How Much Does a Custom Website Cost in 2025? (And How AI Changes the Math)
Website costs range from $0 to $500,000+. We break down real pricing for every approach—from DIY to agency—and show how AI is disrupting the cost equation.
"How much does a website cost?" is like asking "how much does a car cost?" A used Honda and a new Ferrari are both cars, but they're worlds apart in price.
Websites work the same way. You can build one for $0 or spend $500,000+. This guide breaks down real costs for every approach so you can make an informed decision.
TL;DR: Quick Cost Summary
DIY / AI Builder
$0-500
Template + Setup
$500-2,000
Freelancer
$2,000-15,000
Agency
$15,000-500,000+
Website Cost Tiers Explained
Tier 1: DIY / AI Builder
$0-500
Timeline: Hours to days
Typically includes:
- •AI-generated design and content
- •Basic hosting
- •Domain name
- •SSL certificate
- •5-10 pages
Best for: Startups, personal sites, MVPs, anyone who needs fast results on a budget
Tier 2: Template + Customization
$500-2,000
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Typically includes:
- •Premium template ($50-200)
- •Basic customization
- •Content setup
- •Hosting setup
- •Basic SEO
Best for: Small businesses who want a step up from DIY but don't need custom design
Tier 3: Freelancer
$2,000-15,000
Timeline: 2-6 weeks
Typically includes:
- •Custom design
- •Development
- •Content integration
- •Basic SEO
- •2-3 revision rounds
- •Launch support
Best for: Businesses needing custom work without agency overhead
Tier 4: Agency
$15,000-100,000+
Timeline: 2-6 months
Typically includes:
- •Strategy and discovery
- •Custom design system
- •Development
- •Content strategy
- •SEO optimization
- •Ongoing support
- •Multiple revision rounds
Best for: Established businesses with budget for premium results
Tier 5: Enterprise
$100,000-500,000+
Timeline: 6-18 months
Typically includes:
- •Complex web applications
- •Custom integrations
- •E-commerce platforms
- •Multi-language support
- •Dedicated team
- •Ongoing development
Best for: Large organizations with complex requirements
Cost Breakdown by Component
Where does the money actually go? Here's a component-by-component breakdown:
| Cost Item | DIY | Template | Freelancer | Agency | AI Builder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domain name | $10-50/yr | $10-50/yr | Included or $10-50 | Included | $10-50/yr |
| Hosting | $0-30/mo | $5-50/mo | $10-50/mo | $50-500/mo | $0-20/mo |
| Design | $0 | $0-200 | $500-5,000 | $5,000-50,000 | $0 (AI) |
| Development | $0 (your time) | $0-500 | $1,000-10,000 | $10,000-100,000+ | $0 (AI) |
| Content writing | $0 (your time) | $0 (your time) | $500-2,000 | $2,000-10,000 | $0 (AI) |
| Maintenance/yr | $0 (your time) | $100-500 | $500-2,000 | $2,000-20,000 | $0-240 |
Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
The sticker price is rarely the full cost. Watch out for these hidden expenses:
Your time
DIY and template approaches often require 40-200+ hours of your time. At $50/hour opportunity cost, that's $2,000-10,000 in hidden costs.
Revisions
Freelancers and agencies typically include 2-3 revision rounds. Additional revisions cost $50-200/hour.
Scope creep
Projects often expand beyond original scope. Agencies bill hourly for additions.
Plugin/app fees
Premium WordPress plugins, Webflow apps, or Wix features add up quickly.
Stock images
Quality photos and graphics aren't free. Budget for stock subscriptions or one-time purchases.
SSL certificates
Some hosts charge extra for HTTPS (though many include it now).
Email setup
Professional email @yourdomain costs extra with most providers.
Training
Learning to maintain your CMS or make updates yourself.
⚠️ The Real Cost of 'Cheap'
How AI Changes the Math
AI website builders have fundamentally disrupted the cost equation. What used to require a $15,000+ agency engagement can now be done for under $500—or even free.
Traditional Approach
Timeline: 6-12 weeks
AI Builder Approach
Timeline: 1 day or less
What AI Eliminates
- ✓Design costs: AI generates professional layouts instantly
- ✓Development costs: AI writes the code for you
- ✓Content costs: AI generates relevant copy
- ✓Revision costs: Swap sections instantly, no hourly fees
- ✓Maintenance costs: Modern code requires less upkeep
💡 The New Equation
When You Should Spend More
AI builders are amazing, but they're not right for everything. Here's when paying more makes sense:
Custom web application
Complex functionality requires custom development
Enterprise e-commerce
High-volume stores need custom solutions
Brand-defining design
Unique visual identity requires expert designers
Complex integrations
Connecting multiple systems requires dev work
Regulated industries
Healthcare, finance need compliance expertise
Our Recommendation
The Smart Approach for 2025-2026
- 1. Start with AI. Use an AI builder to create your first version. It's free or cheap, and you'll have something live in hours.
- 2. Validate before investing. See if your website actually gets traction before spending thousands on "premium" development.
- 3. Export and scale. When you need more, export your code and hire developers to extend it. You're not starting from scratch.
- 4. Only go agency for complex needs. Reserve the $15,000+ budget for when you genuinely need custom applications, complex integrations, or enterprise requirements.
The days of paying $10,000+ for a basic marketing website are over. AI has changed the math. Use it to your advantage.
Continue Reading
Why pay thousands when AI can build it for free?
Webline generates professional websites in minutes. Free to start, export code anytime.