WordPress on Azure, the three routes
Microsoft Azure offers three main ways to run WordPress:
- Azure App Service — a managed platform that runs WordPress for you (the easy route)
- Azure Virtual Machines — full Windows or Linux VMs where you install WordPress yourself
- Azure Marketplace — pre-built WordPress images you deploy in a click
Azure also has Azure Database for MySQL for managed databases and Azure CDN for delivery. Like AWS, Azure gives you enterprise-grade infrastructure — at enterprise-grade complexity and cost.
Azure WordPress hosting pricing
| Service | Price/mo | Best for | | --- | --- | --- | | App Service (B1) | ~$13–15 | Simple managed WordPress | | VM (B1s Linux) | ~$8–14 | Full control, Linux stack | | Marketplace image | varies | Launch-and-go | | App Service (P1v2) | ~$70+ | Production traffic |
Azure's free tier (F1 App Service) exists but is too weak for a real WordPress site. If you're used to $3/mo hosting, Azure pricing will be a shock — you're paying for Microsoft's infrastructure and scaling, not value.
Hosting WordPress on Azure App Service (step by step)
- Go to the Azure portal and create a resource.
- Choose WordPress on App Service from the marketplace.
- Pick a resource group, region, and App Service plan (B1 is the minimum for real use).
- Enter a database name — Azure provisions MySQL with the app.
- Wait a few minutes, then visit your site URL and run the WordPress installer.
- Point your domain and enable the built-in SSL.
App Service handles the OS, PHP, and scaling — you manage WordPress itself. For more control, a Linux VM with Nginx + PHP + MySQL follows the same patterns as our VPS deployment tutorial.
Azure vs other WordPress hosting options
| Need | Azure | Better alternative | | --- | --- | --- | | Enterprise Microsoft stack | Yes | — | | Price | From ~$13/mo | Hostinger at $2.99/mo | | Simplicity | Moderate | SiteGround | | Managed WordPress | Basic | Kinsta, WP Engine | | Cloud flexibility | Yes | Cloudways on any cloud |
Azure makes sense when you're already all-in on Microsoft (Azure AD, Entra ID, SQL Server, enterprise contracts) or need autoscaling integrated with a larger app. For a standalone WordPress site, the specialist hosts win on both price and ease.
Is Azure good for WordPress?
Yes, technically. Azure App Service runs WordPress reliably, scales well, and integrates with Azure's ecosystem. No, for value. The same money buys managed WordPress with better performance and support, or five years of Hostinger.
The honest use case: enterprise compliance, existing Microsoft tooling, or a WordPress site that must autoscale inside an Azure architecture.
Frequently asked questions
Can I host WordPress on Azure for free? The F1 App Service free tier is too weak for real WordPress. A B1 instance (~$13/mo) is the practical minimum. Compare that with the free WordPress hosting options.
Is Azure App Service good for WordPress? It runs WordPress reliably and scales automatically, but the built-in WordPress support is basic compared to specialists like Kinsta or WP Engine.
How much does Azure WordPress hosting cost? From ~$13/mo for a usable App Service plan, ~$8–14/mo for a small VM, plus data transfer. Production traffic pushes into the $50–150/mo range.
Azure or AWS for WordPress? Both are capable; the choice is ecosystem. Azure suits Microsoft shops, AWS suits everyone else. For most WordPress users, neither — a managed WordPress host is simpler and cheaper.
How do I migrate my WordPress site to Azure? Export with a migration plugin, deploy via App Service deployment slots, then switch DNS. For the migration pattern, see our move WordPress to a new host guide.