How Much Do Agencies Charge for Website Design in 2025

If you’ve started researching website design services, you’ve probably come across a wide range of quotes. One agency says $5,000, another insists on $50,000, while a freelancer online offers to do it for $500. With such a huge gap, it’s natural to wonder: how much should a professional website really cost?

The truth is, there’s no single “standard” price for website design. Agencies and freelancers charge differently, and costs depend on factors like complexity, scope, and expertise. Still, there are industry benchmarks that give you a realistic idea of what to expect—and that’s exactly what this guide will cover.

By the end, you’ll know:

The average cost ranges for website design
The difference between hourly and project-based pricing
The factors that affect cost
When to hire a freelancer vs. an agency
How to budget smartly for your next website project

What is The Average Cost of Website Design?

One of the most common questions business owners ask is, “How much do agencies charge for website design” While there’s no flat answer, industry data and agency reports give us a useful breakdown.

Table of Contents

Small Business Websites

Cost Range: $5,000 – $10,000
Includes: Custom design, CMS setup (WordPress, Webflow, or Squarespace), responsive design for mobile, and basic SEO.

This tier is ideal for small businesses, startups, consultants, and local service providers who need a strong online presence without over-complication.

Complex or Custom Websites

Cost Range: $10,000 – $30,000+
Includes: Advanced functionality such as e-commerce stores, booking systems, membership portals, or integrated web applications.

The jump in cost comes from custom development, integrations, and higher design sophistication. These websites require a dedicated team with both technical and creative expertise.

Enterprise-Level Websites

Cost Range: $50,000+
Includes: Large-scale, highly customized websites with enterprise CMS, advanced security features, global scalability, and continuous support.

These are not typical business websites. They’re massive platforms like Airbnb or Amazon, where performance, security, and user experience are critical.

Hourly vs. Project-Based Pricing

Web design agencies and freelancers often price their services in one of two ways: hourly rates or flat project fees. Each has advantages depending on your goals.

Hourly Rates: Freelancers vs. Agencies

Freelancers:
- Range: $25 – $100/hour
- Pros: Budget-friendly, flexible scheduling, straightforward for small tasks.
- Cons: Quality can vary, limited availability, no dedicated support team.
Agencies:
- Range: $75 – $200+/hour
- Pros: Full-service teams including project managers, developers, designers, and SEO specialists.
- Cons: Higher costs, especially for larger agencies with established reputations.

Agencies charge more per hour because you’re not just paying for a designer—you’re paying for a team of professionals working together to deliver results.

Project-Based Pricing Examples

Many agencies prefer to quote flat project fees, which give clients more cost predictability. Here’s a breakdown:

Landing Page: $100 – $5,000
Small Business Website: $5,000 – $20,000
Custom E-Commerce Website: $20,000 – $50,000+
Advanced Web Applications or SaaS Projects: $50,000 – $150,000+

Flat project pricing often includes design, development, and a round or two of revisions. But beware of “scope creep”—changes outside the original agreement can drive costs higher.

Key Factors That Influence Website Design Costs

Not all websites are priced equally. Several factors determine whether you’ll be quoted at the lower or higher end of the spectrum.

Project Complexity

A simple five-page brochure site is far cheaper than a large e-commerce store with hundreds of products.
Custom apps, advanced integrations (like CRMs or booking software), and membership portals all increase costs.

Agency Size & Reputation

Smaller agencies or boutique studios tend to charge less.
Award-winning or big-city agencies often charge premium rates because of their reputation, experience, and proven track record.

Scope of Services

Some agencies only handle design and development.
Others include SEO, copywriting, content strategy, branding, project management, and maintenance.
The more services you bundle, the higher the cost.

Geography & Location

Agencies in major U.S. cities like New York or San Francisco typically charge more than those in smaller markets.
Offshore teams (Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa) often charge significantly less, but communication and quality may vary.

Timeline

If you need your site delivered in a matter of weeks instead of months, expect to pay a rush fee.
Accelerated timelines mean more staff working longer hours.

Freelancers vs. Agencies: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between a freelancer and an agency depends on your project scope, budget, and long-term goals.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Freelancers

Pros: Lower cost, flexibility, direct communication with the person doing the work.
Cons: Limited availability, may lack certain skill sets, no backup if they get sick or busy.

Freelancers are a good choice for simple websites, redesigns, or one-off projects.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Agencies

Pros: Full team of experts, structured processes, reliability, and long-term support.
Cons: More expensive, less personal than working directly with one person.

Agencies are the better option for growth-focused businesses that need a reliable partner for both design and digital strategy.

Real-World Insights on Website Design Pricing

It’s not just about the hours worked it’s about the value provided.

One Reddit user put it this way:

“A studio can charge $30k for a website if the customer expects the website will generate more than $30k in revenue.”

In other words, web design is an investment, not an expense.

A $30,000 site might seem high, but if it helps a business generate $300,000 in new sales, it’s more than worth it.
Cheaper sites often lack crucial elements like SEO, user experience optimization, and scalability.

This is why top agencies often price their services based on ROI potential, not just labor hours.

How to Budget for a Website Project

If you’re planning a website, you’ll need to set a budget that covers both initial costs and ongoing expenses.

Core Website Design Budget Tiers

Starter Tier: $5,000 – $10,000 (basic, professional site for small businesses)
Growth Tier: $10,000 – $20,000 (custom features, SEO, content integration)
Enterprise Tier: $50,000+ (complex systems, global scalability, advanced CMS)

Additional / Hidden Costs to Consider

Domain registration: $10 – $50/year
Hosting: $100 – $500/year
SSL certificate: $50 – $200/year (sometimes free with hosting)
Ongoing maintenance: $100 – $500/month
Content creation & digital marketing: variable but recurring

Cost-Saving Strategies

Use a template-based design for a faster, cheaper launch.
Roll out features in phases instead of all at once.
Outsource smaller tasks (e.g., content uploads, graphic updates).
Combine agency oversight with freelance execution for a hybrid approach.

Conclusion: What Should You Expect to Pay?

So, how much do agencies charge for website design?

Freelancers: $25 – $100/hour, with small sites starting at $1,000+
Agencies: $75 – $200+/hour, with small business sites
Complex builds: $10,000 – $20,000+
Enterprise-level projects: $50,000+

The best budget depends on what role your website plays in your business. If it’s just a digital brochure, you don’t need to spend much. But if your website is your primary sales channel, investing in a high-quality, scalable site will deliver long-term returns.

Ready to Get Started?

If you want to build a website that combines agency-level expertise with cost-effective solutions, My360VA is here to help.

My360VA provides businesses with web design, digital marketing, and outsourced talent solutions—giving you access to expert services without the sky-high agency fees.

👉 Visit My360VA today to get a professional website that helps your business grow.