The verdict in three sentences
WordPress remains excellent for publishing fast, but becomes a burden when performance, security and scale turn critical. Migrating to headless Next.js separates content (CMS) from rendering (fast front-end), shrinks the attack surface and improves Core Web Vitals. In 2026, a serious migration costs 12 000 to 35 000 EUR, yet its 3-year cost of ownership is often lower than a heavily maintained WordPress.
The migration cost breakdown
Price depends on content volume, number of integrations (forms, CRM, payment) and how much design is reworked in the process.
| Line item | 2026 range (EUR) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping & technical architecture | 1 500 - 3 500 | Headless CMS choice, hosting |
| Headless CMS setup | 1 500 - 4 000 | Sanity, Strapi or Contentful |
| Content migration | 2 000 - 6 000 | Scripts + manual cleanup |
| Next.js front-end development | 4 500 - 14 000 | Components, pages, responsive |
| Integrations (CRM, forms, analytics) | 1 500 - 4 500 | Connectors and webhooks |
| SEO & 301 redirects | 1 000 - 3 000 | Rankings preservation |
A standard SME migration usually lands around 18 000 to 24 000 EUR.
WordPress vs Next.js: performance, security, 3-year TCO
The figures below are a 2026 order of magnitude for a mid-size B2B content/marketing site.
| Criterion | WordPress (maintained) | Headless Next.js |
|---|---|---|
| Median LCP | 2.8 - 4.0 s | 1.2 - 1.8 s |
| Attack surface | High (third-party plugins) | Reduced (static/SSR front) |
| Monthly maintenance | 150 - 500 EUR | 90 - 300 EUR |
| Hosting cost/year | 300 - 1 200 EUR | 240 - 900 EUR (Vercel) |
| Plugin vulnerability risk | Frequent | Near zero |
| 3-year TCO (excl. build) | 8 000 - 20 000 EUR | 5 000 - 14 000 EUR |
The gain is not only technical: an LCP dropping below 1.8 s improves conversion rate and rankings.
Mini case study
Nadia, CIO of a B2B services mid-cap in Lyon, runs a 220-page WordPress with 34 plugins and two security incidents in a year. She migrates to headless Next.js for 21 000 EUR. Result: LCP from 3.4 s to 1.5 s, no more critical plugin updates, and maintenance falling from 380 to 180 EUR/month. Over 3 years, the maintenance saving (7 200 EUR) and the absence of incidents cover much of the investment, on top of an estimated +12 % conversion lift.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
FAQ
Will I keep a CMS to publish easily?
Yes. A headless CMS (Sanity, Strapi) offers a friendly editing interface, decoupled from the front-end, often faster than the WordPress admin.
How long does migration take?
Between 6 and 14 weeks depending on content and integration volume, including 2 weeks of content cleanup and QA.
Is my SEO at risk?
No if 301 redirects are exhaustive and markup preserved. You typically see an improvement thanks to better Core Web Vitals.
Is Next.js overkill for a small site?
For a site under 15 pages with no performance needs, WordPress or a lightweight solution can suffice. Next.js shines on content at scale and speed.
Can we migrate in stages?
Yes, a hybrid approach (some sections in Next.js, others still on WordPress) is possible to spread the budget.
Let's scope your project. Share your page count, critical plugins and integrations: we'll price a headless Next.js migration, indicative budget 12 000-35 000 EUR, 6-14 week timeline. 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.
