerce functionality, database support, scripting languages).
It’s advisable to assess your current and future needs, evaluate the pros and cons of each hosting type, and choose the one that aligns with your requirements and budget.
Average Website Hosting Cost
Here are the types of hosting services along with their average cost ranges.
Please note that the prices can vary depending on the hosting provider, specific features, and additional services included:
- Shared Hosting: Shared hosting is typically the most affordable option.
- Average cost range: $2 to $10 per month.
- Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting: VPS hosting offers more resources and customization options than shared hosting.
- Average cost range: $20 to $80 per month.
- Dedicated Hosting: Dedicated hosting provides a dedicated physical server for your website.
- Average cost range: $80 to $300+ per month.
- Cloud Hosting: Cloud hosting offers scalability and flexibility.
- Average cost range: $10 to $200+ per month, depending on resource usage.
- Managed WordPress Hosting: Managed WordPress hosting is optimized for WordPress websites.
- Average cost range: $10 to $50 per month.
- Reseller Hosting: Reseller hosting allows you to sell hosting services to others.
- Average cost range: $15 to $50 per month, depending on resources and features.
- Colocation Hosting: Colocation hosting involves owning your server hardware and leasing rack space in a data center.
- Average cost range: $50 to $200+ per month, depending on space and additional services.
Keep in mind that these are rough average cost ranges, and prices may vary significantly depending on the hosting provider, location, server specifications, added features, and contract duration. It’s always recommended to thoroughly research and compare hosting providers to find the best option that fits your specific needs and budget.
Hidden Website Hosting Costs
While hosting providers typically advertise their base prices, there may be additional hidden costs that you should be aware of. These hidden costs can vary depending on the hosting provider and the specific services or features you require.
Here are a few common hidden costs to consider:
- Domain Registration: Some hosting providers may include the first year of domain registration for free, but subsequent years may incur an additional cost. Be sure to check the domain registration fees and renewal costs.
- SSL Certificates: SSL certificates enable secure connections for your website. While some hosting providers offer free SSL certificates, others may charge an additional fee for SSL installation or for more advanced SSL options.
- Site Migration: If you already have a website hosted elsewhere and want to transfer it to a new hosting provider, some providers may charge a migration fee for the transfer of your website files, databases, and configurations.
- Backup and Restoration: While many hosting providers offer basic backup services, some may charge an additional fee for more frequent or comprehensive backups. Additionally, restoration services, such as retrieving a backup copy of your website, may also incur an extra cost.
- Overage Charges: If your website exceeds the allocated resources (e.g., bandwidth, storage) included in your hosting plan, some providers may charge overage fees. It’s important to review the terms and conditions regarding resource usage to avoid unexpected costs.
- Renewal Prices: Hosting providers often offer discounted rates for the initial term, but renewal prices can be significantly higher. Make sure to check the renewal costs to have a clear understanding of the long-term expenses.
- Technical Support: While many hosting providers offer basic support, they may charge extra for advanced technical support or additional services, such as website optimization, security audits, or software installations.
To avoid surprises, thoroughly review the hosting provider’s terms of service, pricing details, and any add-on services or features that may come with additional costs. It’s always a good practice to clarify and confirm any potential hidden costs with the hosting provider before signing up for a hosting plan.
How to save money on website hosting costs?
If you’re looking to save money on website hosting costs, here are some tips to help you:
- Choose the Right Hosting Plan: Assess your website’s needs accurately and choose a hosting plan that aligns with those requirements. Avoid overpaying for features or resources you don’t need. For example, if you have a small personal blog, shared hosting might be sufficient initially, and you can upgrade later as your website grows.
- Compare Hosting Providers: Research and compare multiple hosting providers to find competitive pricing. Look for providers that offer reliable services, good customer support, and reasonable prices. Keep an eye out for special offers, discounts, or promotional deals that can help you save money.
- Opt for Longer Billing Cycles: Many hosting providers offer discounted rates for longer-term contracts. Consider opting for an annual or biennial billing cycle instead of monthly billing to get a lower overall price. However, make sure you are confident in the provider before committing to a long-term contract.
- Utilize Coupons and Promo Codes: Look for coupons or promo codes provided by hosting companies or affiliate websites. These codes can often give you additional discounts or benefits, such as free domain registration or reduced prices for the first few months.
- Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons: Some hosting providers may try to upsell you on additional services or features that you may not actually need. Carefully evaluate whether you truly require those add-ons and their associated costs. Stick to the essentials to save money.
- Monitor Resource Usage: Be mindful of your website’s resource usage to avoid incurring extra fees for overages. Optimize your website’s performance by using caching, optimizing images, and minimizing resource-heavy plugins or scripts. Regularly monitor your usage to stay within the allocated limits.
- Consider Free or Open-Source Alternatives: Depending on your website’s needs, you might find free or open-source alternatives that can fulfill your requirements. For example, you could use free content management systems like WordPress or utilize free website builders for basic websites.
- Review Renewal Prices: Before committing to a hosting provider, carefully review the renewal prices. Some providers may offer a discounted initial term but significantly increase the price upon renewal. Factor in the long-term costs when making your decision.
Remember, while saving money is important, it’s equally crucial to prioritize the reliability, performance, and support provided by the hosting provider. Cheaper hosting plans may come with limitations or compromises, so strike a balance between affordability and the quality of service that meets your website’s requirements.
Tips for managing website hosting expenses
Managing website hosting expenses efficiently can help you optimize costs without compromising the quality and performance of your website.
Here are some tips to help you effectively manage your hosting expenses:
- Assess Your Needs: Understand your website’s requirements and choose a hosting plan that aligns with those needs. Avoid overpaying for resources or features you don’t need. Consider factors such as expected traffic, storage requirements, bandwidth, and any specific software or script requirements.
- Regularly Review Hosting Plans: Keep an eye on the hosting market and periodically review your hosting plan. As your website grows or your needs change, you may require more resources or advanced features. Compare different hosting providers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
- Optimize Resource Usage: Efficiently manage your website’s resource usage to avoid unnecessary costs. Optimize your website’s performance by implementing caching, compressing images, and minimizing resource-heavy plugins or scripts. Regularly monitor resource usage to ensure you’re staying within the allocated limits of your hosting plan.
- Consider Scaling Options: If your website experiences periods of high traffic or fluctuating resource needs, explore scalable hosting options like cloud hosting. Cloud hosting allows you to scale resources up or down as needed, ensuring you only pay for the resources you require at any given time.
- Monitor and Control Bandwidth Usage: Bandwidth usage can significantly impact hosting costs, especially if you have large media files or heavy traffic. Optimize your website’s content delivery by implementing content delivery networks (CDNs) or compressing files to reduce bandwidth consumption.
- Regularly Backup Your Website: While backups may not directly impact hosting expenses, they are crucial for mitigating potential losses. Regularly back up your website and ensure the backup process is efficient. This can save you money by avoiding costly data loss or the need for expensive data recovery services.
- Opt for Long-Term Billing Cycles: Consider opting for longer billing cycles, such as annual or biennial plans, if you have confidence in your hosting provider. Hosting companies often offer discounts for longer commitments, which can help reduce your overall expenses.
- Utilize Cost-Saving Promotions: Take advantage of promotional offers, coupons, or discounts provided by hosting providers. These promotions can help you save money on initial sign-ups or first few months of hosting. However, be cautious and evaluate the long-term pricing beyond the promotional period.
- Monitor Hidden Costs: Pay attention to any hidden costs associated with your hosting plan, such as domain registration fees, SSL certificate costs, or add-on services. Be aware of renewal prices and any potential price hikes after the initial term.
- Consolidate Hosting Accounts: If you have multiple websites or domains, consider consolidating them under a single hosting account. Many hosting providers offer multi-domain hosting plans that can help you save money compared to maintaining separate hosting accounts for each website.
By implementing these tips, you can effectively manage your website hosting expenses while ensuring a reliable and high-performing online presence. Regularly review your hosting setup, stay informed about industry trends, and be proactive in optimizing resource usage to maximize cost savings.
Popular website hosting providers and their hosting pricing plans
There are numerous website hosting providers available in the market, each with its own pricing plans. Here are some popular hosting providers and an overview of their hosting pricing plans:
Bluehost website hosting plans
Bluehost is a popular hosting provider known for its reliable services and excellent customer support.
Here is an overview of Bluehost’s website hosting plans:
Shared Hosting:
- Basic: Starts at $2.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 10GB SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth, a free SSL certificate, and a free domain for the first year.
- CHOICE PLUS: Starts at $5.45 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 40GB SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth, a free SSL certificate, and a free domain for the first year. Offers additional features like spam experts, domain privacy, and unlimited email accounts.
- PRO: Starts at $13.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, unlimited SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth, a free SSL certificate, a free domain for the first year, domain privacy, automated backups, and CodeGuard basic backup.
Managed WordPress Hosting:
- BASIC: Starts at $2.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 10GB SSD storage, 50K monthly visits, daily backups, malware detection, and removal.
- CHOICE PLUS: Starts at $5.45 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 40GB SSD storage, 150K monthly visits, daily backups, malware detection, and removal. Offers Jetpack site analytics.
- PRO: Starts at $13.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 100GB SSD storage, 500K monthly visits, daily backups, malware detection, and removal. Offers Jetpack Pro and Bluehost SEO tools.
WooCommerce Hosting:
- Starter (ONLINE STORE): Starts at $9.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 1 online store, 100GB SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth, a free SSL certificate, a free domain for the first year, and marketing credits.
- Pro (ONLINE STORE + MARKETPLACE): Starts at $12.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited online stores, 200 GB SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth, a free SSL certificate, a free domain for the first year, marketing credits, and Bluehost SEO tools. Offers Blue Sky support.
Bluehost also offers VPS hosting, dedicated server hosting, and other specialized hosting options. The prices mentioned above are subject to change, and it’s recommended to visit the Bluehost website for the most up-to-date and detailed information about their hosting plans.
HostGator Website Hosting Plans
HostGator is a popular hosting provider known for its affordable plans and user-friendly interface.
Here is an overview of HostGator’s website hosting plans:
Shared Hosting:
- Hatchling Plan: Starts at $2.75 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, unmetered bandwidth, 10GB Disk space, free SSL certificate, and a free domain for one year.
- Baby Plan: Starts at $3.50 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, unmetered bandwidth, 40GB storage, free SSL certificate, and a free domain for one year.
- Business Plan: Starts at $5.25 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, unmetered bandwidth, Unlimited storage, free SSL certificate, free dedicated IP, free SEO tools, and a free domain for one year.
WordPress Hosting:
- Starter Plan: Starts at $5.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 100k visits per month,
1 GB backups, free SSL certificate, and free domain for one year.
- Standard Plan: Starts at $7.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 2 websites, 200k visits per month, 2GB backups, free SSL certificate, and free domain for one year.
- Business Plan: Starts at $9.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 3 websites, 500k visits per month, 3GB backups, free SSL certificate, free domain for one year, and free SEO tools.
VPS Hosting:
- Snappy 2000: Starts at $23.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 2 CPU cores, 2GB RAM, 120GB disk space, and 1.5TB bandwidth.
- Snappy 4000: Starts at $34.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 2 CPU cores, 4GB RAM, 165GB disk space, and 2TB bandwidth.
- Snappy 8000: Starts at $59.95 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 4 CPU cores, 8GB RAM, 240GB disk space, and 3TB bandwidth.
Dedicated Server Hosting:
- Value Server: Starts at $89.98 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 4 CPU cores, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD storage, and unmetered bandwidth.
- Power Server: Starts at $119.98 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 8 CPU cores, 16GB RAM, 2TB HDD storage, and unmetered bandwidth.
- Enterprise Server: Starts at $139.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 8 CPU cores, 30GB RAM, 1TB SSD storage, and unmetered bandwidth.
Please note that the prices mentioned above are subject to change and may vary based on promotional offers, contract durations, and additional services or features you choose to include. It’s recommended to visit the HostGator website for the most up-to-date and detailed information about their hosting plans.
SiteGround
SiteGround is a well-known hosting provider known for its performance and customer support.
Here is an overview of SiteGround’s website hosting plans:
Shared Hosting:
- StartUp: Starts at $3.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 10GB SSD storage, suitable for approximately 10,000 monthly visits, and essential features like free SSL and daily backups.
- GrowBig: Starts at $6.69 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 20GB SSD storage, suitable for approximately 25,000 monthly visits, and additional features like on-demand backups, free website transfer, and advanced caching.
- GoGeek: Starts at $10.69 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 40GB SSD storage, suitable for approximately 100,000 monthly visits, and advanced features like priority support, white-label caching, and Git integration.
Managed WordPress Hosting:
- StartUp: Starts at $3.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 10GB SSD storage, suitable for approximately 10,000 monthly visits, essential WordPress features, free SSL, and daily backups.
- GrowBig: Starts at $6.69 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 20GB SSD storage, suitable for approximately 25,000 monthly visits, additional WordPress features, on-demand backups, free website transfer, and advanced caching.
- GoGeek: Starts at $10.69 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 40GB SSD storage, suitable for approximately 100,000 monthly visits, advanced WordPress features, priority support, white-label caching, and Git integration.
WooCommerce Hosting:
- StartUp: Starts at $3.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 10GB SSD storage, suitable for approximately 10,000 monthly visits, essential WooCommerce features, free SSL, and daily backups.
- GrowBig: Starts at $6.69 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 20GB SSD storage, suitable for approximately 25,000 monthly visits, additional WooCommerce features, on-demand backups, free website transfer, and advanced caching.
- GoGeek: Starts at $10.69 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 40GB SSD storage, suitable for approximately 100,000 monthly visits, advanced WooCommerce features, priority support, white-label caching, and Git integration.
SiteGround also offers cloud hosting, enterprise hosting, and reseller hosting. The prices mentioned above are subject to change, and it’s recommended to visit the SiteGround website for the most up-to-date and detailed information about their hosting plans.
DreamHost Website Hosting Plans
DreamHost is a reputable hosting provider known for its reliable services.
Here is an overview of DreamHost’s website hosting plans:
Shared Hosting:
- Shared Starter: Starts at $2.59 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, unlimited traffic, free domain, and SSD storage.
- Shared Unlimited: Starts at $3.95 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, unlimited traffic, free domain, and SSD storage.
Managed WordPress Hosting:
- DreamPress: Starts at $16.95 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 30GB SSD storage, and suitable for approximately 100,000 monthly visitors. Offers automated backups, free SSL certificate, and staging environment.
- DreamPress Plus: Starts at $24.95 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 60GB SSD storage, and suitable for approximately 300,000 monthly visitors. Offers additional features such as Jetpack Professional, daily backups, and advanced caching.
- DreamPress Pro: Starts at $71.95 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 120GB SSD storage, and suitable for approximately 1 million monthly visitors. Offers advanced features like Jetpack Professional, daily backups with 1-click restore, and priority support.
VPS Hosting:
- VPS Basic: Starts at $10.00 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Offers 1GB RAM, 30GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, and scalable resources.
- VPS Business: Starts at $20.00 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Offers 2GB RAM, 60GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, and scalable resources.
- VPS Professional: Starts at $40.00 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Offers 4GB RAM, 120GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, and scalable resources.
Dedicated Server Hosting:
- Standard Dedicated: Starts at $149.00 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Offers 4-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 1TB HDD storage, and unlimited bandwidth.
- Enhanced Dedicated: Starts at $279.00 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Offers 12-core CPU, 16GB RAM, 2TB HDD storage, and unlimited bandwidth.
- Premier Dedicated: Starts at $379.00 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Offers 12-core CPU, 32GB RAM, 2TB HDD storage, and unlimited bandwidth.
DreamHost also provides other services like cloud hosting, WooCommerce hosting, and domain registration. The pricing mentioned above is subject to change, and it’s recommended to visit the DreamHost website for the most up-to-date and detailed information about their hosting plans.
A2 Website Hosting Plans
A2 Hosting is a popular hosting provider known for its performance and speed.
Here is an overview of A2 Hosting’s website hosting plans:
Shared Hosting:
- Startup: Starts at $2.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 100 GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and 5 databases.
- Drive: Starts at $5.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, unlimited storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and unlimited databases.
- Turbo Boost: Starts at $6.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, unlimited NVMe storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and unlimited databases. Offers Turbo Server for faster page loads.
Managed WordPress Hosting:
- 1-Site: Starts at $11.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 10 GB NVMe storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and managed WordPress features.
- 5-Sites: Starts at $18.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes 3 websites, 25 GB NVMe storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and managed WordPress features.
- Unlimited: Starts at $28.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 40 GB NVMe storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and managed WordPress features.
Reseller Hosting:
- Bronze: Starts at $13.19 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes 40 GB SSD storage, 600 GB data transfer, free SSL certificate, WHM control panel, and unlimited cPanel accounts.
- Silver: Starts at $18.47 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes 60 GB SSD storage, 1 TB data transfer, free SSL certificate, WHM control panel, and unlimited cPanel accounts.
- Platinum: Starts at $24.41 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Includes 100 GB SSD storage, 1.6 TB data transfer, free SSL certificate, WHM control panel, and unlimited cPanel accounts.
VPS Hosting:
- Unmanaged VPS: Starts at $2.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Offers various plans with different CPU cores, RAM, storage, bandwidth, and root access.
- Managed VPS: Starts at $39.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Offers various plans with different CPU cores, RAM, storage, bandwidth, root access, and managed support.
Dedicated Server Hosting:
- Unmanaged Dedicated Server: Starts at $105.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Offers various plans with different CPU, RAM, storage, bandwidth, and root access.
- Managed Dedicated Server: Starts at $155.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term. Offers various plans with different CPU, RAM, storage, bandwidth, and fully managed support.
Please note that the prices mentioned are subject to change and may vary based on promotional offers, contract durations, and additional services or features you choose to include. It’s recommended to visit the A2 Hosting website for the most up-to-date and detailed information about their hosting plans.
Godaddy website hosting plans
GoDaddy is a well-known hosting provider that offers a range of hosting plans.
Here is an overview of some of GoDaddy’s website hosting plans:
Economy Shared Hosting:
Starts at $5.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term.
Includes 1 website, 100GB storage, unmetered bandwidth, and a free domain with an annual plan.
Deluxe Shared Hosting:
Starts at $7.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term.
Includes unlimited websites, unlimited storage, unmetered bandwidth, and a free domain with an annual plan.
Ultimate Shared Hosting:
Starts at $12.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term.
Includes unlimited websites, unlimited storage, unmetered bandwidth, and a free domain with an annual plan.
Offers premium DNS, free SSL certificate for the first year, and a free Premium website builder.
Business Hosting:
Starts at $19.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term.
Designed for high-traffic websites and includes dedicated resources.
Offers unlimited websites, unlimited storage, unmetered bandwidth, a free domain with an annual plan, and a free SSL certificate.
WordPress Hosting:
Starts at $8.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term.
Designed specifically for WordPress websites with optimized performance.
Offers various plans, including Basic, Deluxe, Ultimate, and Ecommerce, with different features and resources.
VPS Hosting:
Starts at $9.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term.
Provides virtual private servers with scalable resources, root access, and optional managed services.
Offers multiple plans based on CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth requirements.
Dedicated Server Hosting:
Starts at $129.99 per month (renewal price) for the first term.
Offers dedicated server resources, full root access, and multiple plans based on CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth requirements.
Includes 24/7 security monitoring and DDoS protection.
It’s important to note that the prices mentioned are subject to change and may vary based on promotional offers, contract durations, and additional services or features you choose to include. It’s recommended to visit the GoDaddy website for the most up-to-date and detailed information about their hosting plans.
Hostinger Website Hosting Plans
Hostinger is a popular hosting provider known for its affordable prices and feature-rich hosting plans.
Here is an overview of Hostinger’s website hosting plans:
Shared Hosting:
- Single Shared Hosting: Starts at $1.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 1 website, 10GB SSD storage, 100GB bandwidth, and one email account.
- Premium Shared Hosting: Starts at $2.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 20GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited email accounts. Also includes a free domain registration.
- Business Shared Hosting: Starts at $3.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 100GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited email accounts. Also includes a free domain registration, daily backups, and a free SSL certificate.
Cloud Hosting:
- Startup Cloud: Starts at $9.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 3GB RAM, 200GB SSD storage, 2 CPU cores, and unlimited bandwidth.
- Professional Cloud: Starts at $14.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 6GB RAM, 250GB SSD storage, 4 CPU cores, and unlimited bandwidth.
- Enterprise: Starts at $29.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 12GB RAM, 300GB SSD storage, 6 CPU cores, and unlimited bandwidth.
WordPress Hosting:
- WordPress Starter: Starts at $2.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 100 website, 100GB SSD storage, 100GB bandwidth, and one email account.
- WordPress Premium: Starts at $3.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes unlimited websites, 200GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited email accounts. Also includes Jetpack Free and a free domain registration.
- WordPress Business: Starts at $9.99 per month (regular price) for the first term. Includes 300 websites, 100GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited email accounts. Also includes Jetpack Personal, daily backups, and a free SSL certificate.
Hostinger also offers VPS hosting, Minecraft server hosting, and other specialized hosting options. The prices mentioned above are subject to change, and it’s recommended to visit the Hostinger website for the most up-to-date and detailed information about their hosting plans.
Bigrock Website Hosting Plans
BigRock is a popular hosting provider known for its affordable plans and domain registration services.
Here is an overview of BigRock’s website hosting plans:
Shared Hosting:
- Starter: Starts at ₹69 per month (regular price). Includes 1 website, 20GB disk space, 100GB bandwidth, and 5 email accounts.
- Advanced: Starts at ₹159 per month (regular price). Includes 1 websites, unmetered disk space, unmetered bandwidth, and unlimited email accounts.
- Pro: Starts at ₹199 per month (regular price). Includes unlimited websites, unmetered disk space, unmetered bandwidth, unlimited email accounts, and a free SSL certificate.
WordPress Hosting:
- Essential: Starts at ₹199 per month (regular price). Includes 1 website, 5GB disk space, 25,000 monthly visitors, and automatic WordPress updates.
- Deluxe: Starts at ₹299 per month (regular price). Includes 2 websites, 20GB disk space, 50,000 monthly visitors, and automatic WordPress updates.
- Ultimate(Bluehost): Starts at ₹299 per month (regular price). Includes 5 websites, 40GB disk space, 1,00,000 monthly visitors, and automatic WordPress updates.
Reseller Hosting:
- Essential: Starts at ₹1499 per month (regular price). Includes 50GB disk space, 1000GB bandwidth, and the ability to host unlimited domains.
- Deluxe: Starts at ₹2249 per month (regular price). Includes 150GB disk space, 2900GB bandwidth, and the ability to host unlimited domains.
- PREMIUM: Starts at ₹3199 per month (regular price). Includes 200GB disk space, 4000GB bandwidth, and the ability to host unlimited domains.
VPS Hosting:
- Standard: Starts at ₹499 per month (regular price). Includes 2 CPU cores, 2GB RAM, 40GB storage, and 1TB bandwidth.
- Enhanced: Starts at ₹899 per month (regular price). Includes 2 CPU cores, 4GB RAM, 80GB storage, and 2TB bandwidth.
- Premium: Starts at ₹1799 per month (regular price). Includes 4 CPU cores, 6GB RAM, 120GB storage, and 3TB bandwidth.
Please note that the prices mentioned above are subject to change, and it’s recommended to visit the BigRock website for the most up-to-date and detailed information about their hosting plans.
Milesweb Website Hosting Plans
MilesWeb is a hosting provider known for its reliable services and a wide range of hosting options.
Here is an overview of MilesWeb’s website hosting plans:
Shared Hosting:
- Tyro: Starts at ₹50 per month. Includes 1 website, 1GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and cPanel control panel.
- Swift: Starts at ₹100 per month. Includes unlimited websites, unlimited SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and cPanel control panel.
- Turbo: Starts at ₹180 per month. Includes unlimited websites, unlimited SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, cPanel control panel, and LiteSpeed Web Server.
WordPress Hosting:
- WP Lite: Starts at ₹50 per month. Includes 1 website, 1GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and cPanel control panel.
- WP Deluxe: Starts at ₹100 per month. Includes unlimited websites, unlimited SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and cPanel control panel.
- WP Turbo: Starts at ₹180 per month. Includes unlimited websites, unlimited SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, cPanel control panel, and LiteSpeed Web Server.
Reseller Hosting:
- Pluto: Starts at ₹315 per month. Includes 50GB SSD storage, 500GB bandwidth, free SSL certificate, WHM and cPanel control panels, and overselling enabled.
- Mars: Starts at ₹720 per month. Includes 100GB SSD storage, 1000GB bandwidth, free SSL certificate, WHM and cPanel control panels, and overselling enabled.
- Jupiter: Starts at ₹1350 per month. Includes 200GB SSD storage, 2000GB bandwidth, free SSL certificate, WHM and cPanel control panels, and overselling enabled.
VPS Hosting:
- V1: Starts at ₹630 per month. Includes 2 CPU cores, 2GB RAM, 50GB SSD storage, 1TB bandwidth, and full root access.
- V2: Starts at ₹756 per month. Includes 2 CPU cores, 4GB RAM, 100GB SSD storage, 2TB bandwidth, and full root access.
- V3: Starts at ₹1368 per month. Includes 4 CPU cores, 8GB RAM, 200GB SSD storage, 3TB bandwidth, and full root access.
MilesWeb also offers various other hosting options like cloud hosting, dedicated servers, and more. The prices mentioned above are subject to change, and it’s recommended to visit the MilesWeb website for the most up-to-date and detailed information about their hosting plans.
How Much Does Website Hosting Cost in 2023?
The cost of website hosting can vary depending on the type of hosting, the level of resources required, and the hosting provider. As a general guideline, shared hosting plans can range from INR 150 to INR 6000 per month, while VPS hosting plans typically range from INR 1700 to INR 6500 per month. Dedicated hosting plans can cost anywhere from INR 6500 to INR 21000 per month, and cloud hosting plans can range from INR 750 to INR 7500 per month. These prices are approximate and may vary based on the hosting provider, plan features, and any promotional discounts that may be available.
It’s important to consider your website’s requirements when choosing a hosting plan, such as the expected traffic volume, resource usage, and necessary features like SSL certificates or backups. It’s also a good idea to research different hosting providers, compare their plans and pricing, and read reviews from other users to find a reliable and cost-effective hosting solution.
how to calculate the website hosting cost?
To calculate the website hosting cost, you need to consider several factors, such as the type of hosting, resources required, and any additional features or services. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to calculate the website hosting cost:
Determine the type of hosting: There are different types of hosting, such as shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and cloud hosting. Each type of hosting has different features and costs, so choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Determine the resources required: The resources required for hosting can include CPU, RAM, storage space, and bandwidth. The amount of resources required depends on the website’s traffic volume and complexity.
Check the hosting plans and pricing: Research different hosting providers and compare their plans and pricing. Look for plans that offer the required resources and features at a reasonable cost.
Consider additional features or services: Some hosting providers offer additional features or services, such as SSL certificates, backups, and security features. Consider these features when calculating the hosting cost.
Calculate the total cost: Once you have determined the hosting type, resources required, and additional features, calculate the total cost of the hosting plan. This can be done by multiplying the monthly or annual cost by the duration of the hosting contract.
It’s important to note that the cost of website hosting can vary based on the hosting provider, plan features, and any promotional discounts that may be available. Be sure to compare multiple providers and read reviews from other users to find a reliable and cost-effective hosting solution.
Website Hosting Charges in India
There is not any fixed website hosting pricing but every hosting company has its own hosting plans and we will discuss those website hosting types and monthly and yearly website hosting pricing plans and compare the hosting prices from different hosting companies in this blog.
factors that Affect the Website Hosting Cost
When it comes to website hosting charges, there are many elements that determine the cost to host a website in India. A few of them includes:
Different Types of Web Hosting And Their Costs to Host a Website in India
Shared Web Hosting Cost
This type of hosting is leveraged by businesses and individuals either when they have a low traffic website or have a less-functional and static page website. It is generally the most economical and the cheapest option for hosting. The primary reason behind the low cost of this hosting-type is that the overall cost of server maintenance is spread over many customers.
Also Read: Types of Websites
When it comes to getting hosting services, there are more than enough options available. There are many renowned hosting providers like Go Daddy, Big Rock and A2 Hosting, and more. With a slight difference in the cost, the shared web hosting packages offered by them give tons of extra features while keeping the prices lowest.
Must-Have Features in a Shared Website Hosting Plan:
Shared Website Hosting Cost
| Host | Entry Plan | Key Features |
| Go Daddy | Rs. 149/ Month | Best for a basic site 1 website Unmetered bandwidth 100 GB storage Free Professional Email (348.00/yr value) – 1st year Free domain with annual plan |
| Dream Host | Rs. 183.33/ Month | Shared Resources Automated WordPress Updates SSL Certificate Included Automated Backups 24/7 Standard WordPress Support NEW Free Automated WordPress Migrations NEW WP Website Builder |
| Host Gator | Rs. 99/ Month | Unmetered Bandwidth Unlimited Email Account(s) One-Click installs India Server Location |
| Blue Host | Rs. 199/Month | Great for a new website or blog Easy-to-use customer dashboard Fully managed solution |
| A2 Hosting | Rs. 220.60/Month | 1 Website 100 GB SSD Storage Free & Easy Site Migration Money-Back Guarantee |
**Note: The shared hosting costs of various service providers mentioned here are likely to change with time. You are requested to visit their websites before making any purchase decision.**
VPS Web Hosting
VPS stands for Virtual Private Servers. By leveraging a VPS Hosting Plan, you’ll get a fixed amount of services that you needn’t share with anyone. It is similar to having a private server but virtually.
Must-Have Features in a VPS Web Hosting Plan:
VPS Website Hosting Cost
| Host | Entry Plan | Key Features |
| Go Daddy | Rs. 439/ Month | 1 CPU Core 1 GB RAM 20 GB SSD Storage Linux only, no control panel |
| Dream Host | Rs. 736.26/ Month | Managed Performance, Security, & Updates Unhindered performance with your own server resources Quick & easy to use custom control panel Unlimited bandwidth & traffic Expandable RAM & storage SSDs, email, SSL, & unlimited domains included US-Based VPS Migrations NEW WP Website Builder |
| Host Gator | Rs. 1199/ Month | Full Root Access High-Speed SSD Storage Near-instant provisioning Free Website Migration |
| Blue Host | Rs. 1159/Month | 2 Cores 30 GB SSD Storage 2 GB RAM 1 TB Bandwidth 1 IP Address FREE Domain for 1 Year Microsoft Office Email – Free 30 Days |
| A2 Hosting | Rs. 219/Month | Up To 20X FASTER Turbo Servers 4GB RAM 150 GB SSD Storage 2TB Transfer 2 Cores Free SSL Certificate (HTTPS) Free Website Migration 100% Worry-Free Server Management Hassle-Free Money-Back Guarantee cPanel Control Panel |
Dedicated Web Hosting
A dedicated web server works as a storage unit for your website or web applications. It stores documents, videos, images, and other computer files online. With a dedicated web hosting plan, you get a space reserved on the server of the web hosting service providers. All you’ve to do is upload files or a website onto the server.
Must-Have Features in a Dedicated Web Hosting Plan:
Dedicated Website Hosting Cost
| Host | Entry Plan | Key Features |
| Go Daddy | Rs. 8,839/ Month | Intel Xeon-D 4C/8T – 3.0 GHz Turbo 32 GB DDR4 RAM 2 x 4 TB HDD Storage (RAID-1) |
| Dream Host | Rs. 11,061.47/ Month | Standard Intel Xeon 4-Core 8-Thread 4 GB RAM 1 TB HDD RAID 1 Storage Root Access Local MySQL Database Server Ubuntu 100% Network Uptime Guarantee 24×7 Tech Support & Server Monitoring DDoS Protection |
| Host Gator | Rs. 9,545/ Month | Win-Basic Intel E3-1220LV3 3.10 GHz Quad-Core 4 GB DDR3 RAM 1000 GB HDD in RAID 1 1 TB Transfer 2 Free IPs |
| Blue Host | Rs. 5,939.30/Month | Standard CPU 2.3GHz CPU 4 Cores CPU 4 Threads CPU 3 MB Cache 4 GB RAM 5 TB Bandwidth 3 IP Addresses RAID Level 1 Storage – 2 x 500 GB |
| A2 Hosting | Rs. 9,580.64/Month | Hyper 1 2 x 1 TB RAID 1 SSD Storage 16 GB DDR4 ECC RAM From 6 TB Transfer 4 Cores 4 Threads 4.6 GHz Clock Speed |
Cloud Web Hosting
When your new website starts to grow and attain traffic, and your shared hosting plan doesn’t suffice with your requirements, you will need a cloud hosting plan to fill the purpose.
Incorporating the power and reliability of a VPS with the ease of shared hosting, cloud hosting would be just enough to fulfill all your needs.
It is built on cloud technology and has the prowess to adroitly fulfill your hosting needs. It is its easy-to-use features, dedicated resources, dependability, scalability, and flexibility that helps maintain fast load times.
Must-Have Features in a Cloud Web Hosting Plan:
Cloud Web Hosting Cost
| Host | Entry Plan | Key Features |
| Dream Host | Rs. 331.32/ Month | Unparalleled Speed Full Root Access, Full Control Servers that scale with you |
| Host Gator | Rs. 479/ Month |  |
| Blue Host | Rs. 809.15/Month |  |
| A2 Hosting | Rs. 367.01/Month | Up To 20X FASTER Turbo Servers 1GB RAM RAID-10 SSD Storage 2TB Transfer 1 Core Root Access Hassle-Free Money-Back Guarantee |
WordPress Web Hosting
If you are planning to build a WordPress website, then WordPress hosting plans can typically offer resources that are optimized for the platform. It will provide you with the required set of tools and resources to run the WordPress website.
With benefits like predictable server usage, improved security, ease of set-up, and beginner friendliness, WordPress hosting brings-in various services to help your website run efficiently.
Must-Have Features in a WordPress Hosting Plan
WordPress Website Hosting Cost
| Host | Entry Plan | Key Features |
| Go Daddy | Rs. 199/ Month | Free 24/7 support 1 website 30 GB storage Up to 25K monthly visitors Free business email – 1st year Free domain CDN Boost for up to 50% faster load times Access to thousands of free themes and plugin |
| Dream Host | Rs. 183.33/ Month | 1 Website Free Domain included Unlimited Traffic WordPress Pre-Installed NEW Free Automated WordPress Migrations NEW WP Website Builder Fast SSD Storage Free SSL Certificate |
| Host Gator | Rs. 249/ Month | 1 WordPress Installation Dual-Core CPU 5 GB Storage 2 GB RAM Visitors up to 25K/month Unlimited Email Accounts MOJO Marketplace* JetPack Plugin* |
| Blue Host | Rs. 199/Month | 1 Website 50 GB SSD Storage 5 Parked Domains 25 Subdomains Unlimited Databases Free SSL Certificate FREE Domain for 1 Year Free Automatic Daily Malware Scan FREE Cloudflare CDN FREE Staging Environment |
| A2 Hosting | Rs. 219.91/Month | 1 Website 100 GB SSD Storage Free & Easy Site Migration Money-Back Guarantee |
**Note: The wordpress hosting costs of various service providers mentioned here are likely to change with time. You are requested to visit their websites before making any purchase decision.**
Cost to Switch The Website Hosting
There can be many underlying reasons that would require you to migrate your website to a different service provider.
Migration of a website from one host to another can be done in either way. If you have the prowess to skillfully migrate all your web pages from one host to another, and then you can do it on your own. On the off chance, if you think it is not your cup of tea, then you can take the help of hosting providers.
Depending on the host, and the number of files, extensions, and images on your website, the cost to migrate your website from one host to another can range between $150 and $400.
how to know which Website hosting plan is suitable for me?
Choosing the right hosting plan depends on your website’s requirements, traffic volume, and level of technical expertise. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a hosting plan:
Traffic volume: Consider the expected traffic volume to your website. If you expect low to moderate traffic, shared hosting may be suitable. If you anticipate high traffic volume, consider VPS, dedicated, or cloud hosting.
Technical expertise: If you have technical expertise, you may prefer hosting plans that offer greater control and flexibility, such as VPS or dedicated hosting. If you’re new to web hosting, shared hosting may be a better option as it requires less technical knowledge.
Budget: Hosting plans can vary in cost, so consider your budget when selecting a hosting plan. Shared hosting plans are typically the most affordable, while dedicated hosting plans are more expensive.
Features: Different hosting plans offer various features, such as SSL certificates, backups, and security features. Consider which features are essential for your website and look for hosting plans that offer them.
Scalability: Consider whether your website’s requirements may change in the future. If you anticipate future growth, consider hosting plans that offer scalability, such as cloud hosting.
It’s a good idea to research different hosting providers and read reviews from other users to find a reliable and suitable hosting plan for your website. Some providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees, which can help you test the hosting service before committing to a long-term contract.
Different Costs Involved in Creating a Website
There are many factors and components involved in creating a website. A few of them includes:
Content Creation
Content is an essential component of a website. The cost involved in content creation depends on the agency or a freelance content creator you have hired.
Graphic Design
Without graphics, the website would barely appear attractive. Therefore, it is important to get professional graphic designing services handy.
Domain
The cost incurred on the website’s domain helps create a successful web presence and adds credibility to your business.
Marketing And Others
Marketing of the website is done to endorse the business and make its offerings known to the right set of the target audience
Web Development
Website development is an essential service without which you can’t even imagine creating a website. The website development cost relies upon the size of the website, functionalities imbibed in it, and the design of the website.
factors that affect website hosting cost
Several factors can affect the cost of website hosting.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Hosting Provider: Different hosting providers offer various pricing structures and packages. The cost can vary depending on the reputation, features, and quality of service provided by the hosting company.
- Type of Hosting: Different types of hosting, such as shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and cloud hosting, have varying price points. Shared hosting is typically the most affordable option, while dedicated hosting tends to be more expensive.
- Resource Allocation: The amount of server resources allocated to your website can impact the cost. Plans with higher resource allocations, such as CPU power, RAM, disk space, and bandwidth, generally come at a higher price.
- Website Traffic and Bandwidth: Hosting providers may charge based on the amount of bandwidth your website consumes. If you have high traffic or expect significant growth, you might need a plan with higher bandwidth allocation, which can increase the cost.
- Additional Features and Services: Hosting providers often offer add-ons and extra features such as SSL certificates, website backups, domain registration, website builders, and security enhancements. These additional services may come at an extra cost.
- Contract Length: The duration of your hosting contract can affect the pricing. Providers often offer discounted rates for longer-term contracts, such as annual or multi-year commitments. Short-term contracts or month-to-month options may have higher monthly costs.
- Provider Reputation and Support: Hosting companies with a strong reputation and reliable customer support often charge a premium for their services. While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, consider the importance of reliable support and uptime for your website.
- Promotional Offers and Discounts: Hosting providers frequently offer promotional deals, introductory discounts, or coupon codes, which can significantly reduce the hosting cost for the initial term. Keep an eye out for such offers.
- Geographic Location: The location of the hosting servers can affect the cost. Hosting services in certain regions or countries may be more expensive due to factors like infrastructure costs and local market conditions.
It’s essential to carefully assess your website’s needs and consider these factors when selecting a hosting plan to find the right balance between cost and performance.
Want to know more about website hosting cost? Get in Touch!
If you are looking for a website development company in India then look no further than RankON Technologies for the best web design services in India. Contact us today for more details. Visit our website development packages now!
Get in Touch!Check our Web Development PackagesFrequently Asked Questions About Website Hosting Charges
The cost of website hosting can vary widely depending on factors such as the hosting provider, type of hosting, server resources, features, and contract duration. Shared hosting plans can start as low as a few dollars per month, while more advanced hosting options like VPS or dedicated hosting can range from $20 to several hundred dollars per month.
While most hosting providers are transparent about their pricing, it’s essential to review the terms and conditions to understand any potential hidden costs. Some common additional charges may include domain registration fees, SSL certificate costs, renewal prices after the initial term, and fees for additional services or add-ons.
Yes, there are free hosting options available, but they usually come with limitations and restrictions. Free hosting plans may have limited storage, bandwidth, and features. Additionally, they often display ads on your website. For professional websites or those with specific requirements, it’s generally recommended to opt for paid hosting services for better performance, reliability, and support.
Most hosting providers allow you to upgrade or downgrade your hosting plan based on your needs. It’s important to check with your hosting provider about their policy on plan changes, any associated fees, and the process for upgrading or downgrading.
Yes, there are several ways to save money on website hosting costs. Some strategies include:
Opting for longer-term contracts to take advantage of discounted rates.
Comparing hosting providers and looking for promotional offers or discounts.
Choosing shared hosting if your website’s requirements are minimal.
Regularly reviewing your hosting needs and adjusting your plan accordingly to avoid overpaying for unnecessary resources.
Monitoring for renewal prices and considering switching providers if a better deal is available.
