Expected Cost of Professional Websites in 2026
Feb 11, 2026
The price of a professional website in 2026 ranges wildly — and that range exists for legitimate reasons. A freelancer charging $800 and a studio charging $12,000 are often building entirely different things. The problem is that from the outside, it can be nearly impossible to tell.
Here's a honest breakdown of what different price points actually get you.
Under $1,000 At this price point, you're typically getting a template with your content dropped in. That's not always wrong — a simple one-page site for a brand new business can work at this level. But expect limited strategy, minimal customisation, and little to no post-launch support.
$1,000 – $3,500 This is where focused, professional work starts. A good studio at this price point will include a discovery process, considered design direction, a multi-page build, and at least 30 days of post-launch support. If you're a service business that needs a clean, converting website, this range is realistic.
$3,500 – $8,000 More pages, more complexity, more strategy. Projects at this level typically involve deeper discovery, custom design work, copywriting guidance, and a more involved build. Suitable for established businesses with a real audience and specific conversion goals.
$8,000 – $20,000+ Custom everything. Complex functionality, multiple stakeholders, bespoke design systems, and often ongoing support built into the contract. This range is appropriate for businesses where the website is a core revenue driver, not just a digital presence.
What to ask before you pay anything
Before signing with any studio or freelancer, ask these four questions:
What does your discovery process look like?
How many rounds of revisions are included?
What happens after the site goes live?
What's not included in this quote?
The answers will tell you more than the price will.
The honest answer
Most service businesses — consultants, agencies, clinics, law firms, real estate professionals — need something in the $2,500 – $6,000 range to get a site that actually performs. Below that, you're often paying to redo it in 18 months. Above that, make sure you understand exactly what the extra budget is buying.
