If you’re planning to build a website, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: How much does a website cost in 2025? The answer isn’t straightforward because the cost of website design depends on factors like the type of website, the method of website creation, and ongoing expenses such as website hosting and website maintenance costs.
Whether you’re a small business looking for a business website, an entrepreneur needing an ecommerce website, or someone looking to create a feature-rich website, this guide will break down the cost of website development, hosting, and ongoing maintenance.
How Much Does Website Cost in 2025: What Should You Expect?
The cost to build a website varies based on how you choose to set it up. Below is a general website cost calculator based on different approaches to website design.
| Website Type | Average Cost in 2025 |
|---|---|
| DIY Website Builder | $100 – $2,500 per year |
| Freelance Web Designer | $500 – $7,500 |
| Professional Web Design Agency | $5,000 – $50,000+ |
Each method has its benefits and trade-offs, which impact how much does a website cost based on functionality, complexity, and ongoing maintenance.
Website Design: Choosing the Right Option for You
1. Using a Website Builder (DIY Approach)
A website builder like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress.com allows you to easily build your website without any coding knowledge. These platforms provide templates, pre-built design tools, and hosting to make website creation easier.
Website Cost Breakdown for DIY Website Builders
💰 $10 – $50 per month for a basic website builder plan
💰 $100 – $300 per year for custom domain and website hosting
💰 $0 – $500 for optional premium themes, plugins, and apps
✅ Pros:
✔ Affordable for startups and small business websites
✔ No coding required – built-in website templates and easy drag-and-drop functionality
✔ Quick setup with instant hosting
❌ Cons:
✖ Limited customization compared to hiring a web designer
✖ Monthly subscription costs add up over time
✖ Lack of unique branding and customization for advanced businesses
🔹 Best for: Startups, personal websites, small business owners, and early-stage ecommerce websites that want a budget-friendly option.
2. Hiring a Freelance Web Designer
If you need something more tailored than a website builder like Wix but don’t have the budget for a professional web design agency, hiring a freelance web designer is a great option.
Website Cost Breakdown for Freelance Web Designers
💰 $500 – $7,500 for design and development costs
💰 $50 – $100 per month for website hosting and security updates
💰 $100 – $500 per year for additional maintenance and security upgrades
✅ Pros:
✔ Custom web design that reflects your brand identity
✔ More flexibility than DIY website builders such as Wix
✔ No recurring monthly fees (except for hosting and domain costs)
❌ Cons:
✖ Quality varies, and hiring the right web designer takes more effort
✖ Limited support after launch unless hiring a designer for ongoing website maintenance costs
✖ Can be expensive for feature-rich websites that require advanced web development.
🔹 Best for: Small businesses that seek affordable options to create a website, service providers, or companies needing a moderately customized website without paying professional web design agency prices.
3. Hiring a Web Design Agency
If you need a fully custom website, advanced website development, or a feature-rich website, working with a professional web design agency is the best choice.
Website Cost Breakdown for Web Design Agencies
💰 $5,000 – $50,000+ for design and development costs
💰 $100 – $500 per month for security, website hosting, and support
💰 $1,000 – $5,000 per year for additional website maintenance and SEO services
✅ Pros:
✔ Fully customized website design tailored to your needs
✔ Optimized for SEO, speed, and user experience
✔ Ongoing support, maintenance, and updates
❌ Cons:
✖ Website development costs are significantly higher
✖ Longer development time compared to DIY solutions
✖ Requires a larger upfront investment
🔹 Best for: Established businesses, corporations, or ecommerce websites that need full-scale customization.
Additional Costs to Consider When Building a Website
1. Website Hosting and Domain Name
| Hosting & Domain Costs | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Domain name (annual) | $10 – $50 |
| Shared hosting | $50 – $150 per year |
| Managed WordPress hosting | $150 – $500 per year |
| VPS or Cloud hosting | $500 – $5,000 per year |
🔹 Pro Tip: A cheap hosting plan may slow down your site. Investing in reliable website hosting ensures better speed, security, and uptime.
2. Website Maintenance Costs
Ongoing website maintenance costs include security updates, technical support, and performance monitoring.
💰 $100 – $5,000 per year for regular updates
💰 $500 – $5,000+ per year for SEO and content improvements
🔹 Best for: Businesses that want long-term performance and security for their site.
3. Custom Features and Plugins
If you need a feature-rich website, such as an ecommerce website, the cost of website development increases.
💰 $500 – $20,000+ additional costs for:
✔ Ecommerce functionality (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc.)
✔ Booking systems or custom integrations
✔ SEO and content marketing services
FAQs: Understanding the Cost to Build a Website in 2025
How much does a website cost in 2025?
The cost to build a website ranges from $500 to $50,000, depending on whether you use a website builder, hire a freelance web designer, or work with a web design agency.
What is the cheapest way to create your website?
The cheapest option is using a website builder like Wix, which may cost as little as $100 per year. However, it has limitations in terms of customization and branding.
How much do web designers charge for website development?
- Freelance web designers charge between $500 – $7,500 for a project.
- Web design agencies charge between $5,000 – $50,000+ for a custom website.
What are the ongoing website maintenance costs?
The cost of a website includes yearly expenses for security updates, hosting, and performance improvements. On average:
💰 $100 – $5,000 per year for website maintenance costs
💰 $500 – $5,000 per year for marketing and SEO
Does web design include SEO optimization?
Basic web design includes SEO-friendly structure, but ongoing SEO services are essential for a successful web development strategy may cost $500 – $5,000 per campaign.
What factors affect the cost of a website?
Several cost factors can affect the overall price of a website, including the complexity of the design, the features required, whether you choose to hire a web designer or design team, and the type of website you want to build.
How much does it cost to design a website from scratch?
The cost to design a website from scratch can vary widely, but for a simple website, you might expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000. More intricate designs and functionalities will increase the cost.
Can I make my own website for free?
Yes, there are free website builders available that allow you to make your own website without any upfront costs. However, these often come with limitations and may not provide a professional appearance.
What is a website cost calculator?
A website cost calculator is an online tool that helps estimate the average cost of website design based on your specific needs and preferences, such as the type of website, features, and design complexity.
How much does a small business website cost?
The cost of a small business website can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the design, functionality, and whether you hire a professional web designer or use a website builder.
What are the average costs of website design services?
The average cost of website design services can vary, but typically, hiring a web designer or web design agency may cost between $50 to $150 per hour, leading to an overall project cost of $3,000 to $10,000 for a complete website.
What does a new website require in terms of cost?
A new website requires several cost components, including domain registration, web hosting, design and development fees, and ongoing maintenance costs, which can add up to a significant investment.
How can I reduce the cost of web development?
To reduce the cost of web development, consider using best website builders, opting for a simple website design, or learning to design your website yourself, which can significantly lower expenses.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Website Solution for Your Budget?
Your website cost in 2025 depends on your goals, customization needs, and business type. Whether you choose a DIY website builder, a freelance web designer, or a web design agency, it’s essential to consider the cost of website hosting, support, and long-term maintenance.
Looking for a High-Quality Website That Fits Your Budget?
At Stoute Web Solutions, we specialize in designing business websites that drive results. If you’re looking to build a website that’s functional, SEO-friendly, and optimized for conversions, contact us today to see how we can help! 🚀
