
Starting a WordPress blog is one of the most popular ways to build an online presence, whether you’re looking to earn money, showcase a portfolio, share your passion, or promote a business. But how much does it really cost to create a WordPress blog in the Philippines?
This in-depth guide breaks down the actual costs of creating a WordPress blog in 2025, from domain registration to web hosting, premium themes, plugins, and optional professional services. Whether you're a student, freelancer, small business owner, or hobbyist, this article will help you plan your blog budget with real PHP-based figures.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that powers more than 40% of all websites on the internet. It comes in two versions:
- WordPress.com – a hosted platform that’s easy to use but has limitations unless you upgrade to a paid plan.
- WordPress.org – the self-hosted version, which gives you full control, access to plugins and themes, and better monetization options.
In this article, we’ll focus on the self-hosted WordPress.org setup, which is the preferred option for serious bloggers and professionals.
Basic Cost Breakdown of a WordPress Blog in the Philippines
Here’s a quick overview of the essential and optional costs of running a WordPress blog in PHP:
Item | Estimated Cost (PHP/year) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Domain Name | PHP 600 – PHP 1,200 | .com or .ph domain |
Web Hosting | PHP 1,200 – PHP 6,000+ | Shared, VPS, or Managed WordPress |
SSL Certificate | Free – PHP 2,500 | Often included with hosting |
WordPress Theme (Premium) | Free – PHP 4,000+ | One-time or yearly |
Essential Plugins (Premium) | Free – PHP 10,000+ | Varies widely |
Professional Services (Optional) | PHP 5,000 – PHP 30,000+ | For web dev, SEO, content writing |
Miscellaneous (Stock images, tools) | PHP 1,000 – PHP 5,000 | Optional |
Now, let’s dive deeper into each of these costs.
1. Domain Name Registration
Your domain name is your blog’s address online (e.g., www.myblog.com). You’ll need to register it through a domain registrar.
Cost:
- .com domains: PHP 600 – PHP 1,200 per year
- .ph or .com.ph domains: PHP 1,500 – PHP 2,500 per year (more expensive due to country-specific pricing)
Where to Buy:
- GoDaddy
- Namecheap
- dotPH (for .ph domains)
Tip: Stick to .com
unless you have a reason to localize heavily within the Philippines.
2. Web Hosting
Web hosting is where your blog’s files are stored and served to visitors.
Hosting Options:
a) Shared Hosting (Budget-friendly)
- Cost: PHP 1,200 – PHP 3,000/year
- Providers: Hostinger, Bluehost, SiteGround, NameHero
- Best for: Beginners and low-traffic blogs
b) VPS Hosting (For growing blogs)
- Cost: PHP 5,000 – PHP 15,000/year
- Providers: Kamatera, DigitalOcean, Contabo
- Best for: Blogs with moderate to high traffic
c) Managed WordPress Hosting
- Cost: PHP 6,000 – PHP 25,000/year
- Providers: Kinsta, WP Engine, Flywheel
- Best for: Professionals who want performance and ease
Local Hosting Providers (Philippines-based):
- Z.com PH – Affordable and reliable local option
- iManila – Local support and domain/hosting packages
3. SSL Certificate (HTTPS)
An SSL certificate is essential for website security and is now a ranking factor in Google search.
Cost:
- Free: Many hosts offer free SSL via Let's Encrypt
- Paid: PHP 1,000 – PHP 2,500/year for advanced certificates
Recommendation: Always enable SSL, even if it’s free.
4. WordPress Themes
A theme controls how your blog looks. WordPress has thousands of free themes, but premium ones offer more features and better support.
Cost:
- Free Themes: PHP 0 (Astra, GeneratePress, Neve)
- Premium Themes: PHP 2,000 – PHP 4,000 (one-time or yearly)
Where to Buy:
- ThemeForest
- Elegant Themes (Divi)
- StudioPress
5. Plugins (Essential & Premium)
Plugins add functionality to your blog—like contact forms, SEO tools, security, and backups.
Must-Have Free Plugins:
- Yoast SEO or Rank Math – SEO optimization
- UpdraftPlus – Backups
- WPForms – Contact forms
- Wordfence or Sucuri – Security
- LiteSpeed Cache or WP Rocket – Speed optimization
Premium Plugin Costs:
- PHP 1,000 – PHP 10,000+ per year, depending on licenses and features
Examples:
- WP Rocket (Speed): ~PHP 2,500/year
- Elementor Pro (Page builder): ~PHP 2,400/year
- SEO Premium tools: PHP 3,000 – PHP 7,000/year
6. Optional Costs
a) Professional Web Design or Development
- Freelancer Rate (Philippines): PHP 5,000 – PHP 15,000 for basic blogs
- Agency Packages: PHP 15,000 – PHP 50,000+
b) Content Writing
- Blog article (500-1,000 words): PHP 500 – PHP 2,500
- Monthly packages available
c) SEO Services
- Initial setup: PHP 5,000 – PHP 20,000
- Monthly retainers (optional): PHP 5,000 – PHP 50,000+
d) Branding (Logo, Color Scheme)
- Logo design: PHP 500 – PHP 5,000
- Brand kit: PHP 5,000+
Sample Budget: Starting a Blog in the Philippines (Low-Cost Option)
Item | Cost (PHP) |
---|---|
Domain Name (.com) | 800 |
Shared Hosting (1 year) | 1,500 |
Free SSL | 0 |
Free Theme (Astra) | 0 |
Essential Free Plugins | 0 |
Logo (Canva or Fiverr) | 500 |
Total | PHP 2,800 |
Sample Budget: Professional Setup
Item | Cost (PHP) |
---|---|
Domain Name | 1,000 |
Managed Hosting | 8,000 |
Premium Theme | 3,000 |
Premium Plugins | 6,000 |
Logo + Brand Design | 5,000 |
Web Developer | 20,000 |
Content Writing (Initial) | 5,000 |
SEO Setup | 7,000 |
Total | PHP 55,000+ |
Tips to Reduce WordPress Blog Costs in the Philippines
- Start with free tools – You can always upgrade later.
- Use local freelancers – There are many skilled WordPress developers in the Philippines at affordable rates.
- Watch for discounts – Hosting and themes often offer sales during holidays.
- Use Canva – A free and powerful tool for design.
- Learn DIY WordPress – YouTube and free online courses can help you avoid developer fees.
Can You Make Money from Your Blog in the Philippines?
Yes! Here are common monetization options:
- Google AdSense
- Affiliate Marketing
- Sponsored Posts
- Selling Digital Products
- Online Courses or Coaching
Tip: Monetization typically requires high-quality content and traffic, so be patient and consistent.
Conclusion
Creating a WordPress blog in the Philippines can cost as little as PHP 2,800 for a basic setup or over PHP 50,000 for a professionally built, monetizable website. The total investment depends on your goals, technical skills, and whether you plan to DIY or hire professionals.
No matter your budget, starting a blog is a powerful step toward building your digital identity, earning income online, or promoting a business. With careful planning, even beginners in the Philippines can launch a beautiful, fully functional blog without breaking the bank.
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