It is probably the most Googled question in web design. And the honest answer is: it depends. But that answer is frustrating, so here is a proper breakdown of what you actually get at each price point.
The main options in 2026
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DIY builder (Wix, Squarespace) | €15 to €40/month | Absolute beginners who want something live quickly |
| WordPress template | €200 to €600 one off | Businesses that want more control |
| Custom built website | €400 to €1,500 | Businesses that want results, not just a presence |
| Agency or full branding | €2,000 to €10,000+ | Large companies or complex platforms |
DIY builders: cheap but limited
Wix, Squarespace and similar platforms let anyone build a website without writing a line of code. They look decent and are easy to update. But you are locked into their platform, their templates, and their monthly fees forever. Cancel the subscription and your website disappears.
They also tend to be slow, which hurts your Google ranking. And because millions of businesses use the same templates, it is hard to stand out.
WordPress: flexible but needs maintenance
WordPress powers around 40% of all websites on the internet. It is powerful and customisable. But it requires regular updates, security patches and some technical knowledge to maintain properly. Many businesses start with WordPress and end up paying someone to fix it after a plugin breaks something.
Custom built: the best value for most businesses
A professionally built custom website typically costs between €400 and €1,500 depending on the size and complexity. You own it completely. It is fast, secure, easy to update and built specifically for your business and your customers.
This is where most small businesses get the best return. A good website brings in customers every day. A bad one or no website at all costs you far more than the build fee in lost business.
What about ongoing costs?
Whatever option you choose, expect to pay for:
- Domain name — around €10 to €15 per year
- Hosting — from €5 per month for a simple site
- Maintenance — optional but recommended, typically €30 to €80 per month
Some studios, including us, offer maintenance plans that cover updates, backups and small changes so you never have to worry about the technical side.
What should you actually spend?
Think about it this way. If your website brings in even one new customer per month, what is that worth to you? For most businesses, a professionally built website pays for itself within the first few months. The question is not really what a website costs. The question is what it is worth.
Want to know what your website would cost? Message us.
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