How Much Does a Website Cost? Complete Pricing Guide (2026)
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A website is an investment. Costs vary wildly depending on how you build it. Here is a realistic breakdown.
DIY: $100-500
WordPress with a free theme and Hostinger hosting costs under $100 for the first year. Website builders like Wix cost $16/month. The tradeoff is your time: 20-40 hours for a quality site.
Freelancer: $1,000-5,000
A freelance designer builds a custom WordPress site with branding, content, and features. Timeline: 4-8 weeks. Good value for professional results without agency prices.
Agency: $5,000-30,000+
Strategy, custom design, development, and ongoing support. Worth it for businesses earning $100K+ annually that need complex functionality.
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Ongoing costs: $15-50/month
Hosting ($3-15/month), domain renewal ($10-15/year), email ($0-6/month), and optional tools. Most small businesses spend $15-50/month ongoing.
The verdict
Start DIY if budget is tight. Invest in a freelancer when revenue justifies it. Our hosting cost guide covers the biggest recurring expense.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a basic website cost?
DIY costs $100-500. Freelancer $1,000-5,000. Agency $5,000-30,000. Ongoing $15-50/month.
Can I build a website for free?
Yes. WordPress is free with many hosts including free domains. The real cost is 20-40 hours of your time.
What are the ongoing costs?
Hosting $3-15/month, domain $10-15/year, email $0-6/month. Most spend $15-50/month.
How can I save money?
WordPress with free themes, Hostinger hosting, free plugins, and Google tools. Under $20/month to run.