How to Migrate WordPress from SiteGround to Hostinger

Updated 2026-07-05 · Hosting Reviews

Moving a WordPress site from SiteGround to Hostinger is a straightforward process that can save you money and give you faster, more secure hosting. This guide covers what you need, how to choose the right plan, and a clear migration workflow.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

• Active SiteGround account with your WordPress site fully operational.
• New Hostinger account (shared or cloud, depending on traffic).
• Domain name (you can keep it on SiteGround or transfer it to Hostinger).
• Admin access to both WordPress dashboards and cPanel or hPanel.
• Backup plugin (e.g., UpdraftPlus, Duplicator, or Hostinger’s own backup tool).

Choosing the Right Hostinger Plan

Hostinger offers three main options for WordPress sites: shared, cloud, and VPS. For most beginners and small businesses, the shared plan (starting around $3/month intro) is sufficient. It includes:

• Free SSL certificate
• One‑click WordPress install
• Daily backups on higher‑tier plans
• Fast servers powered by LiteSpeed

If you expect high traffic or need more resources, consider the cloud plan ($5‑$15/month) or VPS ($10‑$25/month). Renewals are higher than the introductory rates, so factor that into your budget.

Step‑by‑Step Migration Process

1. Backup Your Site on SiteGround
   Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to create a full backup of files and database. Download the backup files to your computer.
2. Set Up Hostinger
   Sign up for the chosen plan, set up your domain (or point it to Hostinger’s nameservers), and install WordPress via the one‑click installer.
3. Install Duplicator on Hostinger
   Log into the new WordPress dashboard, install & activate the Duplicator plugin.
4. Create a New Package
   In Duplicator, click “Create New” to generate a package that bundles your site files and database.
5. Upload Package to Hostinger
   Use an FTP client (FileZilla) or Hostinger’s hPanel file manager to upload the archive and installer.php files to the root directory of your new site.
6. Run the Installer
   Navigate to http://yourdomain.com/installer.php, follow the prompts, and enter the database details (Hostinger provides these in the hPanel).
7. Update DNS (if moving domain)
   Change your domain’s nameservers to Hostinger’s (found in hPanel) or update the A record to point to Hostinger’s IP address.
8. Test the Site
   Verify that all pages, images, plugins, and themes work. Check for broken links and update any hard‑coded URLs using a plugin like Velvet Blues Update URLs.
9. Delete the Old Site (Optional)
   Once you’re confident the new site is live, you can cancel your SiteGround plan or keep it as a backup.

Speed & Security Essentials on Hostinger

Hostinger’s LiteSpeed servers give you built‑in caching and optimization. Enable the free Cloudflare integration from hPanel for extra speed and DDoS protection. Install a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to harden your site. Remember to keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated.

Cost Overview

Shared WordPress hosting starts at roughly $3/month introductory, with renewals around $5‑$8/month. Cloud plans begin near $5/month intro and rise to $15‑$20/month at renewal. VPS starts around $10/month intro and can climb to $25‑$30/month. These ranges give you a ballpark for budgeting.

FAQ

How long does the migration take?

Typically 30 minutes to an hour for most small to medium sites, depending on size and internet speed.

Do I need to reinstall plugins and themes?

No. The Duplicator package transfers all files, so everything stays intact. Just verify versions after migration.

What if something goes wrong during migration?

Keep the original SiteGround backup handy. Hostinger’s support team can help restore or troubleshoot issues. You can also use the backup plugin to revert if needed.