So you're thinking about building a website—but don’t want to do it yourself. Totally fair. Maybe you're busy, maybe you're not that tech-savvy, or maybe you just want a polished, professional result. Either way, the big question is:

👉 How much does it cost to pay someone to design a website?

Short answer? It can cost anywhere from $500 to over $25,000.
Yeah, that’s a wide range—but there’s a reason for that.

Let’s break down what really goes into website pricing, so you can figure out what makes sense for your budget.

Why Prices Vary So Much

When someone asks how much does it cost to pay someone to design a website, the real answer depends on three big things:

1. Who’s doing the work (freelancer vs. agency)

2. What kind of site you need (simple, advanced, e-commerce, etc.)

3. How custom you want it to be

A one-page portfolio is a very different project than a fully loaded online store with customer logins and payment gateways.

Breakdown of Website Design Options

💻 Option 1: Freelancers

Freelancers are usually the go-to for people on a budget or small businesses just starting out. They work solo and usually have a handful of specialties—design, maybe development, sometimes content too.

Typical freelancer costs:

• Basic website: $500–$1,500

• Standard small business site: $1,500–$3,000

• Complex/custom/e-commerce site: $3,000–$5,000+

🟢 Pros: Cheaper, direct communication, flexible
🔴 Cons: Limited capacity, slower timelines, support may be limited after launch

🏢 Option 2: Web Design Agencies

Agencies are full-on teams with designers, developers, strategists, and more. They handle everything—design, coding, content, SEO, sometimes even branding.

Typical agency costs:

• Small business site: $3,000–$10,000

• Custom/e-commerce site: $10,000–$25,000+

• Enterprise-level platforms: $25,000–$50,000+

🟢 Pros: All-in-one service, faster delivery, high-end quality
🔴 Cons: Expensive, may feel less personal if it’s a big agency

What Are You Paying For?

Let’s say you’re ready to hire someone. When you pay for website design, here’s what’s usually included:

• UI/UX design (how your site looks and works)

• Mobile responsiveness

• Homepage and inner page layouts

• Contact forms, booking features, or whatever functionality you need

• Basic SEO setup (sometimes)

• Revisions and feedback rounds

• Final launch

⚠️ Keep in mind: content writing, logo design, branding, or SEO strategy might not be included unless you ask for it.

Ongoing Costs Most People Forget

Even after your website is live, the costs don’t stop. So when calculating how much it costs to pay someone to design a website, factor in these ongoing expenses:

Optional stuff like regular content updates, backups, or performance monitoring might also cost extra.

Real Examples (What Others Are Paying)

• Startup landing page from a freelancer → $700

• Portfolio site with blog from a local agency → $2,200

• Full e-commerce site with 50+ products from a top agency → $18,000+

These are ballpark numbers, but they show how wide the range is when someone asks how much does it cost to pay someone to design a website.

Can You Get a Website for Under $1,000?

Yes, but there are trade-offs. At this price, you're likely getting:

• A template-based design

• Little to no custom branding

• Limited revisions

• No long-term support

• You may need to provide all content/images

It works if you’re just starting out and want something simple and fast. But for long-term business growth? You’ll probably outgrow it.