As we move into 2025, having a robust, well-designed website isn’t just an option—standing out online is necessary. But how much should you expect to invest? Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or a large corporation, understanding website design costs is crucial for planning a site that captures your audience and supports your goals.
Website design prices range from budget-friendly DIY options to premium, agency-designed experiences. But what drives these costs, and how do you know your choice? In this guide, we’ll break down the actual costs of website design in 2025, exploring everything from simple templates to custom-built designs.
How Much Does A Website Design Cost?
Website design costs vary widely, from around $20 per hour to as much as $10,000 for an entire project. Factors like the designer’s experience, the type of website, and specific design features can affect the final price. For example, a simple blog may cost less than an entire e-commerce site.
A professional, well-designed site matters because it creates 95% of your visitors’ first impressions and builds 70% of their trust in your brand. Investing in a quality design helps make your site look credible and inviting, which can be essential for success online.
Website Design Cost: At A Glance
| Cost Range | Best For | |
| DIY Website Design | $0 – $300 | Personal projects, small businesses on a tight budget |
| In-House Web Designer | $4,000 – $7,500 per month or $50,000 – $91,000 annually | Businesses needing frequent updates and full-time design support |
| Freelance Web Designer | $500 – $5,000+ per project | Small to medium projects with custom needs |
| Web Design Agency | $500 – $10,000+ per project | High-quality, professional websites with complex features |
| Hourly Designer | $30 – $150 per hour | Small updates, customizations, or improvements to existing sites |
Website Design Cost- Explained
From do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions to hiring a high-end agency, the price range for website design can be broad. Let’s break down each option to understand what drives the cost, the benefits each choice brings, and which might be best suited for different projects or businesses.
1. Do It Yourself (DIY)
If you design your website yourself, you can keep costs low. On average, a DIY website costs between $0 and $300. This amount usually covers a domain name and essential customization tools. You can find many accessible or affordable website builders that let you create a functional site without advanced skills. Platforms like Wix, WordPress, or Squarespace offer easy-to-use templates that help you build a professional-looking site.
With a DIY approach, you pay for essentials like the domain name, which is often around $10 to $20 per year, and any small add-ons you might want. Some website builders offer free versions, though these may come with limitations, like ads or restricted features.
While a DIY website may not be as custom as one designed by a professional, it can still look great and work well for personal projects or small businesses. Going the DIY route is a good option if you want a website that’s simple, budget-friendly, and easy to update.
Pros of DIY Website Design
- Cost-Effective: DIY website design is one of the most budget-friendly options, with many platforms offering free or low-cost plans. You only pay for basics like a domain name or extra features, which can keep costs between $0 and $300.
- Creative Control: Designing your site gives you complete control over the layout, colors, and style. You can make decisions based on your vision without explaining your ideas to someone else.
- Quick Setup: DIY website builders, like Wix or Squarespace, offer easy-to-use templates, which means you can have a website up and running in hours or days instead of weeks.
- Flexibility: With DIY platforms, you can make updates anytime. If you need to change a product price, add a blog post, or update images, you can do it immediately without relying on a designer.
- Learning Opportunity: Creating your website can be a valuable skill to learn. As you work through the design process, you gain insights into web design basics, which can be helpful for future projects.
Cons of DIY Website Design
- Limited Customization: DIY platforms offer templates but may need more advanced customization options. You might face restrictions that prevent your site from looking exactly as you envision or meeting unique needs.
- Time-Consuming: Although DIY tools are user-friendly, they still require time and effort to set up. If you’re new to design, it might take longer to achieve a polished look.
- Less Professional Look: Unless you’re skilled in design, DIY websites can sometimes look less polished than professionally designed ones.
2. In-House Web Designer
Hiring an in-house web designer is a higher-cost option, but it offers many benefits for businesses needing consistent website updates. On average, the monthly expense for an in-house designer ranges from $4,000 to $7,500. This covers the designer’s salary and benefits, making it a more substantial investment than freelance or DIY options.
The yearly costs of hiring an in-house web designer typically run between $50,000 and $91,000. The actual amount depends on factors like experience, location, and the complexity of your website needs. Companies that heavily rely on their website, like e-commerce businesses or online service providers, often find this option worthwhile.
With an in-house designer, you gain someone dedicated to creating, updating, and refining your site. They can quickly adjust, add new features, or optimize your site based on business needs.
This constant availability and adaptability can make a big difference if you need ongoing changes or want a site that stays current with design trends. An in-house designer can be a valuable asset for businesses that view their website as a critical tool for branding, marketing, and customer engagement.
Pros of Hiring an In-House Web Designer
- Consistency: An in-house designer ensures your website’s design aligns with your brand across all pages and updates, creating a cohesive look.
- Quick Updates: With someone on staff, updates and adjustments can happen swiftly, ideal for time-sensitive or frequent updates.
- Direct Communication: An in-house designer can work closely with other teams, like marketing or product, making collaboration seamless and productive.
- Customization: You have more control over the design process, allowing for a unique site tailored to your needs and vision.
- Long-Term Value: An in-house designer can be cost-effective over time for companies with constant web needs.
Cons of Hiring an In-House Web Designer
- High Cost: Monthly or annual salaries and benefits make this a costly option.
- Hiring Challenges: Finding the right designer with the right skills can take time and resources.
- Less Variety: Relying on one designer may limit creativity compared to working with various freelancers or agencies.
3. Freelance Web Designer
Hiring a freelance web designer is a flexible option for businesses or individuals needing a website without committing to full-time staff. Freelance designers typically charge $500 to $5,000 per project, depending on the complexity, timeframe, and specific design features required. This range offers many possibilities for those with different budget levels.
Several online marketplaces make it easy to find freelance designers. On Fiverr, you can find designers starting at around $500 for basic projects, though experienced freelancers may charge more for advanced designs.
Upwork is another popular platform, where freelancers often charge hourly rates ranging from $20 to $150 or more, depending on their skills and experience, which can bring project costs up to the higher end of the range.
Dribbble is known for high-quality, professional designers. Rates on Dribble are often higher, typically starting around $1,000 and going up, as the site is more selective and used by seasoned professionals. Freelancer.com provides a mix of options similar to Upwork, with many designers starting projects around $500 to $2,000, depending on the designer’s reputation and your project’s needs.
Freelance web designers can offer a tailored approach and greater flexibility than agencies, and working with them through these platforms allows you to choose someone who matches your style and budget. Hiring a freelancer can be an effective and budget-friendly solution for those seeking a custom design without the ongoing commitment of an in-house designer.
Pros of Hiring a Freelance Web Designer
- Cost-Effective: Freelancers often charge less than agencies or in-house designers, making it a good choice for small businesses or limited budgets.
- Flexibility: You can hire a freelancer only when needed, allowing you to manage costs and projects as they arise.
- Diverse Options: Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Dribbble offer a variety of skilled designers, so you can find someone with a style that fits your brand.
- Fast Turnaround: Many freelancers work quickly, especially on well-defined, short-term projects.
- Specialized Skills: Freelancers often bring specific expertise, letting you hire a specialist for unique design needs.
Cons of Hiring a Freelance Web Designer
- Inconsistent Availability: Freelancers work with multiple clients, so they may not be available for future updates or urgent changes.
- Quality Variability: Freelance quality can vary widely, making it essential to vet candidates carefully.
- Limited Long-Term Support: Freelancers may lack the availability or commitment for ongoing site maintenance or development.
4. Web Design Agency
Hiring a web design agency is famous for businesses looking for a professional, high-quality website. The cost of working with an agency can range from $500 to $10,000 or more, depending on your project’s complexity, features, and specific needs. Agencies often bring a team of experts, including designers, developers, and project managers, which is why this option tends to be pricier than hiring a freelancer or going DIY.
An agency may charge around $500 to $3,000 for smaller projects or simple websites. This range is usually suitable for primary business sites, blogs, or portfolio websites that don’t need advanced features.
For mid-sized projects, such as e-commerce sites or custom business platforms, costs tend to be higher, typically ranging from $3,000 to $7,000. These projects require more complex design elements, integration with payment systems, and possibly some custom code, which increases the cost.
Large-scale projects, such as corporate websites or fully custom sites with high interactivity and specialized functionality, generally start at $7,000 and can go well beyond $10,000. These projects demand extensive work, ongoing support, and more personalized design strategies.
While agencies are more expensive, they provide high expertise, detailed project management, and often ongoing support after launch. This makes them ideal for companies that view their website as central to their brand and want to invest in a polished, strategic online presence.
Pros of Hiring a Web Design Agency
- Professional Expertise: Agencies offer a team of specialists, including designers, developers, and project managers, bringing a high level of skill and experience to your project.
- Comprehensive Service: Agencies handle everything from initial design to development, testing, and often post-launch support, ensuring a smooth, cohesive process.
- Customized Solutions: Agencies can create unique, tailored designs that align closely with your brand and business goals.
- Project Management: With dedicated project managers, agencies offer structured timelines, regular updates, and accountability throughout the project.
- Ongoing Support: Many agencies provide maintenance packages, making it easy to handle future updates, security, and performance improvements.
Cons of Hiring a Web Design Agency
- High Cost: Agencies are often the most expensive option, with projects starting at $500 and quickly reaching $10,000 or more efficiently.
- Longer Turnaround: Since agencies handle multiple projects and work with formal processes, timelines may be longer than with freelancers or DIY options.
- Less Flexibility: Agencies have set packages and processes, which may limit your control over small details or lead to additional costs for specific changes outside the original scope.
5. Website Design Cost By Hourly Rate
Hiring a designer hourly is a good choice if you need specific customizations or small improvements to an existing website. Hourly rates for web designers vary widely, typically from $30 to $150 per hour. The rate largely depends on the designer’s experience and skill level.
Junior designers or those newer to the industry may charge around $30 to $50 per hour on the lower end. They can be cost-effective for more straightforward updates or minor design adjustments. Mid-level designers generally charge between $50 and $100 per hour and often bring more experience, making them suitable for more complex customizations.
Experienced or specialized designers may charge $100 to $150 per hour, and this higher rate often reflects advanced skills or niche expertise. Hiring by the hour works well for businesses needing occasional changes, such as design refreshes, adding new elements, or troubleshooting issues.
Pros of Hiring a Designer by Hourly Rate
- Cost Control: Paying by the hour allows you to budget precisely for the tasks you need, which can save money if you only require occasional updates.
- Flexibility: You can hire a designer for quick adjustments, minor fixes, or periodic design refreshes without a long-term commitment.
- Access to Specialized Skills: You can find experienced designers with specific expertise for unique tasks or advanced customizations, paying only for their work time.
- Quick Turnaround for Small Tasks: Hourly designers can often handle tasks immediately or within a short time frame, perfect for minor adjustments.
- Scalable for Small Projects: This option works well for businesses with a limited need for design work, as you only pay for the hours you use.
Cons of Hiring a Designer by Hourly Rate
- Uncertain Total Cost: With hourly rates, the total project cost may vary if tasks take longer than expected, making budgeting unpredictable.
- Limited Support: Hourly designers might not be available for ongoing support, as they may prioritize larger, more stable projects.
- Less Consistency: Regularly hiring different hourly designers can lead to a lack of design consistency if each person has a distinct style.
Cost of Website Design According to Their Type
The cost of designing a website varies greatly depending on the type of site, its purpose, complexity, and the resources required. Here’s an overview of six major types of websites, along with estimated design costs for each, based on the level of detail, customization, and design work involved.
1. Personal or Portfolio Website
Estimated Cost: $0 – $3,000
Personal or portfolio websites showcase an individual’s work, projects, or experiences. They’re common for freelancers, artists, and professionals looking to build an online presence. DIY website builders like Wix or Squarespace can work well for these sites, costing around $0 – $300 for basic functionality, including a domain name and hosting.
Hiring a freelance web designer could cost between $500 and $3,000 if you prefer more customization or a professional touch. A portfolio website typically requires simple navigation, an “About” section, and a gallery of work samples, which keeps design complexity low and the costs manageable.
2. Business Website
Estimated Cost: $500 – $5,000
A business website is an online hub for information about a company and its services. These sites are often designed with a clear layout, service descriptions, contact information, and sometimes a blog section. Small business owners often choose DIY platforms or hire freelancers for a simple, professional site.
An essential business website created with DIY tools could range from $500 to $1,000, covering templates, hosting, and add-ons. Hiring a freelance designer would cost between $1,500 and $5,000 for a customized design that reflects branding and business goals. Companies looking for more unique features might consider a small agency for a tailored, user-friendly design, pushing the cost toward the higher end of this range.
3. eCommerce Website
Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $10,000+
eCommerce websites allow businesses to sell products or services online. This type of site requires features like product listings, a shopping cart, payment processing, and order tracking. eCommerce websites often require more extensive design, security, and back-end work than straightforward ones.
Small online stores can start with DIY eCommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, which can cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the template and features chosen. However, hiring a freelance designer or an agency is recommended for a professional, scalable eCommerce site with custom features.
Freelance eCommerce site projects range from $2,000 to $5,000, while agencies may charge $5,000 to $10,000+ for more advanced, custom-built eCommerce stores that include integrated payment systems, product management, and analytics.
4. Blog or Content Website
Estimated Cost: $500 – $5,000
Blogs or content-focused websites are often structured around articles, images, and other media. While some may use DIY platforms, many content creators choose freelance designers or agencies for a unique look and user-friendly experience.
Starting a blog with WordPress or another DIY builder might cost between $0 and $500, covering hosting, themes, and plug-ins. Hiring a freelance designer can cost around $1,000 to $3,000 for those seeking a customized look, depending on the design, functionality, and custom features.
5. Educational Website
Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $15,000+
Educational websites provide courses, resources, or training materials. They may include interactive quizzes, progress tracking, and membership portals. This type of site requires solid functionality to support user engagement and learning.
A primary educational site created with a DIY platform might cost around $1,000 if the site mainly provides information with limited interactive features. For a more interactive and custom experience, a freelance designer can charge between $2,000 and $7,000.
Complex educational sites that support extensive content, courses, and interactive tools might require an agency, costing $10,000 to $15,000 or more. Agencies offer a cohesive approach to design, user experience, and back-end support, essential for sites that deliver high-quality learning experiences.
6. Corporate Website
Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $20,000+
Corporate websites are large, multi-functional sites representing a brand’s identity, services, values, and vision. They often have advanced features like dynamic content, customer portals, and multiple sections for different audiences.
Designing a corporate website requires teamwork to achieve a professional and cohesive look. Small businesses may start with freelance designers for $5,000 to $10,000 to build a well-designed, functional site. However, mid-sized and large companies often go with agencies for greater customization, security, and a branded, polished look. Agency costs for corporate sites range from $10,000 to $20,000+ due to the complexity and high expectations for these projects.
Factors That Affect Website Design Cost
When budgeting for a website design, it’s essential to understand what drives the cost. A website’s price can vary significantly based on several factors, from the complexity of its features to the designer’s expertise. Here are six key factors that influence the cost of website design.
Website Type and Purpose
The type of website you need significantly impacts the design cost. A personal blog or portfolio site usually costs less, requiring fewer pages and simpler functions. Business websites, especially those for e-commerce or corporate use, require more robust features, security, and design, which increase costs. Each website type has different demands, making the purpose of your site one of the primary cost drivers.
Level of Customization
Customization level is another major factor. DIY platforms and templates offer ready-made designs, which can be affordable but limited in customization. If you want a unique look tailored to your brand, you’ll need custom design elements, often created by a professional. Custom graphics, animations, and layouts that align closely with your brand add to the cost. Customization can also extend to specific functionality, like a tailored product page or advanced search features, which require additional time and expertise.
Number of Pages
The number of pages your site needs also impacts cost. A simple site with five or six pages (like Home, About, Services, Contact, and Blog) is more affordable than a large site with dozens of pages. Each page requires design, content setup, and, in some cases, SEO optimization. If you need a website with many sub-pages or complex navigation, this increases the work required and, thus, the design cost.
Complexity of Features
The features you want on your website can significantly raise the cost. Basic websites with limited functions—like simple contact forms and image galleries—tend to be cheaper. However, more complex features like e-commerce capabilities, booking systems, membership portals, and interactive elements require advanced skills and development time. The complexity of these features and the need for integration with third-party platforms make them more costly.
Designer or Agency Experience
The experience and expertise of the designer or agency you hire also affect cost. Junior or less experienced designers typically charge lower rates, but the quality may vary. Hiring a mid-level or senior designer or a reputable agency costs more, but they often bring refined skills, efficiency, and creativity to the project. Highly skilled designers can create unique, professional websites that offer an exceptional user experience, which justifies the higher price.
Maintenance and Support Needs
After the website is built, ongoing maintenance and support are often required. This includes updates, security checks, backups, and troubleshooting issues. Some website owners handle this themselves, which keeps costs lower. However, many choose to have a professional maintain the site, especially if it has complex features or if they need more technical knowledge. Regular support and maintenance services add to the overall cost as a one-time fee or a monthly charge, ensuring the site continues running smoothly and stays up-to-date.
Tips to Decrease Website Design Cost
- Choose a DIY Platform: If your needs are simple, consider using DIY platforms like Wix or Squarespace. These allow you to design a functional website at a low cost, with templates and drag-and-drop options.
- Use Pre-Made Templates: Many platforms and content management systems (CMS) offer high-quality templates that you can customize. Templates save on custom design costs and provide a professional look without extensive customization.
- Limit Custom Features: Only add essential features and avoid complex functionalities like custom animations or advanced integrations unless necessary. Focus on a clean, straightforward design that’s effective and affordable.
- Start Small: Begin with a basic version of your site, especially if you’re launching a new business. You can add more pages or features later as your needs grow, spreading out costs over time.
- Opt for Freelancers: Freelancers typically charge less than agencies and offer flexible pricing. Look for a skilled freelancer with good reviews on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to get quality design at a lower rate.
- Handle Content Creation: Write the website content yourself or use free stock photos for visual elements. This can reduce costs as designers often charge extra for content creation or photography.
Finally, Does Web Design Cost Worth Its Value?
Yes, web design is worth the investment. 88% of companies report satisfaction with the results and return on investment (ROI) from their website design. A well-designed website does more than look good—it boosts conversions, supports other marketing efforts, and creates a lasting impression of your brand.
Good design encourages user engagement, builds trust, and guides visitors toward actions like signing up, purchasing or contacting you. Quality web design ultimately pays off by enhancing the user experience, strengthening brand identity, and increasing your site’s effectiveness as a marketing tool.
