The average cost to build a website (with an agency or freelancer) is $1000 – $145,000 — with a website builder, the cost is $0 to $500 per month. Meanwhile, routine site maintenance costs $3600 – $50,000 per year or $0 to $5400 per year with a website builder. Keep reading to discover more website pricing info so you can answer the question, “how much does a website cost?”!
The cost of a website can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the complexity, features, design, functionality, and whether you’re hiring a professional or using a DIY platform. Below is a breakdown of typical website costs based on different factors:
1. DIY Website Builders (e.g., Wix, Squarespace, WordPress.com)
These platforms allow you to create your own website with little to no coding required. They’re user-friendly, but come with limitations in terms of customization.
- Cost Range: $10 – $50 per month (depending on plan)
- Basic Plan: Includes hosting, a domain name (usually free for the first year), and templates.
- Premium Plan: Includes more advanced features like eCommerce capabilities, additional storage, or premium templates.
- Pros: Affordable, fast setup, user-friendly.
- Cons: Limited customization, less scalability, and control over hosting and data.
2. Freelance Web Developers
If you want a custom-built website but don’t want to go with a full agency, hiring a freelance web developer can offer a middle ground.
- Cost Range: $500 – $10,000+ (depending on complexity and experience)
- Simple Websites: $500 – $2,000 (static pages, basic design, minimal functionality)
- Intermediate Websites: $2,000 – $5,000 (dynamic websites, custom design, CMS integration)
- Complex Websites: $5,000 – $10,000+ (eCommerce, custom features, complex integrations, etc.)
- Pros: Custom design, tailored to your needs.
- Cons: Quality depends on the developer, requires project management.
3. Web Design Agencies
If you want a more comprehensive service that includes branding, advanced design, content strategy, and ongoing support, an agency might be a good option.
- Cost Range: $5,000 – $50,000+ (depending on the scope of work)
- Small Business Websites: $5,000 – $10,000 (including basic CMS, SEO optimization, and a custom design)
- Mid-sized Companies: $10,000 – $25,000 (includes advanced design, eCommerce, custom CMS, SEO, and more)
- Enterprise Websites: $25,000 – $50,000+ (includes complex functionality, integrations, extensive support, and marketing strategy)
- Pros: End-to-end service, high quality, ongoing support.
- Cons: Expensive, longer timeline, higher overhead.
4. E-commerce Websites
If you need an e-commerce store (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento), the cost can increase significantly due to the need for additional functionality like payment gateways, inventory management, and product pages.
- Cost Range:
- Small-Scale eCommerce Website: $2,000 – $10,000 (basic store with up to 100 products)
- Medium-Scale eCommerce Website: $10,000 – $25,000 (advanced design, larger catalog, more functionality)
- Large-Scale eCommerce Website: $25,000+ (custom design, enterprise integrations, custom functionalities)
- Additional Costs: Payment processing fees, monthly subscription costs (e.g., Shopify), product photos, marketing, etc.
5. Ongoing Maintenance and Updates
Websites usually require ongoing maintenance to ensure security, performance, and functionality. This can include things like software updates, backups, bug fixes, and content updates.
- Cost Range: $50 – $200+ per month (for small to medium sites)
- Hourly Rates: Freelancers and agencies often charge $50 – $150 per hour for maintenance tasks.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Website:
- Design Complexity: Custom designs are more expensive than using templates.
- Functionality: Additional features (e.g., e-commerce, booking systems, membership areas) add to the cost.
- Number of Pages: A larger website with more pages or content can be more expensive.
- SEO and Marketing: If you want SEO optimization, content creation, or digital marketing services, this can add to the total cost.
- Custom Development: More complex websites, such as those with custom databases, integrations, or advanced functionality, will cost more.
- Content Creation: Copywriting, photography, and video production can add significant costs.
A Typical Breakdown for a Small Business Website:
- Domain Name: $10 – $20/year
- Hosting: $5 – $50/month
- Design/Development: $2,000 – $10,000 (one-time cost)
- SEO & Marketing: $500 – $2,000/month (optional)
- Maintenance: $50 – $200/month (optional)
Final Thoughts:
The cost of a website will depend on your goals, budget, and the level of customization you need. If you’re on a tight budget, DIY builders are a good starting point. If you need something more custom and complex, you’ll need to budget for a professional developer or agency. Always get quotes from multiple developers or agencies and make sure you have a clear understanding of the scope of work before you commit.
