Australia has become one of the fastest-growing regions for online shopping. With consumers embracing digital purchasing, many entrepreneurs are turning to Shopify to launch their stores.
But one of the most common questions asked before starting is: How much does it cost to build a Shopify store in Australia?
The cost depends on multiple factors, including store size, design needs, payment integrations, custom apps, and long-term maintenance.
In this blog, we will break down the expenses, compare pricing tiers, and help you understand what to expect when planning your Shopify project in Australia.
Key Factors That Influence Shopify Store Cost
When estimating the cost, you need to look at more than just subscription fees. Here are the main factors:
1. Shopify Subscription Plans
Shopify offers multiple pricing options. Your choice depends on the scale of your business:
- Basic Shopify – Ideal for small businesses starting.
- Shopify (Standard) – Suits growing stores with higher sales.
- Advanced Shopify – Designed for scaling businesses requiring advanced reporting.
- Shopify Plus – Best for enterprises with complex needs.
Prices in Australia start from around AUD 51/month for Basic and go up to AUD 399/month for Advanced. Shopify Plus starts at USD 2,000/month.
2. Store Design and Theme
Design is one of the first impressions your store makes. Shopify has free and paid themes:
- Free themes – Good for beginners but limited in customization.
- Paid themes – Range from AUD 250 to AUD 500 (one-time).
If you need Shopify custom design solutions, then hiring experts can cost around AUD 2,000 – AUD 8,000, depending on complexity.
3. Development and Custom Features
Every business has unique requirements. Features like product filters, custom checkout, or third-party integrations increase costs.
- Basic setup: AUD 2,000 – AUD 4,000
- Custom development: AUD 5,000 – AUD 15,000+
For stores requiring advanced integrations like ERP, CRM, or headless commerce, the cost can climb even higher.
4. Payment Gateway Fees in Australia
Shopify Payments is available in Australia and charges around 1.75% + AUD 0.30 per transaction for domestic cards.
Third-party gateways may have slightly higher fees, so you should calculate based on expected sales volume.
5. Apps and Plugins
Shopify’s App Store has thousands of plugins. Many are free, but the advanced ones cost extra.
- Average paid app pricing: AUD 10 – AUD 50/month
- For multiple apps, expect around AUD 100 – AUD 300/month
Some businesses may also require custom apps, which cost AUD 3,000 – AUD 10,000 to build.
6. Domain and Hosting
Shopify provides hosting, but you’ll need a domain name.
- Domain: AUD 15 – AUD 25/year
Hosting is included in Shopify subscriptions, so no extra cost is needed.
7. Marketing and SEO
Launching a store is only half the job. Driving traffic is equally important.
- SEO setup: AUD 800 – AUD 2,500
- Paid ads: AUD 500 – AUD 5,000+ monthly, depending on budget
8. Maintenance and Support
Ongoing support includes bug fixes, updates, and performance monitoring.
- Small stores: AUD 200 – AUD 500/month
- Larger stores: AUD 1,000 – AUD 3,000+/month
Also Read: Choose the Right Ecommerce Web Developer for Your Online Store
Shopify Store Cost Breakdown in Australia
Here’s a clear table to help visualize the expenses:
Estimated Shopify Store Setup Cost in Australia
Shopify Store Cost Scenarios in Australia
Shopify Plus in Australia – Is It Worth the Price?
For enterprises generating high revenue, Shopify Plus is often the go-to choice. It offers advanced features like:
- Dedicated account manager
- Priority support
- Custom checkout functions
- API resources for ERP/CRM integrations
Though starting at USD 2,000/month, it pays off for businesses with high-volume sales that require a reliable, scalable solution.
Common Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
While planning your Shopify budget, keep in mind:
- Premium apps that add recurring fees
- Transaction charges for external gateways
- Professional photography for products
- Copywriting services for product descriptions
- Advanced marketing campaigns
Why Work With a Shopify Development Partner?
Building a Shopify store requires both technical and business expertise. While basic setups can be managed independently, custom solutions often need professional input. An expert partner can save time, prevent costly mistakes, and deliver a store tailored for success.
Why CartCoders Is Trusted for Shopify Development in Australia?
CartCoders has built a reputation as a reliable Shopify development partner for businesses of all sizes. The trust comes from a mix of experience, technical expertise, and local understanding.
- Proven Experience: Years of working with Australian businesses across diverse industries, from fashion to groceries.
- Tailored Solutions: Every store is customized to fit the client’s business goals and customer base.
- Local Payment Knowledge: Deep expertise in Australian payment gateways, including Afterpay, Zip Pay, and PayPal.
- Regulatory Compliance: Familiar with Australian eCommerce laws, GST, and data privacy requirements.
- Design Flexibility: Ability to work with both ready-made Shopify themes and fully custom design projects.
- Scalability: Expertise in upgrading from Basic Shopify to Shopify Plus as the business grows.
- App Development: Skilled in building custom Shopify apps to extend store functionality.
- Ongoing Support: Provides maintenance, updates, and round-the-clock technical support.
- Transparent Pricing: Clear cost structures with no hidden charges, helping businesses plan budgets effectively.
- Customer Satisfaction: Strong client testimonials and repeat business highlight the quality of service.
Conclusion
The cost of building a Shopify store in Australia depends on store size, features, design, and ongoing needs. For small businesses, setup can start at just a few thousand dollars, while larger enterprises may invest tens of thousands to achieve their goals.
If you’re planning to build or upgrade your Shopify store in Australia, partnering with the right experts can make the process smoother and more efficient.
👉 Contact CartCoders to start building your Shopify store today.
