Hosting Fit Guide
SiteGround StartUp vs. GrowBig is mostly a question of site count and how often you make changes to WordPress. StartUp covers one site. GrowBig is the first of these tiers that can host a second site, and it adds built-in staging and on-demand backups. Here’s how to decide whether the upgrade is worth paying for at renewal.
StartUp and GrowBig side by side
| What to compare | StartUp | GrowBig |
|---|---|---|
| Live websites | 1 | Multiple sites within plan limits |
| Listed storage | 10 GB | 50 GB |
| Daily backups and domain email | Included | Included |
| Built-in WordPress staging | Not listed for StartUp | Included |
| On-demand backups included in plan | Not listed for StartUp | Included |
| Introductory cost for 12 months | $23.88 at $1.99/month equivalent | $47.88 at $3.99/month equivalent |
| Regular cost for 12 months | $215.88 at $17.99/month equivalent | $359.88 at $29.99/month equivalent |
These are published rates in USD before tax and add-ons. Check the current WordPress plan page for the introductory offer and the SiteGround regular rates page for different prepaid periods. See the backup documentation for automatic and manual backup details. The figures are based on published plan information, without hands-on performance testing.
When StartUp makes sense
StartUp is the simpler choice for one small WordPress blog. For example, if you run one travel blog, publish a few times a month, and mostly use standard WordPress plugins, one site and 10 GB of listed storage may be enough. Check how much space your media library already uses, especially if you upload original-size photos or store backup archives in WordPress.
The plan lists automatic backups and email. If you frequently change page layouts, run major plugin updates, or need a test copy, estimate the time and cost of handling staging yourself. The first WordPress blog hosting guide has a checklist for features to compare before checkout.
When GrowBig makes sense
You already have two WordPress websites
If you publish a travel blog and a separate recipe blog, for example, GrowBig lets you manage both under one hosting account. Each can still have its own domain and WordPress login. Both sites share the plan’s storage and other resource allowances. Check combined usage before moving both, particularly if either site handles frequent imports or stores a large image library.
You regularly change themes, plugins, or site templates
Staging gives you a copy to test changes before they reach readers. For example, you can switch a theme, verify your navigation and forms, and check a handful of pages on mobile before applying the change to the live site. An on-demand backup gives you a restore point before a change. Check what gets overwritten when you push staging changes live, especially if your site accepts orders or form submissions.
What is the real cost of upgrading?
In the example, GrowBig costs $24 more for the introductory year and $144 more per 12-month renewal than one StartUp plan. If your second site is only an idea, compare StartUp now with the cost of upgrading when the second site is ready. If you need two live sites today, one GrowBig renewal at $359.88 is $71.88 less than two separate StartUp renewals at $215.88 each, before extras and assuming the published annual rates apply. Separate plans may still suit you if you want separate hosting accounts.
Check your own totals in the hosting renewal-cost calculator. If you’re moving an existing blog, use the migration checklist to review email, backups, and DNS before switching.
Bottom line: Pick StartUp for one straightforward blog that fits the storage limit. Consider GrowBig if you need to run a second site now or will regularly use staging and on-demand backups.