How Much Does it Cost to Build a Website In 2024?

In today’s digital landscape, having a website is essential for businesses and organizations of all sizes. But one of the first questions that comes to mind is: “What is the cost of website development in 2023?”

The investment can vary greatly, from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on numerous factors such as complexity, design, and functionality. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the costs involved, from initial development to ongoing maintenance. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, understanding the cost of website development is crucial for planning and decision-making.

Let’s dive in to explore the financial landscape of creating a website.

How much does website development cost?

Understanding the cost of website development is a crucial starting point for any project. The total cost can range significantly, from as low as $30,000 to upwards of $200,000. Various factors contribute to this range, including the type of website you’re building, the team model you choose, and the geographic location of your development team.

Let’s explore these aspects in more detail.

Web development cost by type

The type of website you’re planning to build has a direct impact on its cost. Simple designs with fewer features will naturally cost less than complex, feature-rich websites. Whether you’re looking to build an eCommerce platform, a social media hub, or a straightforward informational site will significantly influence the overall cost.

The key to successful website development is defining a clear objective. This goal will drive your design decisions and help you prioritize the features that are essential to your mission. Below is an estimated cost breakdown by the type of website:

Type	Time (hours)	Development cost (USD)
Landing page	82	5000
Portfolio website	100	6000
Blog website	120	7000
News website	120	7000
Corporate website	160	10000
Directory website	300	17000
eCommerce website	1000	60000
Web portal	1200	70000
Educational website	1000	6000
SaaS website	1200	75000
Entertainment website	1000	60000
Marketplace website	1000	73000
Social media website	1300	120000

Web development cost by team model

The development team model you opt for is another important cost determinant. There are primarily four popular options to consider: freelancers, local agencies, in-house teams, and outsourcing agencies.

Let’s break down how each affects the overall cost, assuming a project requires 1,000 hours of development time.

Team model	Development cost
In-house	$90,000
Freelancer	$30,000
Local agency	$120,000
Outsource agency	$40,000

To help you find the best option, let’s examine the pros and cons of each model.

Option 1. Freelancer

Often the most budget-friendly option, freelancers charge either by the hour or per project. You can find freelancers on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com.

Pros	Cons
Competence and proficiency Tech-agnostic development process Smooth communication One Channel for all delivery Dedicated team members for the project Affordable	Less control over the quality Gaps in communication No guarantee for project completion

Option 2. Local agency

Generally the priciest option, a local agency could be the right fit for complex projects that require close oversight. Working with a local team eliminates potential issues related to language, time zones, and culture.

Pros	Cons
Expertise No Communication Gap Performant product delivery Easy to hire	Expensive Low availability Work on their terms Takes more time

Option 3. In-house team

Employing an in-house team can be expensive but offers the benefit of more direct control and involvement in the development process.

Pros	Cons
Business understanding Always available Easy communication	Expensive Limited area of expertise May lack resources

Option 4. Outsourcing agency

 If you’re looking for a balance between cost and expertise, outsourcing can be a wise choice. Options for outsourcing abound, from Southeast Asia and India to Eastern Europe.

Pros	Cons
Expertise and proficiency Tech-agnostic development process Seamless communication One channel for all delivery Dedicated team members for the project Cost-effective	Time gap Language barrier Difficult to source good agencies May face management challenges

Web development cost by the team’s region

The geographic location of your development team also plays a role in dictating the cost. Rates can differ substantially due to the varying cost of living across countries.

For a more detailed look at how prices fluctuate based on region, refer to the table below:

Region	Rate (USD/hour)
Southeast Asia	$10 – $40
Eastern Europe	$40 – $80
Western Europe	$70 – $100
USA	$100 – $150
ANZ	$80 – $120

Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about your website development project, ultimately enabling you to allocate your budget more effectively.

Factors that affect web development cost

Determining the exact cost of website development can be a complex endeavor, influenced by many factors. While some might think the cost is purely linked to the design and initial setup, they often overlook critical aspects like ongoing maintenance, the complexity of features, and additional functionalities.

Let’s delve deeper into these factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of what you might be getting into.

1. Types of website

Firstly, understanding the type of website you’re looking to build is crucial. Websites serve a myriad of purposes, from personal blogs to portfolios and e-commerce to complex enterprise solutions. You need to consider elements like the number of screens, user roles, list of features, business logic complexity, and third-party integrations.

For example, an e-commerce website would require a secure payment gateway, robust inventory management, and an intuitive user interface, significantly impacting the cost.

In general, the market predominantly has seven types of websites, each with its own features and cost implications. Please refer to the following table for a more detailed breakdown:

Website type	Description	Development cost
Landing page	A one-page website on which a company promotes its product or service, as a part of a large website, or as a demand validation tool	$0 – $3,000
Blog website	A website that has a lot of content, and requires integration with a content management system	$5,000 – $10,000
News website	A simple website made primarily to share products, news, and advice with potential users	$10,000 – $15,000
Corporate website	A website with a homepage, product & service pages, blog, about us, contact us, etc., usually has more than 50 web pages	$15,000 – $20,000
E-commerce website	A website that allows sellers to list out their offerings and receive payments	$30,000 – $65,000
SaaS website	A marketing website for a Software development company, showing customers the capabilities of a specific product	$40,000 – $100,000
Marketplace website	A platform where multiple sellers can promote their products	$70,000 – $200,000

2. Website complexity

Once you’ve defined your website type, assessing its complexity is the next step. The level of complexity can be categorized into three main tiers:

• Basic

A basic website typically comprises about 15 pages, including features like CMS integration, custom UI/UX design, and a simple backend database. A full-stack developer, a project manager, a QA engineer, and a UX/UI designer usually form the core team for such a project.

The development time for a basic website is usually around 2 months and could cost between $5,000 and $30,000.

• Medium

Medium-complexity websites have around 50 or more pages and can handle up to 1.5 million monthly visits. Such websites require ongoing content optimization and may include custom UI/UX designs, third-party integrations, and an intricate database. A medium-complexity website will often need a larger team, including business analysts, project managers, UI/UX designers, QA testers, and frontend and backend developers.

The typical development timeframe is 4 to 6 months, and the cost can range from $40,000 to $100,000.

• Complex

High-complexity websites are those that require multipurpose integrations, feature-rich interfaces, and sophisticated backend databases. Such projects often require a large and highly skilled team of professionals and could take anywhere from 9 to 12 months to complete.

The cost for this level of complexity could range from $80,000 to $200,000.

3. Development approach and tech stack

Your choice of development approach and technology stack will also directly influence the cost. There are generally three platforms or approaches:

• Website builders – for simple websites

Ideal for basic websites, they offer drag-and-drop functionality and are relatively cheap, costing between $1,000 and $20,000, depending on the features you opt for.

• A CMS based on templates – for simple and average websites

These are more versatile than basic website builders and allow for more customization. They’re ideal for both simple and medium-complexity websites. The costs can vary significantly based on the degree of customization and additional features.

Site Builder	Cost (USD/month)
WordPress	$4 per month (Best for personal use) $8 per month (Best for freelancers) $25 per month (Best for small businesses) $45 per month (Best for online stores)
Wix	$17 per month (Business basic) $25 per month (Business Unlimited) $35 per month (Business VIP)
Joomla	$99 per year (Personal) $199 per year (Business) $399 per year (Agency)
Drupal	Free
Weebly	$10 per month $12 per month $25 per month

• Custom development – for all forms of development, particularly complex website

This approach is usually reserved for complex websites that require extensive customization and unique features. Costs for custom-built websites can range anywhere from $30,000 to a staggering $300,000, depending on the project’s unique requirements and goals.

4. UI/UX design

The user interface and user experience (UI/UX) are not just about aesthetics; they are critical to user engagement and, ultimately, your website’s success. The design phase often involves:

• Research: This initial stage involves analyzing competitors, understanding target audience behavior, and market trends, which could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Wireframe: This acts as your website’s blueprint, showing the layout and element placement. Wireframing could add another $1,000 to $5,000 to your budget.
• Prototype: This is an interactive model of your website, used for user testing. Developing a prototype could set you back an additional $2,000 to $5,000.

5. Frontend & Backend development

• Frontend

This encompasses everything users visually experience firsthand on your site. Costs here are influenced by the website’s responsiveness, and the complexity of animations and user interactions.

• Backend

This refers to server-side operations that occur behind the scenes. Backend development involves database management, server setup, and application logic, among other tasks. Both frontend and backend development could cost anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the complexity.

6. Team composition 

The makeup of your development team will also influence the total project cost. The typical roles involved are:

• Project manager: control the entire development process; handle communication between team and client.
• Business analyst: help understand the business and market; identify the specific of successful development.
• UX/UI designer: build user flow, mockups, final design for the product; ensure an effective UX/UI design.
• Tech lead: handle tech tasks during web development.
• Backend developer: develop the server-side of a website; integrate the backend and frontend.
• Frontend developer: work on the frontend part of the website that users will see and interact with.
• QA tester: execute standardized tests to maintain product quality.

The hiring cost for each role will depend on the team’s region, expertise, and the work scope and timeline for that specific project.

7. Timeline 

Time is money, and the lengthier the project, the more you will have to pay in wages and other resources. While some websites can be up and running within a few weeks, complex projects can take more than a year to complete, thereby affecting the overall cost.

Development step	Time required for site of average complexity	Time required for site of advanced complexity
Business Analysis and Market Research	40	80
Competitor Research	40	40
UX/UI Research	40	100
Creating Wireframes and Mockups	60	100
Designing Prototypes and MVP	60	100
Frontend Development	100	250
Backend development	60	180
Project management	40	90
Review and feedback	As required	As required
Iteration and maintenance	As required	As required
Sum Up	440	840

By dissecting each of these factors, you’ll have a more precise gauge of your potential expenditures, allowing you to plan your budget more effectively.

Hidden costs you should be aware of

When planning a budget for website development, several hidden costs often go unnoticed but can substantially impact the overall project cost. These can be broadly categorized into maintenance and marketing costs.

Maintenance cost

The ongoing cost of maintaining a website is a long-term commitment that many tend to overlook. Here are some of the key aspects:

Factor	Description
Web hosting	Depending on the size and complexity of your website, hosting costs can vary widely. Basic shared hosting can start at a few dollars per month, but for larger, more complex sites, you may look at dedicated servers or cloud hosting, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.
Domain name	Registering a domain is generally inexpensive, often around $10–$20 per year, but premium domains can run into the thousands.
SSL Certificate	This is crucial for website security, especially if you are dealing with sensitive user data or conducting transactions. Basic SSL certificates are often free or inexpensive, but more secure, premium options can cost up to $200 or more per year.
Third-party integrations	If your website relies on third-party services for things like payment processing, email services, or specialized widgets, those can add to the ongoing costs. Some might have a one-time cost, but many have recurring subscription fees.

Overall, maintenance can increase your website budget by a few hundred to several thousand dollars annually.

Marketing cost

Building a website is just the first step; you also need to attract visitors to it. Marketing is where a lot of hidden costs can accrue. Here’s a breakdown:

Marketing activity	Description
Content	Whether it’s blog posts, videos, or podcasts, creating quality content is time-consuming and potentially expensive if you’re hiring professionals. Even if you’re doing it yourself, the time invested is a cost you should consider.
SEO	This is a long-term investment but crucial for the visibility of your website. Costs can range from hiring an in-house SEO expert to outsourcing services, which can run anywhere from $500 to $5,000 a month, depending on the scale and complexity.
Pay-per-click Advertising	Pay-per-click advertising can quickly become expensive, especially in competitive industries. Budgets for PPC can range widely based on the platform and the competition for keywords, but expect to spend at least a few hundred dollars a month.
Social media marketing	Whether you’re running paid ads or spending hours each day engaging with your community, social media marketing is another cost. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer paid advertising options that can add up quickly.

It’s worth considering that marketing is not a one-time expense but an ongoing investment to generate traffic and leads. This can be a significant monthly or annual expenditure, depending on your strategy and the competitive landscape of your industry.

Legal cost

While most businesses focus on the direct costs associated with website development—like design, development, and maintenance—it’s essential not to overlook the legal implications that can add to your budget.

Here are some legal costs you might encounter:

Legal cost	Description
Licensing Fees	When developing a website, you may need to pay for licenses for proprietary software, fonts, or images. These costs vary depending on the resources you choose, and failure to pay appropriate licensing fees can lead to legal issues.
GDPR and Data Compliance	If you’re targeting customers in the EU, GDPR compliance is compulsory. Ensuring your website meets GDPR regulations could require additional development time and potentially legal consultation. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties.
Intellectual Property Rights	When you’re outsourcing your web development, make sure to establish who owns the intellectual property of the work done. You may need to consult a legal advisor to draft contracts that protect your company’s interests.
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy	Having well-drafted Terms of Service and Privacy Policy documents on your website is often a legal requirement. While there are free templates available, tailored advice from a legal professional is highly advisable to mitigate risks.

As you can see, while calculating the cost of website development, it’s imperative to factor in these hidden costs to get a realistic estimate of the financial resources you’ll need. Budgeting for these early on will save you from unexpected expenses down the line.

How do you select the right team for your project?

Choosing the right web development team is a critical decision that can make or break your project. The selection process is more than just about cost; it’s about finding a partner who understands your business, industry, and specific needs. Here are some key criteria and tips to guide you in your selection.

Criteria for a website development partner

Before anything else, keep the following things in mind when selecting a web development company:

1. Industry expertise

• Why it’s important: Your industry has its unique challenges and requirements. A web development team with experience in your domain will understand these nuances and provide a more tailored solution.
• What to look for: Check for case studies, client testimonials, or portfolio projects demonstrating a prospective team’s experience in your industry.

2. Flexibility

• Why it’s important: Requirements may change over the course of development, and a flexible team will be able to adapt without causing a project to go off the rails.
• What to look for: Look for a development team that utilizes agile methodologies or offers flexible pricing and scope adjustments.

3. Strong work ethics

• Why it’s important: Ethical teams are reliable and quality-oriented. They are committed to delivering the best possible product within the scope and timeline.
• What to look for: Check for any certifications, awards, or organizational memberships that indicate a commitment to ethical work practices. Client testimonials can also be very revealing in this area.

4. Creativity

• Why it’s important: In a saturated market, uniqueness sells. Creativity is not just about the design but also about solving problems and offering unique functionalities.
• What to look for: Examine their portfolio for inventive solutions and designs. A creative team will often showcase this prominently.

5. Excellent communication skills

• Why it’s important: Effective communication is key to any successful project. It helps avoid misunderstandings and significantly improves the efficiency of the development process.
• What to look for: During your initial interactions, notice if they listen carefully, ask insightful questions, and how quickly and clearly they respond to your queries.

Tips for choosing a development team

Now that you know what to look for, here are some tips on how to hire a reliable web development company:

1. Learn about your business needs

Understand what you need before you can find a team that suits you. Is it a simple website or a complex e-commerce platform? The more you know about what you need, the better you can communicate this to prospective teams.

2. Examine their portfolio 

A well-documented portfolio can tell you a lot about both the quality of a team’s work and their relevant experience.

3. Check client evaluations, ratings, and feedback

Online reviews, testimonials, and case studies can provide valuable insights into a team’s reliability and expertise.

4. Consider the range of web development services

Some firms offer design-only services, while others provide full-stack development, including both frontend and backend. Make sure your chosen firm can handle all aspects of your project.

5. Request a consultation first

Most reputable companies will offer a free consultation. Use this opportunity to assess their technical skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit.

6. Ask for privacy and security policies

Make sure that the company you choose complies with industry-standard data protection regulations and will treat your business data confidentially.

7. Obtain a final cost estimate and complete documentation

Be sure to finalize all aspects of the project, including scope, timeline, and cost, in writing before proceeding.

Selecting a web development partner is a complex task, but a thorough evaluation based on these criteria and tips will guide you toward a team that not only meets your technical needs but also aligns with your business goals and organizational culture.

Conclusion

Navigating the complex landscape of web development costs—from the type and complexity of the website to UI/UX design considerations, backend and frontend development, and even hidden costs like maintenance and marketing—requires careful planning and strategic foresight. However, the most crucial factor that binds all these elements together and can make or break your investment is the choice of the right development partner.

A dependable partner like Savvycom brings technical proficiency and offers industry expertise, flexibility, reliability, creativity, and excellent communication skills. When you consider the spectrum of costs involved in web development, remember that the ultimate value isn’t just in the technology but in the partnership that helps you navigate it efficiently.