You searched "how much does a website cost" and got answers ranging from "free" to "$100,000." That is not helpful when you just need a straight answer.
I have built over 50 websites for businesses in 6 countries. Here is what things actually cost in 2026 — in plain language, with real numbers from real projects.
What Most Businesses Actually Pay
| What you need | Typical cost | How long it takes | My recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A simple website for your business | $1,500 - 5,000 | 4-6 weeks | Best value for most small businesses |
| An online store | $1,000 - 12,000 | 6-10 weeks | Worth it if you sell products online |
| A single landing page | $100 - 2,000 | 1-2 weeks | Perfect for testing a new offer |
| A portfolio or personal site | $1,500 - 3,500 | 3-4 weeks | Great for creatives and consultants |
Website Cost Calculator
Get a rough estimate for your project. These are starting prices — final quote depends on specifics.
Estimated cost
$3,500
Timeline
5 weeks
This is a rough estimate. Your actual quote may be lower or higher based on your specific requirements.
Get an Exact Quote — Free CallAgencies typically charge 2-3x more for the same work. DIY builders like Wix are cheaper but you get a template, not something custom.
A real example: Last month, a physiotherapist in Zurich asked me to build her a website. She had been relying on Instagram and word-of-mouth but wanted something more professional. We built a clean 6-page site with an online booking form for $1,200. Within the first month, she got 12 new patients directly through the website. That is what a good website does — it works for you while you work on your business.
If this sounds like what you need, let's talk about your project. The first call is free, no strings attached.
What Actually Makes a Website Expensive
Most people think fancy design is the expensive part. It is not.
What costs more:
What is cheaper than you think:
Should You Build It Yourself or Hire Someone?
Here is the honest truth:
Build it yourself if you have a very simple business (one service, one location), a tight budget under $1,000, and you are OK with a template that looks like thousands of other sites. Tools like Squarespace and Wix make this possible in a weekend.
Hire a freelancer (like me) if you want something custom that actually represents your brand, you need it to show up on Google, and you do not want to spend months figuring out website builders. You get direct communication with the person building it, and it costs a fraction of what agencies charge. Here is how I work.
Hire an agency if you are a large company with a complex project, you need a team of specialists, and your budget starts at $10,000+. Just know that most of your money goes to project managers and office overhead, not the actual work on your website.
My recommendation for most small businesses: a freelancer gives you the best balance of quality, speed, and price.
The Costs After Launch (Most People Forget This)
Your website is not a one-time purchase. It is more like a car — there are running costs. Here is what to expect:
For most businesses, ongoing costs are $10-150/month. That is less than your monthly coffee budget, and your website brings in customers 24/7.
The mistake I see most often: someone spends $1,000 on a beautiful website, then never updates it. A year later it is slow, outdated, and not showing up on Google anymore. Budget for maintenance from day one.
How to Not Get Ripped Off
After years in this industry, here are the warning signs:
The Bottom Line
A professional website costs $1,500-12,000 for most businesses. The exact price depends on what you need it to do. Ongoing costs are $10-150/month.
The most important thing is not the price — it is finding someone who listens to what you need, explains things clearly, and delivers work you are proud to show your customers.
If you want a straight answer about what your specific project would cost, book a free 30-minute call. I will give you an honest estimate — even if the answer is "you do not need me for this."