Asking how much a website costs is a bit like asking how much a car costs: it depends on what you need. A simple website that presents a business does not cost the same as an online store, a booking system or a platform built specifically for one company.
As a general reference, Clutch places professional web development in a range that can run from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending mainly on design, functionality and complexity. So rather than looking for one universal price, it is more useful to understand which model you are buying and what it includes.
1. Subscription platforms: pay a fee and have almost everything included
Services such as Wix, Squarespace, WordPress.com or Shopify let you create a website by paying a monthly or annual subscription. Hosting, editing tools, security and support are usually included within the same service.
Prices vary by platform and features. In 2026, basic plans can cost single-digit or tens of dollars per month, while ecommerce or advanced business options can cost considerably more. For example, Shopify starts at USD 29 per month when billed annually for its Basic plan, while WordPress.com ranges from basic plans to higher-priced Business and Commerce options.
- Advantages: lower initial investment, hosting and updates included, faster setup and less technical maintenance.
- Disadvantages: an ongoing subscription, features tied to the chosen plan, possible extra costs and greater dependence on the platform.
- May suit: small businesses that need a straightforward website and want to minimise technical management.
2. Self-hosted WordPress
Another option is to install WordPress with a hosting provider. The software is open source, but you still need to pay at least for the domain and hosting and decide who will design, configure, update and maintain the website.
Costs can vary widely. If you do much of the work yourself, the initial expense can be low. If you hire a professional to design the structure, adapt the site, prepare content, optimise it and leave it ready to use, the budget can easily range from hundreds to several thousand euros depending on the project.
- Advantages: a high degree of flexibility, the possibility of changing provider and a very large extension ecosystem.
- Disadvantages: maintenance, updates, backups and possible theme or plugin licence costs.
- May suit: businesses that want more control without necessarily requiring a completely custom build.
3. Custom development
With custom development, the website is built specifically around the business. That does not mean everything has to be programmed from scratch; it means the solution is designed around specific requirements instead of forcing them into a template or closed platform.
It is usually the option with the highest initial investment, and the cost can rise quickly when the project includes bookings, integrations, private areas, automation or company-specific processes.
- Advantages: greater freedom, control and the ability to adapt functionality to the business.
- Disadvantages: higher initial investment and the need for professional maintenance.
- May suit: companies whose processes do not fit standard solutions or that need specific functionality.
Which costs are often forgotten?
The initial quote does not always represent the total cost. Before comparing proposals, check whether they include:
- domain and hosting;
- design and mobile adaptation;
- copy, images and initial content entry;
- forms, bookings, payments or other functionality;
- maintenance, updates and backups;
- paid licences or applications;
- basic search and analytics configuration;
- support after the website is published.
An apparently cheap offer can become more expensive if several of these tasks have to be purchased separately afterwards. A higher-priced proposal may include services that reduce later work and costs.
So which option is right?
There is no universal answer. For an independent professional who only needs to explain services and receive enquiries, a subscription platform may be enough. A company that wants more control may prefer self-hosted WordPress. When a business has particular processes or functionality, custom development can justify a higher investment.
When comparing proposals, always ask what the initial price includes, what it will cost to maintain the website over the next few years and what happens if you want to change provider or platform.