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How much does it cost to get a website designed?
When you ask, “How much does it cost to get a website designed?”, you’ll find prices in 2025 ranging from under $500 for a DIY builder site to well over $10,000 for a fully custom agency solution. Your final investment depends on features, complexity, and who you hire.
Cost Breakdown by Approach
| Approach | Estimated Cost Range | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| DIY/Website Builder | $0 – $1,000 per year | Individuals, startups, microbusinesses |
| Freelance Designer | $500 – $5,000 per project | Small to medium-sized businesses |
| Agency/Custom Design | $3,000 – $145,000+ | Growing businesses, enterprises |
| In-House Designer | $4,000 – $7,500 per month | Large or continuously evolving sites |
You might be wondering: what drives those numbers? Let’s dive deeper.
Core Cost Drivers
- Scope & Complexity: More pages, interactive features, or custom integrations push budgets higher.
- Website Type: A simple brochure site vs. a full e-commerce platform can mean a 5× jump in costs.
- Design Approach: Templates are affordable; custom visuals and UX add premium fees.
- Additional Features: Online stores, booking systems, advanced SEO tools, and animations all carry extra charges.
- Expertise Level: Top-tier agencies and seasoned freelancers charge more per hour.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Expect $50–$200/month for hosting, updates, and security.
Real-World Examples
Small Business
- Basic builder site: $145–$1,000/year (hosting + domain included)
- Freelance custom: $500–$5,000 one-time + $50–$200/month maintenance
- Agency build: $3,000–$10,000+ for branded sites
E-commerce Store
- Shopify/Squarespace plan: $300–$600/year + transaction fees
- Custom small/medium store: $5,000+ one-time
- Large complex store: $10,000–$100,000+ for custom catalogs, integrations, and advanced UX
Popular Website Builder Pricing (2025)
| Builder | Starting Monthly Cost | Hosting Included | Free Domain | E-commerce Ready |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | $17 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Squarespace | $16 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Shopify | $29 | ✔️ | ✗ | ✔️ |
| GoDaddy | $9.99 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Weebly | $10 | ✔️ | ✗ | ✔️ |
This raises an important question: Why does custom design cost more? Think of it like ordering a tailored suit vs. buying off the rack—custom solutions fit your brand to the letter.
Key Things to Remember
- Starting with a website builder is budget-friendly but limited in uniqueness.
- Hiring a freelancer offers balance: more customization without agency-level fees.
- Agencies deliver end-to-end services but at higher price points.
- Factor in hidden costs like premium plugins, marketing, and future redesigns.
- Focus on ROI: a well-designed site will attract more leads and sales.
Actionable Next Steps
- Define your goals and must-have features.
- Compare quotes: check portfolios, ask for itemized pricing.
- Plan for growth: choose a scalable platform.
- Budget for maintenance: security, backups, and updates matter.
- Measure ROI: track conversions and user engagement to justify spend.
By understanding these ranges and drivers, you can make an informed choice on how much to invest when you decide how much it costs to get a website designed.
