The verdict in three sentences
Migrating from WordPress to headless (Next.js + a CMS like Sanity, Strapi or Contentful) costs between 12,000 and 35,000 EUR in 2026 depending on content volume and the number of URLs to preserve. The real ROI is not the project fee but the lower annual running cost (fewer plugins, fewer security incidents) and the performance gain (LCP often cut in half). Budget 8 to 16 weeks and a rigorous 301 redirect plan so you don't lose SEO.
What drives the bill
Price depends first on the content volume to migrate and how much can be automated. Moving 200 static pages is nothing like 1,000 articles with custom fields and media. The second factor is the design level: keeping the existing brand costs less than a simultaneous redesign.
| Migration item | Volume | 2026 range (EUR) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple brochure site | 20-80 pages | 12,000 - 18,000 | 8-10 wks |
| Mid-size content site | 200-500 URLs | 18,000 - 26,000 | 10-14 wks |
| High-content site | 500-1,000 URLs | 26,000 - 35,000 | 12-16 wks |
| Media reprise + redesign | + any volume | + 6,000 - 12,000 | + 3-5 wks |
| Dedicated 301 redirect plan | 200-1,000 URLs | 2,000 - 5,000 | included |
Content reprise is the most underestimated item: an automated import script from the WordPress REST API absorbs 80% of the work, but the remaining 20% (exotic ACF fields, shortcodes, inline layout) requires manual work billed by time.
Running cost: WordPress vs headless
Headless is justified not only by performance: it reshapes the cost structure over three years. Here is a 2026 order of magnitude for a mid-size B2B site.
| Annual item | Managed WordPress | Headless (Next.js + CMS) |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | 900 - 2,400 EUR | 500 - 1,800 EUR |
| Plugin licences (SEO, cache, security, forms) | 600 - 1,500 EUR | 0 - 400 EUR |
| SaaS CMS (if paid Contentful/Sanity) | 0 EUR | 0 - 3,600 EUR |
| Maintenance & security updates | 2,400 - 6,000 EUR | 1,200 - 3,000 EUR |
| Incidents / post-hack cleanup | 500 - 3,000 EUR | ~0 EUR |
| Indicative annual total | 4,400 - 12,900 EUR | 1,700 - 8,800 EUR |
Headless removes WordPress's classic attack surface (no exposed database, static front served by CDN). In exchange, a paid SaaS CMS may reintroduce a subscription: arbitrate based on your volumes.
Mini case study
Thomas, CTO of a B2B software vendor in Nantes, runs a WordPress with 420 articles that suffers two security incidents a year and a 3.8 s mobile LCP. Headless migration quote: 23,000 EUR, 12-week timeline, 480 URLs reprised with 301 redirects.
On operations, he goes from an annual cost of 9,200 EUR (hosting + plugins + maintenance + incidents) to 4,100 EUR, i.e. 5,100 EUR saved per year. The project pays back in just over four years on TCO alone — but within the first year if you value the conversion gain from an LCP dropping to 1.7 s (SEO and contact rate improve).
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FAQ
How long does a headless migration really take?
Between 8 and 16 weeks in 2026 depending on volume. Content reprise and redirect testing often account for 40% of the schedule, not front-end development.
Will I lose my search rankings?
Not if the 301 redirect plan is complete and tested before go-live. A well-run migration keeps positions; a botched one can cost 30 to 60% of traffic for several months.
Do I have to use Next.js?
No, but it is the 2026 standard for hybrid rendering (static + dynamic) and the React ecosystem. Astro or Nuxt are valid alternatives depending on your stack.
Is a headless CMS easier for my editors?
Yes, once configured: Sanity or Strapi offer a dedicated editing interface. Still budget 1 to 2 days of training.
Can we migrate in batches rather than big bang?
Yes, a progressive approach (section by section behind a reverse proxy) reduces risk, at the cost of a slightly longer timeline and higher price.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your URL volume, target CMS and SEO constraints, and we'll price the migration and redirect plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
