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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website?
Discover what it really costs to build a website in 2025 with a full breakdown of every key expense.
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Whether you’re launching a blog, setting up an online store or simply creating an online presence for your business, knowing the costs involved is crucial for planning, execution and upkeep. Website pricing can vary widely depending on your goals, tools and how hands-on you want to be while managing it. Building a website can cost as little as a few dollars a month or soar into the thousands.
We’ll take a look at real-world price averages for different types of websites, share what goes into building one, and examine hidden costs and shortcuts to help you make the most informed decisions possible when creating this valuable business tool.
How much does a website cost in 2025?
The average cost to build a website can range from about $100 for a basic personal blog to $20,000 or more for a custom, accessible e-commerce site. Small businesses can expect to spend between $500 and $3,000, while larger businesses may spend between $3,000 and $5,000. The price depends on the features you need, the site’s complexity and whether you use a website builder or hire an agency.
Here’s a breakdown of average website costs by type and additional pricing components.
Type of website | Website builder monthly costs | Customized domain and advanced features per month | Outsourcing to a web designer |
|---|---|---|---|
Personal blog | $0 to $200 | $25 to $50 | $15 to $1,000+ |
E-commerce store | $0 to $200 | $35 to $65 | $25 to $5,000+ |
Portfolio website | $0 to $200 | $25 to $50 | $15 to $1,000+ |
Event service site | $0 to $200 | $25 to $50 | $15 to $1,000+ |
What goes into building a website?
Creating a website involves several components that vary depending on your site’s purpose and complexity, including acquiring a domain name, managing ongoing e-commerce website security and hiring one of the best website builders and design services. When forecasting costs, you’ll need to account for both upfront and ongoing services.
Below is a breakdown of standard elements required to build a professional website, including costs and crucial considerations.
Component | What it is | Average cost | Additional considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
Website design and interface | Layout, colors, branding and user experience | $0 to $10,000 (may include an additional one-time fee) | Templates are generally more affordable, while custom designs tend to cost more |
Development | Turning the design into a functional website | DIY as low as $200; professional fees can range from $15 to $30 an hour | Custom or interactive sites will cost more |
Maintenance | Ongoing updates and bug fixes | $50 to $2,000 per month; as low as $17 per year if included in a website-builder plan | Can be part of a package or purchased as an add-on |
Domain name | Your site’s address (e.g., yoursite.com) | $1 to $1,000+ per year | Premium domains, or sites that end in .com, .org or .net, can cost more |
SSL certificate | Security for encrypted data (HTTPS) | $0 to $100 per year | Free certificates often need to be renewed every 90 days; some are included in the hosting provider’s packages, while others require an additional fee |
Web hosting | Server storage for your website | Less than $5 to $250 per month | Shared hosting is the most affordable option, while dedicated hosting is more expensive |
Web security | Malware scanning, firewalls, backups | $5 per month to $100 per year | Often bundled with hosting plans or as a plug-in |
Content management system (CMS) | A software application or platform that allows users to create, manage and modify content | $0 to over $150 per month | May require payment for licensing or subscription fees; you won’t need extensive technical knowledge or coding skills |
Is it better to use a website builder or an agency?
Website builders such as Wix, Squarespace and Shopify offer all-in-one solutions that are ideal for beginners or those on a tight budget. They often include hosting, templates and drag-and-drop tools, with costs ranging from $0 to less than $160 per month. Builders are fast, easy and affordable.
Samantha Nardelli, founder and chief marketing officer of Shanty Town Design, said, however, that although they’re convenient, builders often offer limited flexibility. “Builders have way less customization options because you’re editing straight code,” Nardelli said. “All builders still have a little bit of a way to go when it comes to accessibility.”
In contrast, hiring a web design agency offers fully customized websites tailored to your brand and functionality needs. Agencies can charge between $3,000 and over $10,000, depending on the complexity of your site. They provide professional design, development and ongoing support, which is ideal for businesses that require scalability or specialized features. Agencies typically employ web designers, web developers, and UX and SEO specialists with industry expertise.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- When to DIY: Use a website builder if you’re a small business, blogger or portfolio creator who needs a quick, budget-friendly solution.
- When to hire professional help: Use an agency if you need a high-performing, unique business site with advanced features or long-term growth plans. Agencies are also ideal if you prefer to be less hands-on.
Balancing DIY and agency help
According to Nardelli, a combination of DIY and agency support can be ideal for clients who want some control without having to manage everything themselves. “There are three different levels,” Nardelli said. “It’s full control, no control and then somewhere in the middle.”
Clients with fast-moving needs, for example, may want the ability to make quick edits on their own. “They’ll likely want some level of edit access,” Nardelli said. Others prefer to stay completely out of the backend system and lean on agencies to execute their vision. These clients often know what they want to say and how they want to present it, but they don’t want to deal with editing the backend of a site.
The best setup for your business depends on how hands-on you want to be and how much time and expertise you can devote to managing your website.
Are there cheap ways to build a website?
If you’re on a budget, there are several ways to keep website costs low without sacrificing essential functionality. For example:
- Use free or low-cost website builders such as WordPress, Wix or Squarespace’s base plans.
- Opt for website builders that offer free themes and plug-ins to reduce development costs.
- Look for a hosting service that bundles a domain, SSL certificate and email hosting.
Nardelli noted that although Squarespace is an affordable way to build a website, some users may find it a bit technical. If you’re not especially tech-savvy, she suggests using an agency or choosing user-friendly builders such as Wix or WordPress, which offer cost-effective and accessible options.
You can also cut costs by writing your own content, using your own images and holding off on paid marketing tools. You may sacrifice some customization, but you can still launch a functional, professional-looking website for under $200. As your needs and budget grow, you can always scale up gradually.