HostGator vs DreamHost: the real 5-year cost
Over 5 years, DreamHost works out about $89.76 cheaper than HostGatoronce renewal prices are counted. Here's the breakdown.
| HostGator | DreamHost | |
|---|---|---|
| Intro price | $3.75/mo | $2.59/mo |
| Renews at | $9.99/mo | $7.99/mo |
| Renewal markup | +166% | +208% |
| True 5-year cost | $374.76 | $285 |
| Effective monthly | $6.25/mo | $4.75/mo |
Both are shared hosts with renewal jumps — whichever you pick, switch before renewal or you'll pay the higher rate.
The honest take
Headline promo prices make hosts look interchangeable. They're not — the gap shows up at renewal. HostGator's Hatchling starts at $3.75/mo and renews at $9.99/mo; DreamHost's Shared Starter starts at $2.59/mo and renews at $7.99/mo.
Prices are 2026 figures synthesized from public sources and change often. Confirm on each host's official page before buying. See our methodology.
Not sure either fits? Take the 5-question quiz for a recommendation tailored to your site.