How to Migrate from SiteGround to Bluehost (2026)
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The renewal invoice arrives and SiteGround's $2.99 teaser has become $17.99. Sound familiar? Most people migrate for exactly this reason. The good news: the move is mostly automated, Bluehost does it free, and you can be running on the new host inside a week.
Before You Start: 3 Things to Grab
- SiteGround Site Tools credentials - you'll give these to Bluehost's migration team
- Backup of everything - Site Tools → Backups → download the latest full backup to your computer
- List of your DNS records - screenshot the DNS zone in SiteGround before touching anything, especially MX records if you use SiteGround email
Method 1: Bluehost's Free Migration (Recommended)
Sign up for any Bluehost plan, then in your dashboard request the free migration. Their team:
- Connects to your SiteGround site and copies files + database
- Imports it onto your new Bluehost account on a temporary URL
- Emails you to review before go-live
You verify the staging copy looks right, then point your domain's nameservers to Bluehost. Zero downtime if you keep SiteGround active until DNS fully propagates.
Method 2: DIY with Duplicator (Faster, Manual)
For those who want it done today: install Duplicator on the SiteGround site → create a package (files + DB) → download both files → install Duplicator on a fresh WordPress at Bluehost → import the package → preview via hosts file or temp URL → switch DNS. The full migration guide walks through every click.
What Doesn't Transfer (Handle These Manually)
- Email accounts - recreate mailboxes on Bluehost or move to Google Workspace/Zoho BEFORE switching DNS
- SG Optimizer settings - SiteGround's plugin is proprietary; uninstall it, use Bluehost's caching + Cloudflare instead
- SiteGround CDN - replace with Bluehost's Cloudflare integration
- Domain registration - stays at SiteGround (or transfer separately); only DNS changes
The Cost Math That Made You Leave
SiteGround StartUp renewal: ~$17.99/mo after year one. Bluehost Basic renewal: ~$10-12/mo. Over 3 years that's roughly $200+ saved - the renewal price index has the full comparison. And if you haven't cancelled yet, do it AFTER the new site works: the SiteGround cancellation guide covers the refund rules and auto-renewal traps.
Start the Migration
Bluehost Basic handles the typical SiteGround migration fine - same WordPress, same PHP stack, better renewal economics. Free migration service does the heavy lifting.
Get Bluehost from $3.99/mo →Keep Reading
- Bluehost vs SiteGround 2026 - the full comparison if you're still deciding
- How to cancel SiteGround - refund rules and auto-renewal
- WordPress migration guide - the DIY path in detail
- Migration mistakes to avoid
- Bluehost review 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bluehost migrate my SiteGround site for free?
Yes - Bluehost's free website migration service moves one WordPress site at no cost within 30 days of signup. You submit a request in the dashboard, give them your SiteGround credentials, and their team handles files, database, and testing. Takes 2-5 business days.
How long does a SiteGround to Bluehost migration take?
Bluehost's free migration: 2-5 business days. DIY with a migration plugin (Duplicator, WP Migrate): 1-3 hours for a typical site plus 24-48h DNS propagation. The actual 'site moving' part is quick - DNS is the slow step.
Will my SiteGround email accounts transfer?
Not automatically. If you use SiteGround email, either recreate the mailboxes on Bluehost's email hosting (they include email on most plans) or move email to Google Workspace/Zoho first, then migrate the website. Don't point DNS until email is sorted or you'll lose messages.
Do I lose my SiteGround CDN or caching setup?
SiteGround's proprietary SG Optimizer plugin and their CDN don't transfer. On Bluehost you'll use their built-in caching + Cloudflare integration instead - configure it fresh after migration. Performance is comparable; the setup is just different.
Can I keep my domain if it's registered at SiteGround?
Yes - two options: keep registration at SiteGround and just point DNS to Bluehost (fastest), or transfer the domain to Bluehost entirely (starts a 60-day wait if recently renewed). Most people keep the registrar separate anyway - it's cleaner.
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