Website Development Cost in 2023: A Complete Guide

Summary: Want to build a website for your startup or existing business? You must have plenty of questions and “website development cost” might be on the top of all. So, we have made it simple for you by answering all factors that impact website creation costs. Hope you find it helpful.

The median cost to build a website will range between $1,000 to $300,000 or higher.

Yes, you heard it right. The cost to build a website depends on multiple factors, like website complexity, the number of pages, and its design.

These days it is crucial to have a website even before you start a business. Many business owners who want the best website at the most affordable possible cost ask questions like-

• How much does it cost to build a website for a small business?
• Will a basic website with minimal features make a good impact?
• Is it worth it to build my own website?
• HTML website cost Vs. WordPress website cost

Let’s cut to the chase. The cost of making a website depends on the features and how much effort goes into building it. There are other factors involved like the domain name, website functionality, size of the website, hosting platform, level of maintenance required, chosen tech stack, hourly rates, specialization, and other factors.

However, to give you a rough estimate, building a website costs anywhere starting from $1,000 to $300,000. Know that your business size also plays an integral role in calculating the cost of website development.

Still confused? Looking for more clarification on the web development cost and other factors? Relax; we will break it down for you in this blog.

Breakdown of Website Development Cost as per Features & Functionality

No one, even an expert can tell you the exact web development cost to build a website unless you provide them with the project scope. Still, we have explored the median cost to build a website. Take a look at the table.

So, as seen above, it is very hard to define the cost to develop website development cost because it depends on multiple factors. On top of that, website maintenance can cost anywhere between $500 to $60,000 a year. For large websites, the maintenance cost can be as high as $5,000 a month. In short, the three main factors that impact website development cost are;

• Type of website
• Type of team
• Team’s region

Multiple ways to Find and Hire Website Developers

The average cost to build a website largely depends on the way you create a website and also the number of resources used. If you have the required coding knowledge, you do not have to incur much expenditure. However, will the final output be in line with your expectations? Think about that. The website’s quality, functionality and features also play a prominent role in defining the overall user experience.

You have three options to develop your website.

1. Hiring a Website Developer

If you want the best results, hire a dedicated website developer. Depending on the developer’s experience, website developers cost you anywhere between $20 to $200 an hour. Some developers/website designers charge by the other while others quote an upfront fee.

The cost to build a web application also depends on the website content, size of the website, landing pages, number of pages, additional features, etc. Look for hiring Remote Developers on freelancing platforms like TopDevelopers.co Upwork and others. Analyze the developer’s experience and past work.

Looking at his portfolio will give you a fair idea of his ability & experience. Based on that you can decide. Understanding that cheap is not always the best option. Hire a web developer with the right skills because that will mean less back and forth. Ultimately, you will get the results you want.

2. Hire a Web Development Agency

The approximate cost of hire a web developer through an agency can be anywhere between $1000 to $10,000 but it depends on features and functionality. Understand that an agency has multiple individuals working for it like developers, digital marketers, SEO experts, graphic designers, testers, etc.

If you are unsatisfied with a certain developer, you can ask for another one. You can literally pick and choose from a diverse talent pool of individuals by going through their ratings, reviews, and portfolios.

TopDevelopers.co allows you to choose talented web developers from the best web development companies. Once your website is ready, you can even enter into a contract with the web development agency for website maintenance in return for a monthly/yearly fee. Additionally, the web development firm will also handle tasks like ensuring website security, performing key updates and routine checks, backups, and other technical stuff.

3. Build an in-house team

Having an in-house team to build a website is considered to be the best idea, though it’s an option for budget-friendly businesses. There are plenty of things you need to have apart from providing a salary. For example, you need to provide tools, software, hardware, infrastructure, and human resource to manage the team. Besides, you need to provide a costly health policy apart from salary. The overall cost to build an in-house team will be way higher than outsourcing web development to a reputed web development firm.

4. Use tools like website builders

There are a plethora of website builders you can use to create a website. Using tools like Webflow, Carrd, Wix, and Weebly, you can build a website for as low as $10 to $20 a month. Note that the website creation cost changes, depending on the geographical location. Some of these platforms even help you with website maintenance, hosting, server upkeep and much more.

Alternatively, you can pick platforms like Squarespace, WordPress, WebNode etc for as little as $3 to $30 a month but you will have to deal with website maintenance. The best part of these website builders is that you don’t need any coding knowledge to build a website. Businesses that are on a shoe-string budget or those that don’t want to invest in a developer can use these tools.

Another major advantage is that you don’t have to explain things to anyone. Build a website from scratch, and customize the features as per your requirements and preferences.

Factors Affecting Average Cost of Website Development

Different factors influence the average website development cost, so it’s essential to get a detailed estimate of every factor that scale up or down the cost.

Complexity of website

Website development falls into three categories- simple website, medium website, and large-sized website. The simple website have basic functionalities and minimal design that are built with minimum coding and knowledge of HTML and CSS is enough to craft UI design.

Medium website require are a little more complex and have dynamic elements that require a higher level of coding. So, web developers and designers must be well-versed in advanced technologies and tools leverage, libraries, frameworks, and others.

Technical complexity goes northwards in large-sized websites that require handling hundreds of users’ requests and services to meet users’ requirements despite heavy workloads. Also, building the functionalities from scratch requires more time, effort, and dollar investment.

Technology stack

Website development involves frontend and backend development that needs different technologies, tools, and talent to get the work done. Frontend development requires HTML, CSS, Angular.JS, React.JS, LESS, SASS, TypeScript, and JavaScript for an intuitive frontend that intrigues the users. When website responsiveness and animation complexity is required to increase the appeal, the cost surges accordingly.

Backend development is the backbone of the website that enables it performs impeccably. It’s the heart of website development that pumps blood into every vein that’s enabling users to browse and interact with the website flawlessly. However, when complex queries, non-standard data processing, third-party services integrations, and others are involved, the website development cost shoots up.

Design (UI/UX)

UI/UX design engineering is as important as web development which decides the fate of the website web app. no poorly designed can attract users at the first sight and make them a potential customer of the brand. Website design engineering consumes optimal money in research, wireframe creation, and prototype crafting to get an elegant website design created.

When the number of design elements, animation complexity, advanced design trends, and website pages gets increased, the time and cost are extended the same way.

Security

Security is the lifeblood of the website that takes away the existing users and deters them to browse the website if they found a security glitch in the website. Taking necessary security measures and security features integration ensures the website is safe to use.

For instance, the user authentication is made robust secure with OTP verification, face detection, or eye retina using biometric data. SSL certificates are installed and the website complies with security regulations applied by the nation’s government and niche industry as health-related websites comply with HIPPA regulations. End-to-end encryption ensures data during transit is not hacked or manipulated by fraudsters.

Website maintenance covers fixing security vulnerabilities as they pop up after development and gradual enhancements. A shared hosting platform or virtual private server hosting platform safeguards the users’ data with no server downtime issues.

Upfront Website Development Cost and Requirements

Building a website from scratch is not rocket science but it is not a cakewalk either. However, you can add the features you want while saving your hard-earned money. You need the 3 things below to create a website.

1. Domain name

The domain name is a virtual identity for your business. For example, people can find products on amazon by logging on to their website – www.amazon.com. Your business must have a similar domain name for people to find you online and access your website. With a website builder or a web hosting provider, you may get a domain name free of cost.

If you buy a domain name separately, it can cost you anywhere between $2 to $20 and even millions, depending on the popularity/marketability of the domain. Needless to say, startups and small businesses will not invest in high-priced domains. Purchasing a domain name gives you the right to use it for a year.

After the completion of 12 months, you can choose to renew the domain name if you wish to retain it. Otherwise, you can let the domain name expire, and then some other business will buy it.

2. Web hosting

As stated above, a domain name like your business’s online address. On the other hand, web hosting is like your online business office which has the content, images, videos and files related to your business. When visitors access your website online, they will be able to view the above-mentioned information on the web hosting server.

Think of web-hosting as an online landlord that allows you to store your files, videos, images, and content online on their servers. With web hosting, your website will be accessible online. The web-hosting provider charges money not only for their services but also for their connectivity.

Along with web-hosting comes various other features like SSL, migration, technical support, and other things. Some of the most popular web hosting service providers include GoDaddy, Ionos, Bluehost, OVH, Hetzner, Namecheap, Liquid web, SideGround, etc. Web-hosting services can cost you as less as $9 to thousands of dollars, depending on your requirements.

There are different kinds of web hosting like shared hosting, VPS, dedicated hosting, WordPress hosting, etc. Each has its pros and cons. You need to choose the best one that meets your business requirements. Shared hosting and WordPress cost pretty much the same. WordPress hosting offers a considerable advantage because WordPress comes pre-installed on your hosting account, saving you time and effort.

3. Website builders

You may be a rookie or a professional, regardless of your skill level, you need a website builder to create a website. Apart from allowing you to customize your website, it has valuable features like innovative design templates and themes, pre-formatted web page layouts, eCommerce solutions, form builders, image galleries, blogging tools, social media integration, website analytics, and reports, etc. You can even add SEO tags, navigation menus, and plugins easily.

There are some website builders in the market that provide comprehensive solutions including domain name and website hosting. However, you should use such website builders only if you have extensive knowledge or guidance because the slightest of mistakes could ruin your website’s configuration, customizations, and other functions. WordPress can be an Option for Built Standard Websites: Stick to WordPress.org to build a website.

What is the website development cost using WordPress – it is free. Additionally, easy adaptability and usability are a huge plus. With a wide variety of templates and themes available with WordPress, you can create a website with ease without compromising on functionality and customization options.

Unlike other website builders, WordPress offers excellent scalability as your business expands. Please note that WordPress is free but you still need to pay for hosting and domain names to install WordPress in order to build a website.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Website? (Based on Website Size)

It all depends on the features and the functionality that you require on a website. Building a basic website is quite economical compared to an eCommerce website. Depending on the complexities of the task, we will provide you with a rough idea of the cost to make a website.

1. Cost of building a basic website

The basic website development cost estimate will range from $1,000 to $9,000. However, the cost of building a website will depend on the type of website you want to build. For example, if you want to build an eCommerce portal, it might cost more than we have mentioned here. Besides, you need to either partner with eCommerce development companies or use tools, like WooCommerce, Magento, or Shopify to build a portal, still, you need a tech partner to help you will it.

If you get a good deal from any of the web development companies above (there may be others too), the cost to start a website can get as low as $35 to $50/hr. Moreover, the above plugins will reduce the time taken to build a website while improving the user experience.

2. Cost of building an advanced website

Saving money on free WordPress themes and templates is good, but it won’t get you on the elite list. As time passes, your business will expand and you will need more resources. With more resources, we mean more features, a content management system, and premium templates to enhance your website. However, you will have to spend a few more dollars.

Upgrade your hosting, and consider a VPS hosting plan. VPS hosting plans offer many customization features, plus you can handle approximately 1,000 – 1,100 visitors/day or even 30,000+ visitors a month. Now, you must also consider investing in premium WordPress themes to compete with your rivals in the industry. What are the benefits of premium WordPress themes? Let us list them below.

• 24/7 tech support
• Regular updates
• Built-in SEO friendly website
• Easy customization
• Responsive design
• Best value for money
• Uniqueness

Conduct internet research and find out what plugins you will need. It is advisable to consult an expert or someone in your IT team because they will provide you with the right suggestions. Do not think that the more the plugins, the quicker and more efficient your website will be. Understand that every line of code you add to your website plus every plugin you install will make your website slower. Avoid the do it all plugins aka Swiss Army knife plugins. In the end, the cost of building a website (advanced) can be anywhere between $500 to $2000 a year. For a mid-sized company or an organization that wants to scale up, it’s not a big investment.

3. Cost of building an online or eCommerce store

If you want to shine in the eCommerce industry, you should have a website that allows you to handle industry demands. With an eCommerce website, you can sell your products 24/7 and in multiple countries. You can try Shopify, Square, Ecwid, Wix, etc. These websites will handle the hosting and other requirements but you won’t have much freedom to customize the functionalities. Or, you can connect with expertise in eCommerce Development Companies, discuss your prospects and get a highly functional website built.

They usually have experience building retail websites and most often they have eCommerce developers who have worked across all retail portals. With the WooCommerce plugin, you can create an attractive eCommerce website. What about the hosting and domain name? We will suggest a few worthy options like Wix, Nexcess, SiteGround, BlueHost, A2 hosting, Volusion, and Liquidweb to name a few. Choose a reputed service provider.

Talk to their representatives and see what they have to offer. The must-have features are pre-installed WooCommerce, SSL certificate, dedicated support, and a free domain name. WooCommerce, Cost-Effective Option: The average cost of developing a WooCommerce website is around $170 a year, this excludes the cost you spend on a tech partner. The web hosting cost will be approximately $155/year and domain renewal costs will apply from the second year onwards.

The cost of website development will increase if you opt for advanced add-ons and premium features. The development cost will depend on the firm or the WooCommerce developer you hire. Shopify Yet Another Effective Option: Signing up with Shopify will cost you about $350/year for a basic eCommerce website, albeit costly as compared to WooCommerce. However, you can cust cost significantly by connecting with the top Shopify development companies. They usually have veteran Shopify developers and their expertise will help you save website development cost significantly in the long run, if not upfront.

Goal-based Web Development Cost estimation

Every business is different, so why should the website be the same? You need a website that matches your business requirements

1. Clear budget

Budgeting is also a vital consideration while determining the cost of a website. How much do you want to spend on your website? Having a figure in mind will help you set clear expectations. For a startup or a new business, it is advisable to keep the costs to a minimum. Having said that, do not accumulate hundreds of free software and think you will achieve success overnight. There is no denying that some free tools are great but most of them have strings attached and limited features.

So, choose your software wisely. Do not pay for every premium software either. Conduct some research and choose software that will help you take your business to the next level. Most premium software has a free trial or money-back guarantee so you can test them before shelling out money.

2. Analyze your website requirements

If you do not want to hire a web developer, you can consider using a pre-built WordPress theme for your website. However, if you want to stand out from the crowd and make a name for yourself, you need to spend some extra money. Build a customized WordPress website. Watch an online guide if you need help with it or hire WordPress developers if you don’t want to get into the hassle.

3. Prepare a list of all the features

When starting your business, you don’t need all the fancy features that you see on other websites. At the same time, you don’t want a plain and dull website. Your website should be attractive enough while consisting of all the necessary features. Make a list of all the features you need on your website and plan accordingly.

Final thoughts

As stated above, you must tread cautiously at the start and consider investing more money when you have a steady revenue stream. Stick to a basic website with only the necessary features. With time, you can add more features, revamp your website and make changes to attract more business.

Do not underestimate the importance of website maintenance. Your website is at the heart of your business and if it crashes you will lose business and reputation. Shared hosting may work first but you will have to upgrade to VPS or dedicated hosting as your business expands. You will know when you need to upgrade your hosting.

Now you won’t have to ask anyone this question – How much does it cost to build a website? Our blog should have helped you. Good luck.

Gillian Harper   |  Oct 13, 2022

A professionally engaged blogger, an entertainer, dancer, tech critic, movie buff and a quick learner with an impressive personality! I work as a Senior Process Specialist at Topdevelopers.co as I can readily solve business problems by analyzing the overall process. I’m also good at building a better rapport with people!