In 2025, having a well-designed, functional website isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a small business owner, a startup founder, or an established brand, your website is often the first impression customers have of your business. But how much does it actually cost to build a website in the USA?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think because website development costs vary based on several factors—design complexity, features, platform, and the team you hire. Let’s break down the real costs in detail.
The Range: From Budget to High-End
- Basic Website: $500 – $5,000
- Business Website (SMEs): $5,000 – $15,000
- Custom/Enterprise Website: $15,000 – $100,000+
- eCommerce Website: $10,000 – $70,000+
These ranges reflect everything from DIY builders like Wix or Squarespace to custom-built WordPress or enterprise-level platforms like Magento or custom-coded applications.
Key Cost Factors
1. Domain Name
This is your website’s address (e.g., www.yourcompany.com). Prices vary based on domain extension and registrar.
2. Hosting
Hosting is where your site “lives.” Shared hosting is cheaper, while dedicated or cloud hosting (like AWS) costs more but offers better speed and security.
3. Design & Theme
- Free Templates: Available on platforms like WordPress, Wix, Shopify.
- Premium Themes: $50 – $300
- Custom Design: $2,000 – $10,000+ (UI/UX planning, branding, Figma prototypes, etc.)
4. Development
- DIY Builders: Little to no cost for setup.
- Freelancers: $30 – $150/hour
- Agencies: $75 – $250/hour depending on complexity and region.
- Custom Coding (HTML/CSS/JavaScript/React, etc.): Can go up drastically based on the number of pages and functionalities.
5. eCommerce Features
Online stores need product pages, shopping carts, payment gateways, and often third-party integrations. Shopify setups are cheaper, while Magento or custom solutions can be far more expensive.
6. CMS Integration
Most businesses use a Content Management System like WordPress, Webflow, or Joomla. Setup and customization usually add $500 – $5,000 depending on needs.
7. SEO Setup
Initial search engine optimization, like meta tags, alt texts, sitemaps, and SEO-friendly structure, may be included or offered separately.
8. Content Creation
If you don’t already have content (text, images, videos), you may need to hire copywriters and designers. This can include product descriptions, landing pages, and visual branding.
DIY vs Freelancer vs Agency: Cost Comparison
| Type | Pros | Average Cost |
| DIY (Wix, Squarespace) | Low cost, fast setup | $100 – $500/year |
| Freelancer | Customization, mid-range cost | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Agency | Professional team, scalable features | $5,000 – $100,000+ |
Tip: DIY is great for basic portfolios or landing pages. Agencies are better for businesses needing advanced design, integrations, and performance.
Hidden or Recurring Costs to Remember
- Maintenance & Support: $500 – $2,000/year
- SSL Certificate: Often free, but premium options cost up to $200/year
- Plugins & Add-ons: Some plugins are free, others require annual licensing ($50–$500/year)
- Marketing Tools: Integrations like CRMs, email tools, analytics, etc. can add $50–$500/month
- Updates & Bug Fixes: Regular updates ensure security and performance, often charged hourly
- How to Keep Website Costs Under Control
- Start with a minimum viable product (MVP) website—essential pages and basic functionality.
- Use pre-built templates if the budget is tight.
- Focus on user experience and loading speed—not just fancy visuals.
- Work with a digital marketing agency like Acuity Digital Services to get everything—from design to optimization—handled under one roof. It often turns out more cost-effective than hiring multiple vendors.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to build a website in the USA in 2025? It depends on your goals, your budget, and how hands-on you want to be. A basic, DIY website can cost a few hundred dollars per year, while a fully custom-built platform with eCommerce features can go well over $50,000.
If you want a reliable, scalable website that reflects your brand, it’s worth investing in a professional team who understands both tech and strategy. Acuity Digital Services offers end-to-end website solutions—from planning and development to SEO and growth.
Need help building a high-performing website? Contact Acuity Digital Services today to get a free quote tailored to your needs.
