I love how easy WordPress makes blogging. Once the software is up and running on your server you can simply add posts without touching HTML code. The trick is to get it set up right the first time, and an important part of installing it is choosing the right webhost. For that reason I have compared the features of several webhosts and how they might affect your WordPress installation.

Cost per month:  Not very important as long as the website delivers what you need.  Usually hosts require a 2 year contract, so a dollar saved is 24 dollars over the length of the contract.  Some sites try to discount the first month to make it look like you are paying less.  Read the agreement carefully.

Disk Storage:  All seem to offer 300gb, which is more that you will ever use blogging.

Additional Domains: Not really important if you are just starting out.

Free Domain Name: Most hosts include this as part of the setup.

Gigs Site Transfer/mo: Everyone seems to be offering 3,000 - 3,500 GB, which is plenty for a new blog.  You can usually upgrade later if your site grows and you need more.

Subdomains:Important, because you will probably use at least one or 2 subdomains.  You can have one WordPress install at www.mydomain.com, and then have a test website at test.mydomain.com. 

Additional FTP Accounts: Not important for a blog unless readers will be uploading files or images.

MySQL Databases: Very important. Each installation of WordPress requires an SQL database. 

Fantastico Script Support: Important.  Fantastico installs WordPress completely for you, including setting up the SQL.  Without it you have to do everything manually, which is not easy for first timers.  Once Fantastico finishes your install, you can then overwrite your installation to the latest version of WordPress if needed.

This site is hosted by Bluehost which has given me excellent service so far.  Before choosing a host I would visit a few sites hosted by the company, see how fast they load, and use a search engine to see if there are any complaints about uptime.  Try to find a demo version of their host control panel and see what options are available.  Remember, these companies change their offers daily to compete with each other.  So go to each site and read their latest offer carefully.