If you’ve ever asked, “How much does a website cost?”, you’ve probably gotten a dozen different answers—ranging from “free” to thousands of dollars. The reality? It depends. Website costs vary based on factors like design, functionality, and whether you’re DIY-ing or hiring a professional.
So, let’s break it down and set realistic expectations for your website budget.
1. The DIY Approach: $0 – $500
If you’re on a tight budget and have time to spare, you can build a website yourself using website builders like:
- Wix
- Squarespace
- WordPress.com
💡 What you’re paying for:
- Domain name ($10 – $20/year)
- Website builder subscription ($10 – $30/month)
- Stock images or premium templates ($50 – $200 one-time cost)
🚨 Downside:
- Limited customization
- Generic templates that may not suit your brand
- You’re responsible for updates, SEO, and troubleshooting
Best for: Personal blogs, hobby websites, and small businesses that don’t need custom features.
2. Small Business Website (DIY + Professional Help): $500 – $3,000
If you want something more professional but still within budget, you can use a CMS like WordPress.org and hire a developer or designer for setup.
💡 What you’re paying for:
- Domain name & hosting ($50 – $200/year)
- Custom WordPress theme ($50 – $300)
- Basic web design or development help ($500 – $2,000)
- Essential plugins & security ($50 – $200)
🚨 Downside:
- You still need to manage content updates
- Some ongoing maintenance required
Best for: Startups, freelancers, and local businesses that need a simple, professional online presence.
3. Fully Custom Small Business Website: $3,000 – $10,000
When you hire a web developer or agency, you get a tailored solution. This price range typically includes:
- Custom design (no templates!)
- SEO optimization
- Mobile-friendly design
- Basic e-commerce (for online stores)
💡 What you’re paying for:
- Professional design ($1,000 – $5,000)
- Custom development & functionality ($2,000 – $7,000)
- SEO setup & content strategy ($500 – $1,500)
- Testing & launch ($500 – $2,000)
🚨 Downside:
- Higher upfront cost
- Maintenance costs (unless you handle updates yourself)
Best for: Growing businesses that need a unique and scalable website.
4. Large-Scale & E-Commerce Websites: $10,000 – $50,000+
For businesses needing complex websites—such as marketplaces, membership sites, or high-traffic e-commerce stores—expect to invest significantly.
💡 What you’re paying for:
- Custom UI/UX design ($5,000 – $15,000)
- Custom development ($5,000 – $30,000)
- E-commerce setup (WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento) ($2,000 – $10,000)
- Integrations (payment gateways, shipping, CRM) ($2,000 – $5,000)
- Security & performance optimization ($1,000 – $5,000)
🚨 Downside:
- Ongoing costs for hosting, updates, and support
- Requires a solid budget from the start
Best for: Established businesses, online stores, and companies with unique functionality needs.
5. Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind
Even after launching your website, there are ongoing expenses to consider:
- Domain renewal ($10 – $20/year)
- Hosting ($50 – $300/year)
- SSL certificate (Free – $100/year)
- Website maintenance ($50 – $500/month if hiring help)
- Marketing & SEO ($500 – $5,000/month depending on your strategy)
Final Thoughts
A website is an investment, not just an expense. The key is to balance your budget with your business goals—after all, a well-built website pays for itself by attracting customers and increasing sales.
Need help figuring out the right option for your business? Let’s chat! I help businesses build powerful websites that don’t just look good—they work.