The cost of starting a Shopify store in Canada usually falls between $500 and $2,000 CAD for a simple launch in your first month in 2026. After that, you can expect to spend $150 to $600 CAD per month.
Our aim is to give you a clear, straightforward breakdown of every single expense. currency conversion, GST/HST added to your subscription, and extra transaction fees can quietly push your first-year costs up by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In this guide, we at SAL Accounting will tell you exactly how these factors work and show you how to avoid them.
Quick Takeaways
- Starting a Shopify store in Canada costs $500–$2,000 CAD for the first month.
- Most beginners should choose the Basic plan at $37 CAD/month (paid annually).
- Use Shopify Payments to avoid extra 1–2% fees and save up to $2,000 yearly.
- Shopify adds GST/HST to your plan fees — register once sales hit $30,000.
- Keep costs low with the free Dawn theme, free apps, and annual billing.
- Realistic first-year budget: $4,000 – $12,000 CAD.
What Are the Shopify Pricing Plans in Canada for 2026?
You pay for Shopify with a monthly subscription. Shopify shows prices in CAD for Canadian merchants. You also pay GST or HST on top, depending on your province. Check out our Shopify accounting services to keep compliant. Right now, in 2026, here are the main plans you will see:
- Starter Plan: About $7 CAD per month. Starter Plan works great if you only sell through social media or messaging apps. You do not get a full online store.
- Basic Plan: $49 CAD per month if you pay monthly. Or $37 CAD per month if you pay for the whole year upfront. Most new Canadian founders start here.
- Grow Plan (sometimes called Shopify plan): $132 CAD per month, or $99 CAD with annual billing.
- Advanced Plan: Advanced Plan starts at $517 CAD per month, or $389 CAD with annual billing.
- Shopify Plus: Starts around $3,400 CAD per month or more. Shopify Plus is for big businesses only.
Pro tip: Choose annual billing, and you save about 25%. That means you pay less every month and avoid surprise price jumps. Watch the real startup costs for an e-commerce business carefully.
Shopify also runs promos sometimes, like $1 per month for your first 3 months. Always check the current offer when you sign up. You get a 3-day free trial to test everything before you pay anything.
What you actually get with each plan
The Basic plan, which is the best Shopify plan for beginners, already gives you everything most beginners need:
- Unlimited products
- A fully customizable online store
- Basic reports
- 2 staff accounts
- Abandoned cart recovery
- 24/7 support
Higher plans add more staff accounts, better reports, and lower transaction fees. Here is a simple comparison table (you can turn this into a nice image later):
| Plan | Monthly Price (CAD) | Annual Price (CAD/month) | Best For | Shopify Payments Rate (Online) | Extra 3rd-Party Fee | Staff Accounts | Best For |
| Starter | $7 | N/A | Social selling only | 5% + 30¢ | 5% | 0 | Beginners testing |
| Basic | $49 | $37 | Most new Canadian stores | 2.8% – 2.9% + 30¢ | +2% | 2 | Side hustlers & first stores |
| Grow | $132 | $99 | Growing stores | 2.6% + 30¢ | +1% | 5 | Small teams |
| Advanced | $517 | $389 | Scaling businesses | 2.4% + 30¢ | +0.6% | 15 | High-volume stores |
| Shopify Plus | $3,400+ | Custom | Enterprise level | Custom | +0.2% | Unlimited | Large brands |
Which plan should you pick?
Start with the Basic plan if you are a side hustler or launching your first store. It keeps your costs low while you test what sells.
Upgrade to Grow plan only when you make consistent sales (around $5,000–$10,000 per month) and need more staff or better reports.
Quick example: Sarah sells handmade candles in Toronto. She started on Basic at $37 CAD/month (yearly). In her first 3 months, she only spent $111 on the platform plus a bit of HST. That gave her plenty of time to build her store without stress.
- Read More: “Which Shopify Plan Is Best for Dropshipping in 2026?”
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Shopify Store in Canada?
Most new Canadian founders spend between $500 and $2,000 CAD in the first month for a basic setup. After that, your monthly running costs usually sit between $150 and $600 CAD. These are the costs for every ecommerce beginner who wants a successful business. Here is where your startup money actually goes:
- Shopify subscription: $37 to $49 CAD per month (Basic plan with annual billing is the smartest choice for most people).
- Domain name: $15 to $25 CAD for the first year. You can buy it directly through Shopify or somewhere cheaper like Namecheap.
- Theme: You can start with a free theme (like Dawn). Or pay $200 to $500 CAD once for a premium theme that looks more professional.
- Basic apps: Many good ones are free. You might add 1 or 2 paid apps later ($10–$30 each per month).
- Other small costs: Logo, simple photos, or initial product samples if you sell physical goods.
Quick Example: Mike from Calgary sells custom phone cases as a side hustle. He launched for under $650 CAD total:
- $37/month Shopify (paid yearly)
- $18 domain
- Free theme
- Free apps for reviews and email
He used the rest for his first batch of products. Within two months, he started making sales and covered his costs.
One-time vs monthly costs
To make things super clear, let’s split your costs into two groups: one-time costs and monthly costs. One-time costs are things you pay once when you start. Monthly costs are the ones that keep coming every month. Here’s how they usually break down for most Canadian Shopify stores:
- One-time costs: Domain + premium theme (if you choose one) = usually under $600.
- Monthly/recurring: Shopify plan + any paid apps + shipping labels + ads.
You can keep your startup cost very low if you pick the free theme, use only free apps at the start, and take your own product photos with your phone.
Pro Tip: Do not buy expensive apps or a fancy theme on day one. You may need to count other expenses for your e-commerce store. Launch simple, test what sells, then spend more later. Most successful Canadian stores start lean and upgrade as they grow.
What Are Shopify Transaction Fees and Payments in Canada?
Every time someone buys from your store, you pay a small transaction fee. These Shopify fees can add up fast, so you want to understand them early. Shopify gives you two main choices for payments:
- Use Shopify Payments (their own system)
- Use a third-party gateway like PayPal or Stripe.
Shopify Payments is usually the best choice for most Canadian stores. You get lower total fees, and Shopify does not add any extra percentage fee on top. You also get easy Interac support at just 10¢ per transaction. Here is what the fees look like in 2026 with Shopify Payments:
- Basic plan: About 2.8% – 2.9% + 30¢ per online sale
- Grow plan: About 2.6% + 30¢ per online sale
- Advanced plan: About 2.4% + 30¢ per online sale
If you sell in person (using Shopify POS), the rates are a bit lower, usually 2.4% to 2.6% + 10¢. See how to properly reconcile your Shopify payments and fees.
What happens if you use PayPal, Stripe, or another gateway?
Shopify adds an extra fee on top:
- Basic plan: +2%
- Grow plan: +1%
- Advanced plan: +0.6%
This extra fee makes your total cost higher. For example, on the Basic plan, you could end up paying close to 4.8% + 30¢ instead of 2.9% + 30¢.
Quick Example: Let’s say you make $10,000 in sales in a month on the Basic plan.
- With Shopify Payments, you pay roughly $290 – $320 in fees.
- With a third-party gateway, you could pay $480 or more.
That’s a big difference, over $1,800 extra per year just in fees.
Pro Tip: Switch to Shopify Payments as soon as you can. Most Canadian founders save $500 to $2,000 in the first year by doing this. You also get faster payouts to your Canadian bank account.
If you sell internationally on Shopify, watch for small currency conversion fees too. But Shopify keeps them low when you use their payments.
Are There Hidden Fees and Costs with Shopify in Canada?
Many new founders only look at the Shopify plan price. But other costs sneak up on you and become “hidden” expenses. These can easily add $100 to $500 extra per month if you are not careful. Here are the main hidden costs Canadian stores face:
Shopify app costs
You will probably add a few apps and integrations for your Shopify store to make it better, things like product reviews, email marketing, or upsells.
Many good apps are free to start. Paid ones usually cost $10 to $50 per month each. Most beginners use 3 to 6 apps and spend $30 to $150 total per month.
Shopify theme cost
You can launch with a completely free theme (Dawn is excellent). If you want a more custom or premium look, you pay once, usually $200 to $500 CAD. This is a one-time cost, not monthly.
Domain cost Shopify Canada
A .ca or .com domain costs about $15 to $25 CAD for the first year. Renews at a similar price each year. Buy it through Shopify for simplicity or get it cheaper elsewhere.
Shipping costs for Canadian eCommerce
You set your own shipping rates. Canada Post offers good discounts when you ship through Shopify (up to 40-50% off).
A typical small package inside Canada might cost you $8 to $15 after discount. E-commerce cross-border shipping costs more. Factor this into your product prices so you do not lose money.
Ads and marketing
This is often the highest hidden cost. To get your first sales, you usually run Facebook, Instagram, or Google ads.
Beginners often start with $300 to $1,000 per month. Some spend less, but you need some budget to test what works.
Quick Example: Emma from Toronto runs a jewelry store. In her first month, she spent:
- $0 on theme (used a free one)
- $29 on two free + one cheap app
- $18 on the domain
- $450 on Facebook ads. Her total extra costs stayed under $500 while she tested her store.
| Category | One-Time Cost | Monthly Cost | Typical Range (CAD) | Notes / Tips |
| Theme | $0 – $500 | $0 | Free or $200–$500 | Start with free Dawn theme |
| Apps | $0 | $30 – $150 | $30 – $150 | Many great free options available |
| Domain Name | $15 – $25 | ~$2 (spread out) | $15 – $25 per year | .ca or .com recommended |
| Shipping Labels | $0 | $10 – $80 | $8 – $15 per package | Use Shopify + Canada Post discounts |
| Advertising (Facebook/Google) | $0 | $300 – $1,000+ | $300 – $1,000 | Start small with $10–$20/day |
| Total Hidden Costs | $15 – $525 | $340 – $1,280 | Varies by growth stage | Review every month |
Pro Tip: Start with only free or very cheap tools. Add paid apps and bigger ad budgets only after you make your first few sales and understand what your customers like. This keeps your costs low while you learn.
You can keep these hidden costs under control if you review your expenses every month and remove anything that is not helping sales.
Monthly Cost to Run a Shopify Store in Canada: Realistic Budgets
Your monthly cost to run a Shopify store depends on how big you want to grow and how many sales you make. Have a month-end close checklist for your Shopify store to keep track of them. Here are three realistic budgets most Canadian founders fall into:
Lean Budget (Perfect for Side Hustlers)
If you are just starting as a side hustle and want to keep costs as low as possible, aim for the Lean Budget. This usually totals $150 to $300 per month.
- Shopify Basic plan: $37
- 2–3 free or low-cost apps: $0 – $30
- Domain (spread out over the year): about $2
- Small ad testing: $100 – $200
- Shipping labels: $10 – $30
This budget works great when you are still testing products and running your store part-time. You focus on learning what sells without spending too much money upfront.
Standard Budget (Most Common for New Stores)
Most new Canadian Shopify stores fall into the Standard Budget. Expect to spend $400 to $800 per month once you want consistent sales. This amount includes:
- Shopify plan: $37 – $99
- 4–6 apps: $50 – $150
- Ads (Facebook + Google): $250 – $500
- Shipping and packaging: $30 – $80
- Extra tools or theme upgrades: $20 – $50
You use this budget when you are ready to grow and want steady orders coming in every week. Have a look at the best accounting practices for Shopify, they may help.
Scaling Budget (When Sales Pick Up)
When your store starts making good sales, and you want to grow faster, you move into the Scaling Budget. This usually costs $1,000 or more per month. This budget covers:
- A higher Shopify plan
- More advanced apps
- Bigger ad spend ($600 – $2,000+)
- Team help or a better shipping setup
This level makes sense once your monthly revenue can comfortably cover the extra expenses. Let’s compare them through the table below:
| Budget Level | Monthly Cost (CAD) | Shopify Plan | Apps | Advertising | Shipping & Misc | Best For |
| Lean / Side Hustle | $150 – $300 | $37 | $0 – $30 | $100 – $200 | $20 – $50 | Part-time, testing products |
| Standard / Growing | $400 – $800 | $37 – $99 | $50 – $150 | $250 – $500 | $50 – $100 | Consistent sales, full-time |
| Scaling | $1,000+ | $99+ | $150+ | $600 – $2,000+ | $100+ | High growth, team involved |
Quick Example: Lisa in Toronto runs a skincare side hustle. She stays on the lean budget ($220/month average) and still makes $2,000–$4,000 in sales per month. She only upgrades her apps and ads when her profit covers the extra cost.
Pro Tip: Always track your numbers. Look at your expenses at the end of each month and ask: “Is this helping me make more sales?” If not, cut it. This one habit saves most Canadian founders hundreds of dollars.
Remember: Start small, prove your idea, then slowly increase spending as your sales grow.
Does Shopify Charge GST/HST on Subscription Fees?
Taxes are one of the things that surprise most new Canadian Shopify owners. You need to know how GST/HST works with your store so you don’t get any unexpected bills from the CRA.
When Do You Need to Register for GST/HST?
You must register for a GST/HST number once your worldwide sales reach $30,000 in a single calendar year (or over four quarters). Many smart founders register earlier because it looks more professional to customers.
Does Shopify Charge GST/HST on Subscription Fees?
Yes. Shopify adds GST or HST (or QST in Quebec) to your monthly or yearly plan price. For example, on the $37 Basic plan, you might pay an extra $4.81 HST in Ontario, making your real cost about $41.81.
How Taxes Work on Your Sales
Shopify automatically calculates and collects GST/HST from your customers based on where they live. Your job is to remit (send) that collected tax to the government every month, quarter, or year.
Note: If you live in Quebec, you also deal with QST. Shopify can collect it too, but you still need to register separately with Revenu Québec. Check out the Shopify seller tax guide for Canadian merchants to learn more.
Step-by-Step: What You Should Do
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to filing GST/HST returns the right way:
- Launch your store without stress; you can start selling before registering.
- Keep an eye on your sales total.
- Once you hit $30,000, register for GST/HST through the CRA website (it’s free and quick).
- Turn on tax settings in your Shopify admin and connect your GST/HST number.
- Set aside 5–15% of your sales to cover the taxes you owe.
Pro Tip: Register for GST/HST a bit early if you plan to sell a lot. It lets you claim back the GST/HST you pay on your Shopify fees, apps, and ads, which can save you real money every year. Check out our bookkeeping services for a smooth process.
Case Study: How Sarah in Toronto Handles Her Taxes the Smart Way1
Sarah runs a handmade jewelry store from her small studio in downtown Toronto. She started her Shopify store as a side hustle two years ago and has steadily grown it. This year, her sales have crossed the $30,000 GST/HST threshold.
The Problem
She didn’t realize she had passed the threshold and wasn’t sure how to register or set up taxes correctly in Shopify. She worries about getting penalties and paying more tax than necessary.
What We Do
Sarah reaches out to SAL Accounting. We help her register for GST/HST quickly, fix her Shopify tax settings, show her how to collect and remit taxes properly, and teach her how to claim back GST/HST on her plan fees and ads.
The Result
Sarah now sets aside the right amount from every sale with confidence. She receives her first tax refund and completely avoids any penalties. She feels in control of her taxes and can focus on growing her business.
Cost-Saving Strategies to Lower Shopify Pricing in Canada
You don’t have to spend a lot to run a successful Shopify store. Here are the smartest ways Canadian founders cut costs without hurting their growth.
1. Choose Annual Billing
Paying month by month is convenient, but annual billing saves you around 25%.
For example, the Basic plan drops from $49 to about $37 per month when you pay for the full year upfront. That’s an instant saving of $144 a year on just the plan.
2. Use Shopify Payments Instead of Third-Party Gateways
Switching to Shopify Payments removes the extra 0.6% to 2% fee that Shopify charges for other gateways.
Most Canadian stores save $500 to $2,000 in the first year just by making this one change. You also get cheap Interac at only 10¢ per transaction.
3. Start with Free Tools
One of the easiest ways to keep your costs low is to start with free tools and Shopify accounting software wherever possible. Here’s what you can do:
- Use the free Dawn theme instead of buying a premium one
- Stick to free apps in the beginning (reviews, email capture, abandoned carts)
- Take your own product photos with your phone instead of hiring a photographer
4. Test Ads on a Small Budget First
Don’t dump hundreds of dollars into Facebook or Google ads right away. Start with $10–$20 per day, test a few different products, and see what actually gets sales. Only increase your budget once you find a winner.
5. Review and Cut Unused Apps Every Month
Many founders forget about apps they installed months ago. Go through your installed apps every month and cancel anything that isn’t helping your sales. This simple habit can easily save you $50 to $150 per month.
6. Take Advantage of Shopify Promotions
Shopify often runs special offers like $1 per month for the first 3 months or discounts on annual plans. Always check the current promotions before you sign up or upgrade; it only takes a minute and can save you hundreds of dollars.
Pro Tip: Create a simple monthly expense checklist. Ask yourself: “Is this expense helping me make more money?” If the answer is no for more than two months, cancel it. This one habit keeps your costs low as your store grows.
Need help staying on top of your Shopify taxes and bookkeeping? We are experts in e-commerce accounting and bookkeeping for Canadian stores. Get your consultation today.
Case Study: How Michael in Mississauga Keeps His Costs Low2
Michael sells eco-friendly fitness accessories from his home in Mississauga. He launched his Shopify store last year and continues to grow his online sales while trying to keep expenses under control.
The Problem
Even though he uses Shopify Payments, his monthly costs remain higher than expected because of unused apps, random ad spending, and no clear system to track his expenses.
What We Do
Michael follows smart cost-saving strategies and then works with SAL Accounting. We give him a simple monthly expense checklist, help him review and cancel unnecessary apps, and show him exactly where his money goes each month.
The Result
He successfully reduces his monthly running costs from $680 down to $340. He now has more profit to invest in new products and feels fully in control of his Shopify store finances.
Conclusion: Is Shopify Worth It in Canada in 2026?
Starting a Shopify store in Canada is more affordable than most people think. You can launch for $500–$2,000 CAD in the first month and run it for $150–$600 CAD monthly. Choose the right plan, use Shopify Payments, start with free tools, and watch your taxes. Follow the tips in this guide to keep costs low and grow with confidence.
If you are ready to begin, sign up for your free Shopify trial today. Looking for Shopify bookkeeping and tax help? Reach out to us at SAL Accounting.
