How much does it cost to build a website in 2026?

Key takeaways:

• A basic DIY website can cost around $300–$500 in the first year, depending on the plan. Professional or custom-built websites can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $50,000 or more.
• Website builders usually cost less because hosting, templates, security, and website-building tools are often included in one plan.
• Your launch cost is only part of the budget. Domain renewals, hosting, maintenance, content, marketing, and other tools can add to your total website expenses over time.

So, how much does it cost to build a site in 2026? 

The short answer: it can cost anywhere from $0 to over $100,000. There’s no single price. A basic DIY website can cost a few hundred dollars in its first year, while a custom website can cost thousands. More complex builds can reach $50,000 or more.

The biggest factor is how you build it. Doing most of the work yourself with a website builder costs less.

On the other hand, hiring designers, developers, writers, and marketing professionals increases your budget, but you also get more help and customization.

Here’s what goes into the cost. From domain name fees to maintenance expenses, learn what to expect and how to keep your costs in check here.

Disclaimer: Prices in this guide are estimates based on Q3 2026 pricing and industry data. Actual costs vary by provider, location, billing term, features, project scope, and promotional offers. Check current pricing before purchasing.

How much does it cost to build a website? 

Here’s a detailed website cost breakdown, from domain and hosting fees to design, maintenance, and marketing. These are separate estimates, not costs you’ll necessarily pay together. Note that it’s also common for providers to bundle these components into one plan. For example, a website builder plan may already include hosting, templates, or SSL.

Website component	Estimated cost
Domain name	$10 to $50 per year
Website hosting	$2 to $500 per month
Theme and design, including templates	$0 to $500 (one-time); builder subscriptions may cost extra
Add-ons and plugins	$0 to $100 per month
SSL certificate	$0 to $1,000+ annually
Ongoing website maintenance	$0 to $5,000+ per month depending on the site
Content	$0 when DIY to over $5,000; professional costs vary
eCommerce tools and capabilities	$3 to $2,300 per month, but varies by platform and store requirements
Marketing tools and services	$0 for DIY options to over $10,000 per month for professional services
Project timeline	Varies; rush work may add fees
Content management system	$0 software license for open-source WordPress; hosting, add-ons, or hosted-plan fees may apply

The amount you spend depends on the site you want. A five-page basic website doesn’t need the same budget as a more complex business website or online store with hundreds of products.

Domain name

Domain names generally cost between $10 and $50 per year. Premium or custom domains with popular keywords can cost even more, sometimes reaching several hundred dollars or more, depending on demand, keyword, length, and branding potential. Our domain cost guide breaks down what affects the price.

Most websites work just fine with custom domains under $60. After all, what matters is having your own domain that’s relevant to your brand and is easy for your audience to remember.

Website hosting

Monthly website hosting fees range from $2 to $500 monthly, depending on the service and plan. Many hosting providers offer hosting packages with managed hosting, bundle performance, security, and maintenance together for convenience. On average, though, most websites spend $100 to $500 a year on hosting.

Whether you choose traditional or cloud hosting, it’s important to find a provider that meets your website’s performance and security needs.  

For budget-friendly options, use a website builder that includes a hosting plan. However, if you decide to create your site independently or you build a WordPress site, you’ll need to budget for hosting.

Here are popular hosting options that vary in cost depending on your requirements: 

Hosting type	Description	Estimated cost (yearly)
Shared hosting	Hosts your site on a shared server; easy to set up but less stable during traffic spikes	$25 to $120
Virtual private server (VPS) hosting	Hosts your site on a shared server with dedicated resources; offers better performance and control	$120 to $1,200
Cloud hosting	Hosts pool resources from multiple servers; provides better uptime and scalability	$120 to $2,500+
Dedicated hosting	Hosts your site on a private server; offers maximum performance and customization	$960 to $6,000+

Website theme and design

Website design can cost $0 or just a few dollars if you use a free template, but it can become one of the biggest expenses if you want something completely custom.

Most website builders provide ready-made templates. Premium templates may cost extra, but they’re still cheaper than having a layout designed from scratch.

Templates typically cost around $0–$500 or more, depending on the platform, licensing, and features. Aside from the template, the type of website also affects the design costs.

A blog usually has a simpler structure. A business website may need separate service pages, forms, testimonials, and branded content. An eCommerce site adds product pages, checkout, payments, inventory, and other store features.

The number of pages also adds to the price. A one-page portfolio requires less writing, design, and testing than a 30-page business website.

Then there’s how you actually build those pages.

Traditional website builders give you templates and editing tools, then you put the site together yourself. AI-powered website builders can do more of that first-step work for you. You still control the final result; AI just gives you somewhere to start instead of a blank page.

Add-ons and plugins

Depending on their complexity and features, plugins and add-ons cost between $0 and $100+ per month. They can both improve your website’s user experience and drive better traffic.

Add-ons are extra components that enhance software or platforms by adding new features or content. Plugins, however, are a specific type of add-on that integrates directly into a program to expand its functionality.

They can include:

• Contact forms
• Appointment booking
• SEO tools
• Backups
• Security features
• Analytics
• Membership tools
• Payment integrations

While both enhance the software, plugins extend the core capabilities and are usually more complex to incorporate. In contrast, other add-ons, like browser extensions or game mods, work independently of the core software, so they’re easier to install.

Before paying for one, check what your website plan already includes. It doesn’t make sense to pay for a separate feature when your platform already gives you the same thing.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate

SSL certificates enable HTTPS, which encrypts data sent between a visitor’s browser and your website. Online stores also need a secure payment processor. It typically costs you between $0 and $1,000 per year. Several factors influence the price, including the number of domains, the validation process, warranty coverage, and the type of SSL certificate.  

Common types of SSL certificates include:  

• Domain Validation (DV) SSL certificate: A basic SSL certificate that verifies domain ownership and provides encryption and security for your website, typically costing between $4 and over $60 per year.
• Organization Validation (OV) SSL certificate: Verifies both domain ownership and business legitimacy, with a cost range of $50 to $150 per year.
• Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificate: Requires additional verification of a business’s identity and generally costs $200 to $300+ per year. Modern browsers do not display the old green address bar for EV certificates.

Ongoing website maintenance

Website maintenance costs can range between $0 to $5,000+, depending on size, complexity, number of pages, functionality, and who manages your website. And just like other development costs, your website’s ongoing costs depend on the type and structure of your site.  

Technically, you can manage your website’s maintenance yourself with enough technical skills. However, hiring a freelancer or developer adds cost but can save you time.  

Even for a small business website, investing in website maintenance is necessary. It covers many important areas, and you don’t want to overlook any of them.

Ongoing maintenance includes:

• Security, plugin, and theme updates
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Performance and uptime monitoring
• Accessibility and user testing
• Support and maintenance plans 

Content

Creating website content can cost you either nothing or up to $5,000, depending on how much help you need and the quality you’re aiming for. 

This includes everything from text on your homepage to blog articles, product descriptions, images, and even videos. If you’re doing it all yourself using free tools and stock images, you might not spend much at all. But hiring professionals will increase the cost, often for good reason.

In addition:

• Copywriting typically costs $19 to $45 per hour, depending on the writer’s expertise.
• Stock images can be free, but high-quality custom graphics or photos may cost $100 to $500+.
• Video content starts around $500 for professional production.
• Ongoing updates, such as blog writing, maintaining a blog website, or social content, should also be factored into your monthly budget, along with search engine optimization.

eCommerce tools and capabilities 

Basic eCommerce tools can start as low as $3 per month, but for more advanced features—like multichannel selling, automated marketing, or appointment scheduling—you’re looking at could pay up to $2,000 or more, depending on the platform and plan. 

For instance, our website builder eCommerce plan bills at around $13.99 per month. It includes an AI-powered website builder, secure checkout, domain privacy, email marketing tools, and dedicated support for selling on platforms such as Amazon, Instagram, and eBay.

Marketing tools and services

Marketing costs can range from $0 to over $10,000 per month, depending on your approach and whether you do it yourself or hire experts. 

To market your website isn’t optional if you want people to actually find and engage with it. This includes tools and services like SEO, pay-per-click (PPC) ads, email marketing, and social media promotion.  

Here are the typical costs for different website marketing strategies: 

• SEO services can run from $1,000 to $2,500+ per month, with some agencies charging more.
• PPC campaigns typically require at least $100 per month in ad spend, plus management fees.
• Email marketing platforms often start free, but can reach more than $1,000 per month.
• Social media marketing services may cost $100 to $5,000 per month if outsourced. 

We offer built-in marketing tools with every domain purchase to help you get started easily and right away, without third-party tools or coding. 

Project timeline

Time also affects development costs.

A normal timeline gives your designer or developer enough room to plan, build, test, revise, and finish the site. A rush job, or if you need the website much faster than usual, a designer or professional web developer may have to prioritize your project, work outside normal hours, or put more people on it.

Extra time and labor usually means a higher cost.

If there’s no urgent deadline, give the project enough time. You’ll have more room to review the site properly, and you’re less likely to pay extra just because everything needs to be finished fast.

Content management system

A content management system (CMS) is software that lets you create, edit, organize, and publish website content without manually coding every page. A CMS can make it easier to maintain a professional website, but your platform choice also affects what you’ll spend.

The software itself can sometimes cost nothing. For example, WordPress.org is open-source software, but putting a WordPress site online still comes with costs such as WordPress hosting, a domain, premium themes or plugins, and any professional development or maintenance you need. Other hosted CMS platforms may charge monthly or annual subscription fees instead.

When comparing CMS costs, compare what the plan includes and what it costs after the introductory term. If you choose WordPress, our WordPress hosting is one hosting option.

How much does it cost to build a website with a website builder?

Website builders offer one of the most affordable ways to get online, with plans that typically charge a recurring monthly fee. Prices range from $1.99 per month and vary depending on inclusions such as hosting, domain registration, SSL, and maintenance. If you’re looking to cut costs and launch quickly, a website builder might be your best bet. 

Here’s a side-by-side pricing comparison of popular website builders: 

Website builder	Starting cost per month
Network Solutions	$4.99/month for the initial 1-year term
Wix	$17 (annual billing; price varies by location)
Squarespace	$19 (annual billing)
Weebly	$13 (annual billing)
Hostinger	$2.99 (48-month promotional term)

Disclaimer: Pricing is current at the time of writing but can change without prior notice. Billing terms, renewals, promotions, taxes, and plan availability vary. Check each provider directly for current pricing.

How much does it cost to build a website with a professional web designer? 

Freelance web designers or developers typically charge by the hour or per project. These projects may range from a few hundred dollars for simple builds to tens of thousands for complex, custom website solutions with unique custom features. 

Typically, costs range from $500 to $5,000 annually. But this can also exceed $250,000 depending on the project’s size and complexity.

Many small businesses prefer this route because freelance developers offer more flexibility and room for negotiation than developers associated with a web design agency.

Additionally, you can find freelance web developers who specialize in specific types of websites. They can help you add advanced features and effectively boost your site’s search rankings.

Of course, there’s no guarantee, and you might end up spending more time or money than you should. If it feels overwhelming, you can hire a professional developer.

Keep in mind, these rates reflect the cost of the developer’s expertise and time, not the website itself.

Should you use a website builder or hire a professional web designer?

This depends on many factors, such as your budget, timeline, and business goals.

Choose a website builder if…	Hire a professional web designer if…
You want to launch for a few hundred dollars or less	You need a custom website solution built around your brand
You need a simple website with standard pages	You need more advanced features or integrations
You’re comfortable handling website building yourself	You want a professional to manage strategy, design, and setup; a professional-looking website results
You’re okay to work with built-in templates, hosting, and basic tools	You need custom layouts, user flows, or a conversion strategy
You plan to update the site yourself	You want ongoing technical support or maintenance

Essentially, a website builder is the better choice for small businesses that need a homepage, service pages, a contact form, basic SEO tools, and maybe a small online store.

But if your website needs a custom solution, more advanced features, custom branding, complex eCommerce functionality, or integrations with other business software, you may need a professional web designer.

There’s also a hybrid option where you start with a website builder, then hire a professional later to improve your design, copy, or SEO.

How much does it cost to build a website for different business types?

Depending on the type of business you run, website costs can range from as low as $100 to well over $50,000. Some websites need only a few pages and basic features, while others—like eCommerce stores—require advanced functionality and more maintenance.  

Below is a quick comparison of the typical price range of building a website by business type: 

Business type	Estimated cost range
eCommerce store	$1,000 to $50,000
Portfolio website	$300 to $5,000
Small business website	$500 to $10,000
Blog	$100 to $3,000
Enterprise website	$20,000 to $100,000+

Disclaimer: Pricing is current at the time of writing but can change without prior notice. Billing terms, renewals, promotions, taxes, and plan availability vary. Check each provider directly for current pricing.

How much does it cost to hire a digital marketing agency for your website?

Marketing agencies are costly; they charge anywhere from about $900 to $20,000+ per month. Despite the high costs, many small businesses invest in digital marketing services to grow their online presence and stay competitive.   

While digital marketing isn’t technically part of the website-building process, it’s an additional cost you’ll want to keep in mind for the future. In fact, it’s something you should consider as early as possible. 

While you can handle digital marketing yourself, working with experts often yields better results. It’s a smart move if you’re new to website building and don’t have the skills or time to do it yourself.

Digital marketing agencies can provide help with:  

• Brand management
• Copywriting services
• Market research
• SEO
• Social media marketing
• Google Ads management
• Email and content marketing
• Conversion optimization and analytics tracking
• Account planning

How to save on website expenses

A good website doesn’t need every feature from the start. Here are some simple, smart ways to keep website costs low:

• Start with the basics: You don’t need a fancy website right away. Focus on the essential features, such as a homepage, contact info, and key services. You can always add more features later.
• Use free tools: There are plenty of free themes, templates, and plugins that work great. Just make sure they’re well-reviewed and updated regularly.
• Check what comes with your domain: For example, our domain registration includes an Email Marketing App, so try it before paying separately for email marketing tools. We also offer free tools such as AI Brand Creator, Logo Maker, and basic SEO tools like Site Health Advisor. Using what’s available can help you save money.
• Skip the extras (for now): Only pay for features you actually need. Add-ons and custom elements might look nice, but they can drive up your costs fast.
• Choose affordable hosting: Shared hosting is budget-friendly and works well for most small sites. You can always upgrade later if you need more power.
• Plan before you build: Sketch out your layout and content before diving in. This helps avoid costly redesigns or last-minute changes.
• Review your tools regularly: Check your subscriptions and tools every few months. Cancel anything you’re not using.
• Pay yearly when possible: Many platforms offer discounts for annual billing, which saves you more in the long run compared to monthly payments. Do this to reduce long-term renewal costs.
• Improve site speed: A faster website improves user experience and reduces the need for costly performance fixes. Compress images, avoid unnecessary plugins, and remove tools you don’t use.
• Try to write your own content first: Professional copywriting is valuable, but you can reduce costs by drafting your own content first. Write down your services, customer questions, pricing details, differentiators, and brand story. A professional can then refine your draft instead of creating everything from scratch.

Frequently asked questions

So, how much does it cost to build a website?  

In 2026, the cost to build a website can range from nothing to more than $100,000. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to website costs, and there never really has been. The total cost will always depend on several factors, such as your domain name, hosting, the type of website you’re creating, how many pages you need, and any marketing tools you want to include. Whether you take the DIY approach or hire professionals will also affect the total cost. 

If you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to get online, using a reliable website builder is a great place to start. Use our Website Builder to build your site your way, with access to expert support when you need it.