If you’re planning to launch a website in 2025, you might be wondering: How much will it actually cost? The answer depends on your needs, who you hire (or if you DIY), and what features you want. In this guide, we’ll break down the numbers so you can make an informed decision.
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The Different Ways to Build a Website (and Their Costs)
There are three main ways to get a website: DIY website builders, hiring a freelancer, or working with an agency. Each comes with its own price range and pros/cons.
DIY Website Builders
Estimated Cost: $10 – $100/month
Popular platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify make it easy to build a site yourself. DIY Website Builders are great for beginners, but they come with limitations.
- Domain & Hosting: Usually included, but costs range from $10 – $30/month.
- Templates & Themes: Free to $300 for premium options.
- Plugins & Apps: $0 – $50/month depending on features.
- Total Estimated Cost: $10 – $100/month
Best for: Small personal projects or businesses on a tight budget.
Freelance Web Designer
Estimated Cost: $1,500 – $10,000 one-time or $100 – $500/month
If you want more customization without the cost of an agency, hiring a freelancer is a great middle ground.
- Custom Design & Development: $1,500 – $10,000+ depending on complexity.
- Ongoing Maintenance: $50 – $300/month.
- Hosting & Security: $10 – $50/month.
- Total Estimated Cost: $1,500+ upfront or $100 – $500/month
Best for: Small businesses and startups that want a custom look without the high agency price.
Web Design Agency
Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $50,000+ or $300 – $2,000/month
For businesses that need a high-performing, scalable site, an agency offers premium design, branding, and functionality.
- Custom Website Build: $5,000 – $50,000+.
- Hosting & Maintenance: $100 – $500/month.
- Advanced Features (eCommerce, SEO, CRM integrations, etc.): Extra costs apply.
- Total Estimated Cost: $5,000+ upfront or $300 – $2,000/month
🚀 Best for: Businesses that rely on their website for growth and lead generation.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Even if you budget for a website, there are some extra costs you might not think about:
- Domain Name: $10 – $50/year. You can check availability and register a domain through Cloudflare.
- Need help buying a domain? Check out our guide.
- SSL Certificate: Often included in hosting, but can be $50 – $200/year.
- Premium Plugins & Tools: $100 – $500/year.
- SEO & Marketing: $200 – $2,000/month if hiring a pro. Tools like SEMRush or Ahrefs can help with SEO.
Subscription-Based Website Solutions
For businesses that want an affordable, all-in-one solution, subscription-based website services (like Misfit Development) offer an alternative.
You pay a monthly fee that includes hosting, maintenance, and updates, this helps businesses avoid large upfront costs while still getting a professional website. For example:
- Landing Page Plan: $100/month.
- Business Website Plan: $300/month.
- E-Commerce Plan: $650/month.
Final Thoughts: What’s Right for You?
The cost of a website in 2025 depends on your goals, budget, and how much control you want over the process.
- DIY if you’re on a budget.
- Hire a freelancer for a custom, but affordable site.
- Choose an agency for a high-end, scalable solution.
- Consider a subscription service for an all-in-one solution.
Investing in your website is investing in your business. Whether you go DIY or hire a pro make sure your website meets your needs in 2025 and beyond!
Need a high-performing website without the upfront cost? Check out Misfit Development’s website plans.