How much does a website cost?

How much does a website cost?

It’s one of the most common questions we get, and it’s a fair one. Whether you’re planning to build a new website or redesign an outdated one, you want to know what to expect in terms of cost.

But just like buying a car or building a house, here’s the truth...

It depends.

I know—not the clear pricing you were hoping for. But here’s why that answer isn’t as evasive as it sounds, and more importantly, how you can get the pricing clarity you actually need for your website project.

Websites aren’t one-size-fits-all.

You wouldn’t ask, “How much does a car cost?” without first knowing what you need and want from your vehicle.

A Ford F-350 Super Duty is very different from an Audi A6. They are built for different purposes and priced accordingly.

The same applies to custom website development.

At Dative, we’ve built websites ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and up.

Not because our pricing is inconsistent, but because the scope and requirements vary dramatically between projects.

Why ballpark website pricing can be misleading.

Studies show that 67% of website projects exceed their initial budget. 

That’s because the way most agencies price projects is broken.

Here's how it works:

1. You reach out to an agency for a quote.
2. They ask a few basic questions.
3. You get a ballpark range and vague scope of work.
4. You start the project and realize too late that the proposal didn't include everything you need.

This process fails because most web development agencies are essentially making educated guesses to price a project that hasn’t been properly defined yet.

It’s like asking a builder how much it costs to build a custom home without providing detailed plans and blueprints.

What makes a website project go over budget?

Here are the top factors that contribute to cost overruns.

• Unclear Requirements: Without detailed planning, new requirements emerge mid-project that were not discussed or included in the scope of work.
• Scope Creep: What seems like small changes can compound quickly, leading to significant additional costs.
• Technical Challenges: Without proper discovery, you may not uncover costly technical issues that can throw a wrench in your project.

What determines the cost of a website?

The cost of a website is largely driven by the scope of work involved. Here are a few key factors that can shape the price of your project.

• Design Complexity: Custom designs require more time and expertise than modifying pre-built templates.
• Functionality: Features like lead forms, e-commerce, and third-party integrations each add development complexity.
• Page Count: A 30-page website requires significantly more planning, content, and design work than a 5-page site.
• Content Needs: Professional copywriting and photography are essential but require additional budget and timeline.
• Timeline: Rushed deadlines require extra resources to meet your launch date.
• Ongoing Support: Hosting, maintenance, and marketing services add to your total investment.