How to Move a WordPress Site from GoDaddy to Hostinger

Updated 2026-06-28 · Hosting Reviews

Moving a WordPress site from GoDaddy to Hostinger doesn’t have to be a headache. In this guide you’ll find the exact tools you need, the hosting options that fit a small‑business budget, and a straightforward migration process that gets your WordPress website live on faster, more secure servers.

What You Need Before You Start

To migrate WordPress from GoDaddy to Hostinger you’ll need three things:

1. A Hostinger account with a plan that supports WordPress (shared, cloud or VPS depending on traffic expectations).
2. Your existing domain name—either keep it registered at GoDaddy or transfer it to Hostinger for easier management.
3. Access to your current WordPress files and database (via cPanel or FTP).

Hostinger provides a free SSL certificate, one‑click WordPress installation, and a custom control panel that makes the whole process beginner‑friendly.

Choosing the Right Hostinger Plan

WordPress sites can run on shared, cloud, or VPS hosting. For most beginners and small businesses, a shared plan in the $3‑$8 per month range is enough. If you expect rapid growth or need more resources, a cloud plan ($10‑$15 per month) offers better CPU and RAM allocation, while a VPS ($20‑$30 per month) gives you root access and dedicated resources.

All Hostinger plans include:

• Fast SSD storage for quicker page loads.
• Free daily backups so you can restore a site with a click.
• Integrated caching and CDN options for speed.

Pick the plan that matches your current traffic and budget; you can always upgrade later.

Preparing Your GoDaddy Site for Migration

Before you pull the plug on GoDaddy, back up everything:

• Export the WordPress database via phpMyAdmin (Tools → Export).
• Download the entire wp‑content folder via FTP—this contains your themes, plugins, and media.
• Note your WordPress version and any custom configurations in wp‑config.php.

Having a complete backup means you can revert if something goes wrong, and it also speeds up the upload to Hostinger.

Step‑by‑Step Migration to Hostinger

Follow these actions to get your WordPress website online:

1. Set up a new WordPress install. In Hostinger’s control panel click “One‑Click WordPress” and let the installer create a fresh site.
2. Import your database. Open phpMyAdmin on Hostinger, select the new database, and use the “Import” tab to upload the .sql file you exported from GoDaddy.
3. Upload your files. Using Hostinger’s File Manager or an FTP client, replace the default wp‑content folder with the one you downloaded.Update wp‑config.php. Edit the file to reflect the new database name, user, and password. Also add the line define('WP_HOME','https://yourdomain.com'); and define('WP_SITEURL','https://yourdomain.com'); if the domain changes.
4. Point the domain. If you keep the domain at GoDaddy, change the DNS A‑record to Hostinger’s IP address (found in the hosting dashboard). If you transfer the domain to Hostinger, the DNS updates automatically.
5. Test and clean up. Visit your site, log into the WordPress admin, and check that all pages, images, and plugins work. Delete any unused themes or plugins and run a quick security scan (Hostinger’s built‑in scanner is free).

Within minutes you’ll have the same WordPress site running on faster, more secure Hostinger servers.

Speed and Security Basics After Migration

Even a perfect migration can leave performance and safety on the table. Here are three quick actions you can take:

• Enable caching. Hostinger’s control panel offers a one‑click cache toggle. Combine it with a lightweight caching plugin like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache.
• Install a security plugin. Wordfence or Sucuri will monitor for malware and block brute‑force attempts. The free versions are sufficient for most small sites.
• Use a CDN. Hostinger integrates with Cloudflare for free, reducing latency for visitors worldwide.

These steps keep your WordPress website fast and protected without adding significant cost.

Cost Overview and What to Expect

Hostinger’s introductory rates often start lower than $3 per month, but remember renewal prices rise to the standard range mentioned above. Domain registration typically adds $10‑$15 per year, and SSL is free. Expect a total first‑year cost of roughly $30‑$70 for a shared plan with a domain, which is a solid bargain for a reliable, managed WordPress environment.

Overall, you’ll save money compared to GoDaddy’s premium WordPress hosting while gaining better performance and easier management.

FAQ

Do I need to move my domain to Hostinger?

No. You can keep the domain at GoDaddy and simply update the DNS records to point to Hostinger’s servers. Transferring the domain is optional but can simplify renewal management.

Will my SEO rankings drop after migration?

If you keep the same URL structure and set up proper redirects (Hostinger’s .htaccess editor makes this easy), rankings should remain stable. A brief dip can happen, but it typically recovers within a few days.

Can I migrate without a technical background?

Yes. Hostinger’s one‑click WordPress installer and free migration support guide make the process approachable for beginners. Follow the steps above and you’ll be online in under an hour.